Poster for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Director: Peter Jackson
Released: 2001
Duration: 179 min
Rating: 8.4

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.

Rated PG-13 • 2001 • 2h 59m

Directed by Peter Jackson

8.4

25K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This epic fantasy adventure earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its frequent and intense battle sequences and numerous frightening images. Parents should be aware of sustained fantasy violence, including large-scale battles with monstrous creatures like Orcs, a cave troll, and a demonic Balrog. The violence involves swordplay, stabbings, and characters being shot with arrows, though with minimal blood and gore. The tone is often dark… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Elijah Wood

Ian McKellen

Viggo Mortensen

Sean Astin

Ian Holm

Liv Tyler

Christopher Lee

Sean Bean

Billy Boyd

Dominic Monaghan

John Rhys-Davies

Orlando Bloom

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Is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Sex None 0/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language None 0/10

Substances Moderate 3/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, moment by moment

0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
0:17 🍷 Substances 2/10

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Sex and nudity in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Sexual content is not a factor in this film. In one scene, a man and an elf woman share a romantic kiss.

Violence and gore in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The film contains frequent and intense sequences of fantasy violence. This includes large-scale battles with sword fighting, stabbings, and arrow-fire against monstrous creatures like Orcs and Uruk-hai. Specific moments include a character's finger being severed (briefly), a prologue battle with many deaths, an intense fight with a cave troll, and a final battle where a main character is shot multiple times with arrows. While there is little explicit blood or gore (creatures bleed black fluid), the combat is…

Language in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

There is no profanity in the film. The harshest language consists of mild insults like "fool of a Took."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Substance use is mild and presented in a historical fantasy context. Several principal characters, including Gandalf and the Hobbits, are frequently shown smoking pipes. In one sequence, characters visit an inn where they and other patrons drink ale from mugs, with some appearing jovial or tipsy.

Mature themes in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Core themes include temptation, corruption, sacrifice, and the nature of good and evil. The Ring's corrupting influence is a central, recurring element, causing characters to become desperate or monstrous. There are multiple frightening and intense scenes, including relentless pursuit by terrifying wraith-like figures (the Nazgûl), jump scares, and confrontations with demonic creatures like the Balrog. The film deals directly with loss and grief, including the emotional on-screen death of two heroic characters.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This epic fantasy adventure earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its frequent and intense battle sequences and numerous frightening images. Parents should be aware of sustained fantasy violence, including large-scale…

What age rating does The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring have?

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring about?

Is there sex or nudity in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?

Sexual content is not a factor in this film. In one scene, a man and an elf woman share a romantic kiss.

How violent is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?

Is the language in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring appropriate for kids?

There is no profanity in the film. The harshest language consists of mild insults like "fool of a Took."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?

What mature themes appear in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?

How long is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring?

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring runs 179 minutes, directed by Peter Jackson, released in 2001.