The Aviator (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A biopic depicting the life of filmmaker and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes from 1927 to 1947, during which time he became a successful film producer and an aviation magnate, while simultaneously growing more unstable due to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 2h 50m
Howard Hughes's rise as a filmmaker and aviator alongside his growing OCD and mental deterioration. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — some sexuality, a plane crash sequence, and the film's sustained depiction of severe OCD. A glamorous, entertaining film that becomes genuinely disturbing in its final act as Hughes's mental illness consumes him.
Cast
Is The Aviator appropriate for kids?
Howard Hughes's rise as a filmmaker and aviator alongside his growing OCD and mental deterioration. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — some sexuality, a plane crash sequence, and the film's sustained depiction of severe OCD. A glamorous, entertaining film that becomes genuinely… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Aviator
What happens in The Aviator, moment by moment
- 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:40 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Aviator
Hughes's relationships with Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn — brief, non-graphic romantic content. His use of young actresses is depicted with some acknowledgment of power imbalance.
Violence and gore in The Aviator
A plane crash — Hughes crashes an experimental plane into Beverly Hills homes. Depicted with real impact. Burns and injuries shown.
Language in The Aviator
Moderate language, consistent with PG-13.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Aviator
Hughes's use of codeine and other medications as his OCD worsens. Depicted as part of his deterioration.
Mature themes in The Aviator
Severe OCD — the film's most compelling content is Hughes's deterioration, culminating in a period locked in his screening room surrounded by jars of urine. Mental illness, isolation, and the way enormous wealth cannot insulate someone from the collapse of their own mind. A cautionary portrait of untreated mental illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Aviator appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Aviator is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Howard Hughes's rise as a filmmaker and aviator alongside his growing OCD and mental deterioration. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — some sexuality, a plane crash sequence, and the film's sustained depiction of severe…
What age rating does The Aviator have?
The Aviator is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Aviator about?
Howard Hughes's rise as a filmmaker and aviator alongside his growing OCD and mental deterioration. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — some sexuality, a plane crash sequence, and the film's sustained depiction of severe OCD. A glamorous, entertaining film that becomes genuinely disturbing in its final act as Hughes's…
Is there sex or nudity in The Aviator?
Hughes's relationships with Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn — brief, non-graphic romantic content. His use of young actresses is depicted with some acknowledgment of power imbalance.
How violent is The Aviator?
A plane crash — Hughes crashes an experimental plane into Beverly Hills homes. Depicted with real impact. Burns and injuries shown.
Is the language in The Aviator appropriate for kids?
Moderate language, consistent with PG-13.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Aviator?
Hughes's use of codeine and other medications as his OCD worsens. Depicted as part of his deterioration.
What mature themes appear in The Aviator?
Severe OCD — the film's most compelling content is Hughes's deterioration, culminating in a period locked in his screening room surrounded by jars of urine. Mental illness, isolation, and the way enormous wealth cannot insulate someone from the collapse of…
How long is The Aviator?
The Aviator runs 170 minutes, directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2004.
Where can I read the full The Aviator parent guide?
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