
The Cove (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The Cove tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of individuals, films makers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate the hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The shocking discoveries were only the tip of the iceberg.
Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 1h 32m
The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension surrounding the production's clandestine mission. Parents should be aware that the documentary contains graphic imagery of dolphin slaughter that may be deeply… Sign up for the full guide
Cast




Is The Cove appropriate for kids?
The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Cove
What happens in The Cove, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in The Cove
There is no sexual content in this film, though incidental background footage may show individuals wearing swimwear at a public beach.
Violence and gore in The Cove
The film contains intense, real-life footage of dolphin hunting, featuring fishermen using tools to strike at animals in the water. The water frequently turns deep red with blood, and the struggle of the animals is clearly visible.
Language in The Cove
Language is mild and infrequent throughout the documentary. It includes occasional uses of terms like 'Goddammit', 'Christ', and a single usage of 'shit', as well as one instance of a subject giving the middle finger to the camera.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Cove
There is no significant substance use, although one individual is briefly seen smoking a cigarette during an interview segment.
Mature themes in The Cove
The central theme is the systemic, covert slaughter of dolphins and the environmental and political struggle to expose it. It deals heavily with animal rights, human cruelty, and the ethical conflict between traditional fishing practices and global conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cove appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Cove is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of…
What age rating does The Cove have?
The Cove is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Cove about?
The Cove is a documentary following a covert team of activists and filmmakers as they investigate illegal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. The film is rated PG-13 primarily due to intense, real-life footage of animal cruelty and the ongoing psychological tension surrounding the production's clandestine…
Is there sex or nudity in The Cove?
There is no sexual content in this film, though incidental background footage may show individuals wearing swimwear at a public beach.
How violent is The Cove?
The film contains intense, real-life footage of dolphin hunting, featuring fishermen using tools to strike at animals in the water. The water frequently turns deep red with blood, and the struggle of the animals is clearly visible.
Is the language in The Cove appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent throughout the documentary. It includes occasional uses of terms like 'Goddammit', 'Christ', and a single usage of 'shit', as well as one instance of a subject giving the middle finger to the camera.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Cove?
There is no significant substance use, although one individual is briefly seen smoking a cigarette during an interview segment.
What mature themes appear in The Cove?
The central theme is the systemic, covert slaughter of dolphins and the environmental and political struggle to expose it. It deals heavily with animal rights, human cruelty, and the ethical conflict between traditional fishing practices and global…
How long is The Cove?
The Cove runs 92 minutes, directed by Louie Psihoyos, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full The Cove 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
























Movies like The Cove with similar intensity
Sign up to filterLess intense movies for families
Sign up to filter



















More documentary movies with parent guides
- Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts parent guide
- The Social Dilemma parent guide
- Super Size Me parent guide
- Bowling for Columbine parent guide
- Free Solo parent guide
- Jackass 3D parent guide
- Citizenfour parent guide
- Friends: The Reunion parent guide
- Amy parent guide
- Jackass Number Two parent guide
- March of the Penguins parent guide
- American Animals parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- 365 Days: This Day parent guide
- To the Wonder parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant parent guide
- Mr. Church parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide














