
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
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.
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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
What happens in Sully, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:35 💬 Language 2/10
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.
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?
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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