Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
There is a new criminal mastermind at large (Professor Moriarty) and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil and lack of conscience may give him an advantage over the detective.
Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 2h 9m
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a high-octane mystery thriller that follows Holmes and Dr. Watson as they attempt to thwart the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty's plot to trigger a global war. The film earns its PG-13 rating for intense, sustained action sequences, scenes of graphic physical torture, and moderate drug/alcohol references. While the plot involves complex detective work and period-appropriate drama, the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows appropriate for kids?
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a high-octane mystery thriller that follows Holmes and Dr. Watson as they attempt to thwart the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty's plot to trigger a global war. The film earns its PG-13 rating for intense, sustained action sequences… Read more — free account
Content severity in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
What happens in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:20 🍷 Substances 4/10
Sex and nudity in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
There are brief, light innuendos and one scene of comical, non-sexual partial nudity when Watson encounters Mycroft in his home. A tarot card featuring a stylized occult figure with exposed breasts appears briefly as a prop. The romantic interactions, such as those between Holmes and Irene Adler or Watson and his wife, are limited to fleeting, affectionate kisses.
Violence and gore in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
The film contains frequent, moderate-to-strong action violence, including brutal hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and gunfire. A particularly intense sequence involves Holmes being captured and physically tortured with a large fishhook, which causes significant pain and distress. Other scenes depict characters being poisoned, falling from great heights, and a suicide that occurs off-screen but leaves the body visible.
Language in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Mild profanity is used occasionally throughout the film. Terms such as 'bastard' and 'damn' appear a few times, but the dialogue is notably less coarse than many contemporary action films.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
There is recurring use of alcohol and tobacco, particularly Holmes's constant pipe smoking. The film also features a character smoking a rolled cigarette implied to contain illicit substances, alongside several references to Holmes using unconventional chemical mixtures or drugs.
Mature themes in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
The film explores dark, mature themes including political terrorism, premeditated assassination, and war profiteering. The narrative centers on a conflict involving systematic murder, mental manipulation, and the cold-blooded sacrifice of innocent individuals for political gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a high-octane mystery thriller that follows Holmes and Dr. Watson as they attempt to thwart the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty's plot to trigger a global war. The film earns…
What age rating does Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows have?
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows about?
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a high-octane mystery thriller that follows Holmes and Dr. Watson as they attempt to thwart the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty's plot to trigger a global war. The film earns its PG-13 rating for intense, sustained action sequences, scenes of graphic physical torture, and…
Is there sex or nudity in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
There are brief, light innuendos and one scene of comical, non-sexual partial nudity when Watson encounters Mycroft in his home. A tarot card featuring a stylized occult figure with exposed breasts appears briefly as a prop. The romantic interactions, such as…
How violent is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
The film contains frequent, moderate-to-strong action violence, including brutal hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and gunfire. A particularly intense sequence involves Holmes being captured and physically tortured with a large fishhook, which causes…
Is the language in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows appropriate for kids?
Mild profanity is used occasionally throughout the film. Terms such as 'bastard' and 'damn' appear a few times, but the dialogue is notably less coarse than many contemporary action films.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
There is recurring use of alcohol and tobacco, particularly Holmes's constant pipe smoking. The film also features a character smoking a rolled cigarette implied to contain illicit substances, alongside several references to Holmes using unconventional…
What mature themes appear in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
The film explores dark, mature themes including political terrorism, premeditated assassination, and war profiteering. The narrative centers on a conflict involving systematic murder, mental manipulation, and the cold-blooded sacrifice of innocent individuals…
How long is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows runs 129 minutes, directed by Guy Ritchie, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
Parents also checked these movies for 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More adventure movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Inception parent guide
- The Avengers parent guide
- The Dark Knight parent guide
- Avatar parent guide
- Deadpool parent guide
- Avengers: Infinity War parent guide
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone parent guide
- Guardians of the Galaxy parent guide
- Iron Man parent guide
- Avengers: Endgame parent guide
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring parent guide
Detective Fiction movies parents are checking
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- The Layover parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide
- We Have a Pope parent guide
- Soul Kitchen parent guide
- All About Steve parent guide
- The White Ribbon parent guide
- Partly Cloudy parent guide