Poster for The Day After Tomorrow

The Day After Tomorrow (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

After paleoclimatologist Jack Hall is largely ignored by UN officials when presenting his environmental concerns about the beginning of a new Ice Age, his research proves true when a superstorm develops, setting off catastrophic natural disasters throughout the world. Trying to get to his son, Sam, who is trapped in New York City with his friend Laura and others, Jack and his crew must travel to get to Sam before it's too late.

Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 2h 4m

6.6
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Age
13+

The Day After Tomorrow is rated PG-13 primarily for its extended sequences of intense, large-scale disaster and peril. The film depicts catastrophic weather events, including massive tornadoes, a city-swallowing tsunami, and a flash-freezing superstorm, which result in widespread destruction and mass casualties. While the deaths are frequent, they are rarely graphic or bloody. The film's emotional intensity comes from themes of family… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal
Emmy Rossum
Emmy Rossum
Dash Mihok
Dash Mihok
Jay O. Sanders
Jay O. Sanders
Sela Ward
Sela Ward
Austin Nichols
Austin Nichols
Arjay Smith
Arjay Smith
Tamlyn Tomita
Tamlyn Tomita
Sasha Roiz
Sasha Roiz
Ian Holm
Ian Holm
Richard McMillan
Richard McMillan
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Is The Day After Tomorrow appropriate for kids?

The Day After Tomorrow is rated PG-13 primarily for its extended sequences of intense, large-scale disaster and peril. The film depicts catastrophic weather events, including massive tornadoes, a city-swallowing tsunami, and a flash-freezing superstorm, which result in… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Day After Tomorrow

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in The Day After Tomorrow, moment by moment

  1. 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  3. 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
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Sex and nudity in The Day After Tomorrow

This category is very light. There is a single scene where two teenage main characters, Sam and Laura, share a passionate kiss when they believe they may be about to die. There is no nudity or sexual innuendo.

Violence and gore in The Day After Tomorrow

Violence is depicted through intense and large-scale environmental disasters rather than personal combat. There are numerous scenes of peril and destruction, including a massive ice shelf collapse, a destructive hailstorm, tornadoes leveling Los Angeles, and a huge storm surge that floods New York City, sweeping people away. Characters are shown freezing to death instantly, helicopters crash, and a man falls to his death. In one sequence, characters are menaced and attacked by a pack of escaped wolves. An injury…

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Language in The Day After Tomorrow

Language is very mild for a PG-13 film. There are a couple uses of "damn" and exclamations like "Oh my God," but no strong profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Day After Tomorrow

Substance use is minimal and incidental. Scientists are briefly seen drinking scotch in a social setting. In the library, survivors drink from a bottle of French liqueur found in the director's office, primarily for warmth and to toast to survival.

Mature themes in The Day After Tomorrow

The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central theme is survival in the face of an apocalyptic climate event, leading to constant peril and high stakes. There are multiple on-screen and implied deaths, including mass casualties and the deaths of supporting characters. One character makes a noble sacrifice to save his friends. The plot revolves around a son's life-threatening entrapment and his father's desperate, perilous journey to rescue him, creating sustained emotional tension and dealing with…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Day After Tomorrow appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Day After Tomorrow is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Day After Tomorrow is rated PG-13 primarily for its extended sequences of intense, large-scale disaster and peril. The film depicts catastrophic weather events, including massive tornadoes, a city-swallowing…

What age rating does The Day After Tomorrow have?

The Day After Tomorrow is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Day After Tomorrow about?

The Day After Tomorrow is rated PG-13 primarily for its extended sequences of intense, large-scale disaster and peril. The film depicts catastrophic weather events, including massive tornadoes, a city-swallowing tsunami, and a flash-freezing superstorm, which result in widespread destruction and mass casualties. While…

Is there sex or nudity in The Day After Tomorrow?

This category is very light. There is a single scene where two teenage main characters, Sam and Laura, share a passionate kiss when they believe they may be about to die. There is no nudity or sexual innuendo.

How violent is The Day After Tomorrow?

Violence is depicted through intense and large-scale environmental disasters rather than personal combat. There are numerous scenes of peril and destruction, including a massive ice shelf collapse, a destructive hailstorm, tornadoes leveling Los Angeles, and…

Is the language in The Day After Tomorrow appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild for a PG-13 film. There are a couple uses of "damn" and exclamations like "Oh my God," but no strong profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Day After Tomorrow?

Substance use is minimal and incidental. Scientists are briefly seen drinking scotch in a social setting. In the library, survivors drink from a bottle of French liqueur found in the director's office, primarily for warmth and to toast to survival.

What mature themes appear in The Day After Tomorrow?

The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central theme is survival in the face of an apocalyptic climate event, leading to constant peril and high stakes. There are multiple on-screen and implied deaths, including mass casualties and the deaths of…

How long is The Day After Tomorrow?

The Day After Tomorrow runs 124 minutes, directed by Roland Emmerich, released in 2004.

Where can I read the full The Day After Tomorrow parent guide?

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