Poster for The Mothman Prophecies

The Mothman Prophecies (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Reporter John Klein is plunged into a world of impossible terror when fate draws him to the sleepy West Virginia town of Point Pleasant, whose residents are being visited by a great winged shape that sows hideous nightmares and fevered visions.

Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 59m

6.2
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Age
13+

This psychological thriller earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its pervasive and intense atmosphere of dread, mature thematic material, and a startling disaster sequence. The film centers on a man's grief and a series of terrifying, supernaturally-linked events, which may be too unsettling for younger viewers. Content includes a catastrophic bridge collapse, a jarring car accident, some strong language including an f-word, and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Richard Gere
Richard Gere
Laura Linney
Laura Linney
Will Patton
Will Patton
Debra Messing
Debra Messing
David Eigenberg
David Eigenberg
Alan Bates
Alan Bates
Lucinda Jenney
Lucinda Jenney
Nesbitt Blaisdell
Nesbitt Blaisdell
Bill Laing
Bill Laing
Dan Callahan
Dan Callahan
Yvonne Erickson
Yvonne Erickson
Tom Stoviak
Tom Stoviak
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Is The Mothman Prophecies appropriate for kids?

This psychological thriller earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its pervasive and intense atmosphere of dread, mature thematic material, and a startling disaster sequence. The film centers on a man's grief and a series of terrifying, supernaturally-linked events, which may be… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Mothman Prophecies

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 1/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in The Mothman Prophecies, moment by moment

  1. 0:02 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  2. 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  3. 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Unlock all 16 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Mothman Prophecies

Contains a few brief, non-graphic moments of intimacy. A married couple kisses in a car at the beginning of the film. Later, the protagonist and another character start to kiss before being interrupted. In one scene, a woman's silhouette is visible through a foggy shower door, but no nudity is shown.

Violence and gore in The Mothman Prophecies

Violence is infrequent but includes some significant, startling events. The film opens with a jarring car accident where a character is injured. A paranoid man holds the protagonist at gunpoint. The climax features a catastrophic bridge collapse, with cars and people falling into the water in a chaotic and perilous sequence, though without graphic gore or injuries shown.

Language in The Mothman Prophecies

Language includes at least one use of the f-word. Other profanity includes several uses of "s-h-i-t", "S.O.B.", "damn", and "hell", as well as religious exclamations like "Goddamn" and "Jesus Christ".

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Mothman Prophecies

Substance use is very minimal and incidental. The main character is shown having a drink on a couple of occasions in social or private settings, but this is not a focus of the plot.

Mature themes in The Mothman Prophecies

The film's primary impact comes from its pervasive atmosphere of psychological dread and intense themes. It deals heavily with a main character's profound grief following the sudden illness and death of his wife. There are frequent unsettling scenes involving disturbing drawings, creepy prophetic phone calls, and the general terror of inexplicable events. A character is found dead from exposure, and the finale involves a mass casualty disaster.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Mothman Prophecies appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Mothman Prophecies is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This psychological thriller earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its pervasive and intense atmosphere of dread, mature thematic material, and a startling disaster sequence. The film centers on a man's grief and a series…

What age rating does The Mothman Prophecies have?

The Mothman Prophecies is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Mothman Prophecies about?

This psychological thriller earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its pervasive and intense atmosphere of dread, mature thematic material, and a startling disaster sequence. The film centers on a man's grief and a series of terrifying, supernaturally-linked events, which may be too unsettling for younger viewers…

Is there sex or nudity in The Mothman Prophecies?

Contains a few brief, non-graphic moments of intimacy. A married couple kisses in a car at the beginning of the film. Later, the protagonist and another character start to kiss before being interrupted. In one scene, a woman's silhouette is visible through a…

How violent is The Mothman Prophecies?

Violence is infrequent but includes some significant, startling events. The film opens with a jarring car accident where a character is injured. A paranoid man holds the protagonist at gunpoint. The climax features a catastrophic bridge collapse, with cars…

Is the language in The Mothman Prophecies appropriate for kids?

Language includes at least one use of the f-word. Other profanity includes several uses of "s-h-i-t", "S.O.B.", "damn", and "hell", as well as religious exclamations like "Goddamn" and "Jesus Christ".

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Mothman Prophecies?

Substance use is very minimal and incidental. The main character is shown having a drink on a couple of occasions in social or private settings, but this is not a focus of the plot.

What mature themes appear in The Mothman Prophecies?

The film's primary impact comes from its pervasive atmosphere of psychological dread and intense themes. It deals heavily with a main character's profound grief following the sudden illness and death of his wife. There are frequent unsettling scenes involving…

How long is The Mothman Prophecies?

The Mothman Prophecies runs 119 minutes, directed by Mark Pellington, released in 2002.

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