Poster for Sully

Sully (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

On 15 January 2009, the world witnessed the 'Miracle on the Hudson' when Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 souls aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.

Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 36m

7.2
5K+
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Age
11+

The true story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger's emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, and the NTSB investigation that followed. Tom Hanks is perfectly cast. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — largely family-friendly with tense but non-graphic aviation sequences. One of the most accessible and crowd-pleasing films on this entire list.

Cast

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Aaron Eckhart
Aaron Eckhart
Anna Gunn
Anna Gunn
Holt McCallany
Holt McCallany
Mike O'Malley
Mike O'Malley
Jamey Sheridan
Jamey Sheridan
Valerie Mahaffey
Valerie Mahaffey
Delphi Harrington
Delphi Harrington
Ahmed Lucan
Ahmed Lucan
Laura Linney
Laura Linney
LL
Laura Lundy Wheale
Onira Tarés
Onira Tarés
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Is Sully appropriate for kids?

The true story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger's emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, and the NTSB investigation that followed. Tom Hanks is perfectly cast. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — largely family-friendly with tense but non-graphic… Read more — free account

Content severity in Sully

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Sully, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  3. 0:35 💬 Language 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Sully

There is no sexual content or nudity featured in the film. The story focuses entirely on the professional conduct of the pilots and the resulting investigation, maintaining a tone appropriate for all ages regarding this category.

Violence and gore in Sully

The plane's emergency — depicted multiple times from different angles. Passengers in freezing water. An alternate-scenario crash simulation. The jeopardy is real and intense but never graphic.

Language in Sully

The film contains mild language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including a single use of the F-word during a moment of high stress. Other profanity is infrequent and limited to occasional uses of 'hell' or 'damn,' reflecting the professional but pressurized environment of the aviation incident.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Sully

There are no significant depictions of drug use or smoking throughout the movie. Some scenes set in social or professional gatherings may show characters with drinks in the background, but alcohol consumption is not a focus of the narrative and never reaches a level of concern.

Mature themes in Sully

Institutional second-guessing of a decision that saved 155 lives. A man's career and reputation threatened by the system he served faithfully. The film is about what expertise looks like and how bureaucracies fail to recognise it. The hearing's conclusion is one of the decade's most satisfying moments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sully appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Sully is best for ages 11+. It's rated PG-13. The true story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger's emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, and the NTSB investigation that followed. Tom Hanks is perfectly cast. The PG-13 rating is…

What age rating does Sully have?

Sully is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.

What is Sully about?

The true story of Captain Chesley Sullenberger's emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, and the NTSB investigation that followed. Tom Hanks is perfectly cast. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — largely family-friendly with tense but non-graphic aviation sequences. One of the most…

Is there sex or nudity in Sully?

There is no sexual content or nudity featured in the film. The story focuses entirely on the professional conduct of the pilots and the resulting investigation, maintaining a tone appropriate for all ages regarding this category.

How violent is Sully?

The plane's emergency — depicted multiple times from different angles. Passengers in freezing water. An alternate-scenario crash simulation. The jeopardy is real and intense but never graphic.

Is the language in Sully appropriate for kids?

The film contains mild language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including a single use of the F-word during a moment of high stress. Other profanity is infrequent and limited to occasional uses of 'hell' or 'damn,' reflecting the professional but…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Sully?

There are no significant depictions of drug use or smoking throughout the movie. Some scenes set in social or professional gatherings may show characters with drinks in the background, but alcohol consumption is not a focus of the narrative and never reaches…

What mature themes appear in Sully?

Institutional second-guessing of a decision that saved 155 lives. A man's career and reputation threatened by the system he served faithfully. The film is about what expertise looks like and how bureaucracies fail to recognise it. The hearing's conclusion is…

How long is Sully?

Sully runs 96 minutes, directed by Clint Eastwood, released in 2016.

Where can I read the full Sully parent guide?

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