Poster for The Great Escape

The Great Escape (1963) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The Nazis, exasperated at the number of escapes from their prison camps by a relatively small number of Allied prisoners, relocate them to a high-security 'escape-proof' camp to sit out the remainder of the war. Undaunted, the prisoners plan one of the most ambitious escape attempts of World War II. Based on a true story.

Rated NR • 1963 • 2h 53m

7.9
2K+
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Age
12+

The Great Escape follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they orchestrate a massive breakout from a high-security German camp during World War II. Parents should be aware of moderate tension and violence, including gunshots and the execution of prisoners, which may be distressing for younger viewers. While there is no explicit content, the film depicts the grim realities of war, imprisonment, and the tragic fates of the escapees… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen
James Garner
James Garner
Richard Attenborough
Richard Attenborough
James Donald
James Donald
Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson
Donald Pleasence
Donald Pleasence
James Coburn
James Coburn
Hannes Messemer
Hannes Messemer
David McCallum
David McCallum
Gordon Jackson
Gordon Jackson
John Leyton
John Leyton
Angus Lennie
Angus Lennie
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Is The Great Escape appropriate for kids?

The Great Escape follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they orchestrate a massive breakout from a high-security German camp during World War II. Parents should be aware of moderate tension and violence, including gunshots and the execution of prisoners, which may be… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Great Escape

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in The Great Escape, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 💬 Language 2/10
  2. 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
  3. 1:08 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in The Great Escape

There is no sexual content in this film. A brief scene shows a prisoner, Charles Bronson, in a communal shower, but it is filmed discreetly with no nudity.

Violence and gore in The Great Escape

Violence is moderate and consistent with a classic war drama. It includes scenes of gunfire, prisoners being shot while trying to escape, and a few motorcycle accidents. While not gory by modern standards, the depiction of executions and general wartime peril is somber and intense.

Language in The Great Escape

Language is mild and typical for the era. It includes occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell,' as well as the use of the term 'kraut' as a derogatory label for German soldiers.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Great Escape

Substance use is light. There are scenes involving cigarette smoking among both the guards and the prisoners, as well as one sequence where the men brew and drink potato moonshine to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Mature themes in The Great Escape

Themes are mature and center on the realities of war, captivity, and the tragic cost of defiance. The narrative deals directly with the themes of betrayal, the moral weight of leadership, and the execution of prisoners who are caught after fleeing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Great Escape appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Great Escape is best for ages 12+. It's rated NR. The Great Escape follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they orchestrate a massive breakout from a high-security German camp during World War II. Parents should be aware of moderate tension and violence…

What age rating does The Great Escape have?

The Great Escape is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is The Great Escape about?

The Great Escape follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they orchestrate a massive breakout from a high-security German camp during World War II. Parents should be aware of moderate tension and violence, including gunshots and the execution of prisoners, which may be distressing for younger viewers. While there…

Is there sex or nudity in The Great Escape?

There is no sexual content in this film. A brief scene shows a prisoner, Charles Bronson, in a communal shower, but it is filmed discreetly with no nudity.

How violent is The Great Escape?

Violence is moderate and consistent with a classic war drama. It includes scenes of gunfire, prisoners being shot while trying to escape, and a few motorcycle accidents. While not gory by modern standards, the depiction of executions and general wartime peril…

Is the language in The Great Escape appropriate for kids?

Language is mild and typical for the era. It includes occasional uses of 'damn' and 'hell,' as well as the use of the term 'kraut' as a derogatory label for German soldiers.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Great Escape?

Substance use is light. There are scenes involving cigarette smoking among both the guards and the prisoners, as well as one sequence where the men brew and drink potato moonshine to celebrate the Fourth of July.

What mature themes appear in The Great Escape?

Themes are mature and center on the realities of war, captivity, and the tragic cost of defiance. The narrative deals directly with the themes of betrayal, the moral weight of leadership, and the execution of prisoners who are caught after fleeing.

How long is The Great Escape?

The Great Escape runs 173 minutes, directed by John Sturges, released in 1963.

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