The Dark Crystal (1982) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.
Rated PG • 1982 • 1h 33m
The Dark Crystal received its PG rating for its dark, somber tone, scenes of fantasy violence, and frightening creature designs that may disturb younger viewers. Unlike other Jim Henson productions, the film features intense peril for its Gelfling hero, Jen, including the death of main characters and a disturbing sequence where creatures have their life essence forcibly drained. The grotesque, bird-like Skeksis and menacing, insectoid… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Dark Crystal appropriate for kids?
The Dark Crystal received its PG rating for its dark, somber tone, scenes of fantasy violence, and frightening creature designs that may disturb younger viewers. Unlike other Jim Henson productions, the film features intense peril for its Gelfling hero, Jen, including the death… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Dark Crystal
What happens in The Dark Crystal, moment by moment
- 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Dark Crystal
Content in this category is virtually nonexistent. In one brief scene, the female Gelfling Kira is bathing, but she is only seen from the chest up with nothing explicit shown.
Violence and gore in The Dark Crystal
Violence is moderate and presented via puppets. Two Skeksis have a ritualistic duel, striking at a stone with hammers. The giant, crab-like Garthim soldiers raid a peaceful village, capturing inhabitants and destroying property. A character is stabbed in the hand with a crystal shard (a little blood is shown), and another character is fatally stabbed in the back before being magically revived later. Landstriders are seen being attacked by Garthim. One character falls to their death into a fiery pit.
Language in The Dark Crystal
None. No profanity is used in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Dark Crystal
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
Mature themes in The Dark Crystal
The film's themes are its most intense element. The central plot is driven by the aftermath of a genocide that wiped out nearly all Gelflings. Characters die on screen; one villain's body grotesquely crumbles into dust. A key scene involves a machine that tortuously drains the "life essence" from innocent creatures, leaving them pale and zombie-like. Themes of death, sacrifice, loss, and the frightening nature of the ruling Skeksis are pervasive and create a dark, often scary atmosphere.
Scary moments in The Dark Crystal
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Dark Crystal 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 Dark Crystal appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Dark Crystal is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. The Dark Crystal received its PG rating for its dark, somber tone, scenes of fantasy violence, and frightening creature designs that may disturb younger viewers. Unlike other Jim Henson productions, the film features…
What age rating does The Dark Crystal have?
The Dark Crystal is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is The Dark Crystal about?
The Dark Crystal received its PG rating for its dark, somber tone, scenes of fantasy violence, and frightening creature designs that may disturb younger viewers. Unlike other Jim Henson productions, the film features intense peril for its Gelfling hero, Jen, including the death of main characters and a disturbing…
Is there sex or nudity in The Dark Crystal?
Content in this category is virtually nonexistent. In one brief scene, the female Gelfling Kira is bathing, but she is only seen from the chest up with nothing explicit shown.
How violent is The Dark Crystal?
Violence is moderate and presented via puppets. Two Skeksis have a ritualistic duel, striking at a stone with hammers. The giant, crab-like Garthim soldiers raid a peaceful village, capturing inhabitants and destroying property. A character is stabbed in the…
Is the language in The Dark Crystal appropriate for kids?
None. No profanity is used in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Dark Crystal?
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
What mature themes appear in The Dark Crystal?
The film's themes are its most intense element. The central plot is driven by the aftermath of a genocide that wiped out nearly all Gelflings. Characters die on screen; one villain's body grotesquely crumbles into dust. A key scene involves a machine that…
How long is The Dark Crystal?
The Dark Crystal runs 93 minutes, directed by Jim Henson, Frank Oz, released in 1982.
Where can I read the full The Dark Crystal 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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