The Call of the Wild (2020) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team—and later its leader—Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.
Rated PG • 2020 • 1h 40m
The Call of the Wild is a PG-rated adventure based on the Jack London novel, following a dog named Buck as he transitions from a domestic pet in California to a sled dog in the rugged Yukon. Parents should be aware that the film contains several scenes of animal abuse, intense survival peril, and human-on-human violence. While the emotional journey is heartwarming, the portrayal of animal mistreatment and the antagonist's aggressive… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Call of the Wild appropriate for kids?
The Call of the Wild is a PG-rated adventure based on the Jack London novel, following a dog named Buck as he transitions from a domestic pet in California to a sled dog in the rugged Yukon. Parents should be aware that the film contains several scenes of animal abuse, intense… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Call of the Wild
What happens in The Call of the Wild, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Call of the Wild
There is no sexual content in the film. A male character is briefly seen bathing in a river, but nothing is shown beyond his upper chest.
Violence and gore in The Call of the Wild
The film features moderate violence, primarily involving the mistreatment of animals. A dog is struck with a club, and there are intense, non-graphic fights between dogs. Human characters also engage in physical altercations involving punching and scuffling.
Language in The Call of the Wild
Language is very mild, consisting of one instance of 'damn,' one of 'hell,' and a cut-off 'son of a-.' Some characters yell in foreign languages, though no profanity is discernible.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Call of the Wild
Substance use is limited and mild, showing characters drinking whiskey at a saloon or finding a bottle of wine in an abandoned cabin.
Mature themes in The Call of the Wild
The film deals with heavy themes, including the death of a child, the loss of a beloved pet's owner, and the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness. Abandonment and greed are central to the villain's motivations.
Scary moments in The Call of the Wild
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Call of the Wild yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Call of the Wild appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Call of the Wild is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. The Call of the Wild is a PG-rated adventure based on the Jack London novel, following a dog named Buck as he transitions from a domestic pet in California to a sled dog in the rugged Yukon. Parents should be aware that…
What age rating does The Call of the Wild have?
The Call of the Wild is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.
What is The Call of the Wild about?
The Call of the Wild is a PG-rated adventure based on the Jack London novel, following a dog named Buck as he transitions from a domestic pet in California to a sled dog in the rugged Yukon. Parents should be aware that the film contains several scenes of animal abuse, intense survival peril, and human-on-human…
Is there sex or nudity in The Call of the Wild?
There is no sexual content in the film. A male character is briefly seen bathing in a river, but nothing is shown beyond his upper chest.
How violent is The Call of the Wild?
The film features moderate violence, primarily involving the mistreatment of animals. A dog is struck with a club, and there are intense, non-graphic fights between dogs. Human characters also engage in physical altercations involving punching and scuffling.
Is the language in The Call of the Wild appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild, consisting of one instance of 'damn,' one of 'hell,' and a cut-off 'son of a-.' Some characters yell in foreign languages, though no profanity is discernible.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Call of the Wild?
Substance use is limited and mild, showing characters drinking whiskey at a saloon or finding a bottle of wine in an abandoned cabin.
What mature themes appear in The Call of the Wild?
The film deals with heavy themes, including the death of a child, the loss of a beloved pet's owner, and the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness. Abandonment and greed are central to the villain's motivations.
How long is The Call of the Wild?
The Call of the Wild runs 100 minutes, directed by Chris Sanders, released in 2020.
Where can I read the full The Call of the Wild 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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