Speed (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Tensions run high when a crazed bomber rigs a Los Angeles bus with a device that will kill everyone on board if the vehicle's speed dips below fifty miles per hour.
Rated R • 1994 • 1h 56m
A bomb is planted on a city bus — if it drops below 50mph, it explodes. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. One of the defining action films of the 1990s. A man's head sliced off by a subway train is shown graphically. The R rating is earned.
Cast
Is Speed appropriate for kids?
A bomb is planted on a city bus — if it drops below 50mph, it explodes. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. One of the defining action films of the 1990s. A man's head sliced off by a subway train is shown graphically. The R rating is earned. Read more — free account
Content severity in Speed
What happens in Speed, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:12 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Sex and nudity in Speed
None.
Violence and gore in Speed
An elevator bombing in the opening. Passengers killed on the bus. A man's head sliced off by a subway train — shown graphically. The R rating is partly earned by this sustained intensity.
Language in Speed
Strong language consistent with R rating throughout.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Speed
None.
Mature themes in Speed
A pure thriller with minimal thematic ambition — it does what it sets out to do with extraordinary efficiency. A villain whose grievance (a former bomb disposal officer) makes him just barely comprehensible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speed appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Speed is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. A bomb is planted on a city bus — if it drops below 50mph, it explodes. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. One of the defining action films of the 1990s. A man's head sliced off by a subway train is shown graphically. The…
What age rating does Speed have?
Speed is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.
What is Speed about?
A bomb is planted on a city bus — if it drops below 50mph, it explodes. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. One of the defining action films of the 1990s. A man's head sliced off by a subway train is shown graphically. The R rating is earned.
Is there sex or nudity in Speed?
None.
How violent is Speed?
An elevator bombing in the opening. Passengers killed on the bus. A man's head sliced off by a subway train — shown graphically. The R rating is partly earned by this sustained intensity.
Is the language in Speed appropriate for kids?
Strong language consistent with R rating throughout.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Speed?
None.
What mature themes appear in Speed?
A pure thriller with minimal thematic ambition — it does what it sets out to do with extraordinary efficiency. A villain whose grievance (a former bomb disposal officer) makes him just barely comprehensible.
How long is Speed?
Speed runs 116 minutes, directed by Jan de Bont, released in 1994.
Where can I read the full Speed 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.
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