The Maze Runner (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A teenager with no memory of his past finds himself among a group of boys living in a walled enclosure surrounded by a massive, ever-changing maze. As he struggles to adapt to their rules and society, he begins to uncover clues that may lead to escape and the truth behind their confinement.
Rated PG-13 • 2014 • 1h 53m
The Maze Runner earns its PG-13 rating for its intense, sustained sci-fi action and frightening images. The film follows a group of teenagers, led by Thomas, trapped in a giant maze populated by deadly biomechanical creatures called Grievers. Parents should be aware of frequent peril, chase sequences, and several character deaths, including a young boy being shot and another character being impaled by a spear. The Grievers can be… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Maze Runner appropriate for kids?
The Maze Runner earns its PG-13 rating for its intense, sustained sci-fi action and frightening images. The film follows a group of teenagers, led by Thomas, trapped in a giant maze populated by deadly biomechanical creatures called Grievers. Parents should be aware of frequent… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Maze Runner
What happens in The Maze Runner, moment by moment
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Maze Runner
No sexual content or nudity is present in the film. The story focuses entirely on survival and teamwork, leaving no room for romantic subplots or intimate physical interactions. This lack of sexual material aligns with the movie's intense action-thriller tone and PG-13 rating.
Violence and gore in The Maze Runner
Violence is persistent and often intense. The primary threat comes from large, biomechanical creatures called 'Grievers' that chase, attack, and kill several teen characters. These sequences involve characters being grabbed, stung, and impaled (mostly bloodless). Other violence includes characters brawling, a boy being fatally shot in the chest, and another being killed with a spear. A character is banished into the maze as a form of execution, and a video recording depicts an off-screen suicide.
Language in The Maze Runner
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes several uses of 'shit,' 'hell,' and 'damn.' Other terms like 'asshole' and 'son of a bitch' are also used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Maze Runner
Substance use is very minor. In one scene, a character is offered a jar of a homemade drink that is implied to be alcoholic, but this is a brief, passing moment. Medical serums are used to cure Griever stings and to trigger memory recovery.
Mature themes in The Maze Runner
The film contains strong and mature thematic elements. The core premise involves teenagers being used as unknowing test subjects in a deadly experiment, creating a sense of despair and hopelessness. Several characters die, including the on-screen shooting death of a young boy which is treated with emotional weight. Other themes include banishment as a death sentence, self-harm to regain memories, and a video that depicts an off-screen suicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Maze Runner appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Maze Runner is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Maze Runner earns its PG-13 rating for its intense, sustained sci-fi action and frightening images. The film follows a group of teenagers, led by Thomas, trapped in a giant maze populated by deadly biomechanical…
What age rating does The Maze Runner have?
The Maze Runner is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Maze Runner about?
The Maze Runner earns its PG-13 rating for its intense, sustained sci-fi action and frightening images. The film follows a group of teenagers, led by Thomas, trapped in a giant maze populated by deadly biomechanical creatures called Grievers. Parents should be aware of frequent peril, chase sequences, and several…
Is there sex or nudity in The Maze Runner?
No sexual content or nudity is present in the film. The story focuses entirely on survival and teamwork, leaving no room for romantic subplots or intimate physical interactions. This lack of sexual material aligns with the movie's intense action-thriller tone…
How violent is The Maze Runner?
Violence is persistent and often intense. The primary threat comes from large, biomechanical creatures called 'Grievers' that chase, attack, and kill several teen characters. These sequences involve characters being grabbed, stung, and impaled (mostly…
Is the language in The Maze Runner appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes several uses of 'shit,' 'hell,' and 'damn.' Other terms like 'asshole' and 'son of a bitch' are also used.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Maze Runner?
Substance use is very minor. In one scene, a character is offered a jar of a homemade drink that is implied to be alcoholic, but this is a brief, passing moment. Medical serums are used to cure Griever stings and to trigger memory recovery.
What mature themes appear in The Maze Runner?
The film contains strong and mature thematic elements. The core premise involves teenagers being used as unknowing test subjects in a deadly experiment, creating a sense of despair and hopelessness. Several characters die, including the on-screen shooting…
How long is The Maze Runner?
The Maze Runner runs 113 minutes, directed by Wes Ball, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full The Maze Runner 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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