Source Code (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Source Code
Director: Duncan Jones
Released: 2011
Duration: 93 min
Rating: 7.3

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 1h 33m

Directed by Duncan Jones

7.3

5K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

12+

A soldier relives the last eight minutes of a train bombing victim's life to identify the bomber. Tight, clever, and emotionally satisfying. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — tense thriller content but nothing graphic. One of the more family-friendly sci-fi films on this list.

Cast

Jake Gyllenhaal

Michelle Monaghan

Vera Farmiga

Jeffrey Wright

Michael Arden

Cas Anvar

Russell Peters

Brent Skagford

Craig Thomas

Gordon Masten

Susan Bain

Paula Jean Hixson

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Is Source Code appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Source Code

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language None 0/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Source Code, moment by moment

0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10

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Sex and nudity in Source Code

There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the film, maintaining a focus on the mystery and scientific elements. The relationship between the two leads is portrayed through dialogue and a brief, emotional kiss rather than physical intimacy. The film remains appropriate for families seeking a story without romantic distractions.

Violence and gore in Source Code

A train explosion — shown repeatedly from different angles. Deaths by bombing. Not graphically gory.

Language in Source Code

The film contains mild to moderate language consistent with a PG-13 thriller, including about one usage of 'f--k' and several instances of 's--t,' 'hell,' and 'damn.' Some insults and derogatory terms are exchanged during tense confrontations on the train. Overall, the profanity is relatively infrequent and used primarily to highlight the characters' frustration or urgency.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Source Code

There is no significant use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs throughout the movie. The characters are focused on a high-stakes mission where sobriety and mental clarity are central to the plot. Because the story takes place in a professional and high-pressure environment, substance use is entirely absent.

Mature themes in Source Code

Identity and consciousness — is the soldier in the simulation real? Do his feelings and choices matter if his world isn't? The film's ending makes a philosophical argument about the reality of alternate timelines that rewards discussion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Source Code appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Source Code is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG-13. A soldier relives the last eight minutes of a train bombing victim's life to identify the bomber. Tight, clever, and emotionally satisfying. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — tense thriller content but nothing graphic…

What age rating does Source Code have?

Source Code is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Source Code about?

Is there sex or nudity in Source Code?

How violent is Source Code?

A train explosion — shown repeatedly from different angles. Deaths by bombing. Not graphically gory.

Is the language in Source Code appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Source Code?

What mature themes appear in Source Code?

How long is Source Code?

Source Code runs 93 minutes, directed by Duncan Jones, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full Source Code parent guide?