Poster for Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

Rated PG • 2011 • 1h 52m

7.0
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Soul Surfer chronicles the real-life journey of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton following a life-altering shark attack in Hawaii. The film received a PG rating primarily due to the intensity of the attack sequence and the subsequent medical recovery process. Parents should be aware of scenes involving blood, trauma, and a realistic depiction of a major injury, though the film avoids profanity and sexual content. It is an inspirational… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

AnnaSophia Robb
AnnaSophia Robb
Helen Hunt
Helen Hunt
Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood
Kevin Sorbo
Kevin Sorbo
Ross Thomas
Ross Thomas
Chris Brochu
Chris Brochu
Lorraine Nicholson
Lorraine Nicholson
Jeremy Sumpter
Jeremy Sumpter
Sonya Balmores
Sonya Balmores
Craig T. Nelson
Craig T. Nelson
Cody Gomes
Cody Gomes
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Is Soul Surfer appropriate for kids?

Soul Surfer chronicles the real-life journey of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton following a life-altering shark attack in Hawaii. The film received a PG rating primarily due to the intensity of the attack sequence and the subsequent medical recovery process. Parents should be aware… Read more — free account

Content severity in Soul Surfer

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Soul Surfer, moment by moment

  1. 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:29 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  3. 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Unlock all 8 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Soul Surfer

None. There are brief shots of characters in swimwear and a married couple kissing, but no sexual content or nudity.

Violence and gore in Soul Surfer

Moderate. The central event is a shark attack where a girl's arm is severed; while there is no gore, blood is visible in the water and on clothing. Other moments include a shoving incident between surfers and a scene of a character vomiting due to trauma.

Language in Soul Surfer

None. The dialogue remains clean throughout.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Soul Surfer

None. There is no usage of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco in the film.

Mature themes in Soul Surfer

Moderate. The film deals with serious topics, including the loss of a limb, physical trauma, depression, and the emotional struggle to return to a beloved sport after a life-threatening incident.

Scary moments in Soul Surfer

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Soul Surfer yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soul Surfer appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Soul Surfer is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Soul Surfer chronicles the real-life journey of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton following a life-altering shark attack in Hawaii. The film received a PG rating primarily due to the intensity of the attack sequence and the…

What age rating does Soul Surfer have?

Soul Surfer is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Soul Surfer about?

Soul Surfer chronicles the real-life journey of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton following a life-altering shark attack in Hawaii. The film received a PG rating primarily due to the intensity of the attack sequence and the subsequent medical recovery process. Parents should be aware of scenes involving blood, trauma, and…

Is there sex or nudity in Soul Surfer?

None. There are brief shots of characters in swimwear and a married couple kissing, but no sexual content or nudity.

How violent is Soul Surfer?

Moderate. The central event is a shark attack where a girl's arm is severed; while there is no gore, blood is visible in the water and on clothing. Other moments include a shoving incident between surfers and a scene of a character vomiting due to trauma.

Is the language in Soul Surfer appropriate for kids?

None. The dialogue remains clean throughout.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Soul Surfer?

None. There is no usage of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco in the film.

What mature themes appear in Soul Surfer?

Moderate. The film deals with serious topics, including the loss of a limb, physical trauma, depression, and the emotional struggle to return to a beloved sport after a life-threatening incident.

How long is Soul Surfer?

Soul Surfer runs 112 minutes, directed by Sean McNamara, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full Soul Surfer parent guide?

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