The Nativity Story (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Mary and Joseph make the hard journey to Bethlehem for a blessed event in this retelling of the Nativity story. This meticulously researched and visually lush adaptation of the biblical tale follows the pair on their arduous path to their arrival in a small village, where they find shelter in a quiet manger and Jesus is born.
Rated PG • 2006 • 1h 41m
The Nativity Story (2006) is a PG-rated, reverent retelling of Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem that earned its rating mainly for scenes of political violence and emotionally intense threats to children. Parents should be aware of implied and on-screen violence — soldiers harassing families, the decree ordering the slaughter of baby boys, a moderately bloody scene of a man hanging from a tree, and non-graphic images… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Nativity Story appropriate for kids?
The Nativity Story (2006) is a PG-rated, reverent retelling of Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem that earned its rating mainly for scenes of political violence and emotionally intense threats to children. Parents should be aware of implied and on-screen violence… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Nativity Story
What happens in The Nativity Story, moment by moment
- 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:09 🍷 Substances 1/10
- 0:11 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Nativity Story
None — no on-screen sexual activity or nudity; the story includes accusations about Mary's pregnancy but no sexual scenes are shown.
Violence and gore in The Nativity Story
Mild-to-moderate, mostly non-graphic but occasionally intense: soldiers harass families, there are implied massacres of infants (Herod's decree), an explicitly shown man hanging from a tree with moderate blood, and background images of crucified bodies. Joseph also has a dream sequence suggesting Mary could be stoned, and several scenes show families in terror or being taken as slaves. The film treats this violence as historical and emotional rather than exploitative, but some moments are upsetting and visceral…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Nativity Story
None — no profanity or coarse language. Dialogue is formal and scriptural, with period/religious terms and commands but no modern swear words; the tone is solemn rather than rough.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Nativity Story
Minimal. Brief, contextual references to wine (grape treading and a small sip during the betrothal ceremony) are shown, but there is no depiction of intoxication or drug use.
Mature themes in The Nativity Story
Strong religious and historical themes: faith, prophecy, miraculous birth, poverty, political oppression, forced exile and the threat of child slaughter. The film treats issues like debt slavery, family displacement, and Herod's brutality seriously, which may prompt questions from younger viewers about justice, suffering, and safety.
Scary moments in The Nativity Story
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Nativity Story yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nativity Story appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Nativity Story is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. The Nativity Story (2006) is a PG-rated, reverent retelling of Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem that earned its rating mainly for scenes of political violence and emotionally intense threats to…
What age rating does The Nativity Story have?
The Nativity Story is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.
What is The Nativity Story about?
The Nativity Story (2006) is a PG-rated, reverent retelling of Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem that earned its rating mainly for scenes of political violence and emotionally intense threats to children. Parents should be aware of implied and on-screen violence — soldiers harassing families, the…
Is there sex or nudity in The Nativity Story?
None — no on-screen sexual activity or nudity; the story includes accusations about Mary's pregnancy but no sexual scenes are shown.
How violent is The Nativity Story?
Mild-to-moderate, mostly non-graphic but occasionally intense: soldiers harass families, there are implied massacres of infants (Herod's decree), an explicitly shown man hanging from a tree with moderate blood, and background images of crucified bodies…
Is the language in The Nativity Story appropriate for kids?
None — no profanity or coarse language. Dialogue is formal and scriptural, with period/religious terms and commands but no modern swear words; the tone is solemn rather than rough.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Nativity Story?
Minimal. Brief, contextual references to wine (grape treading and a small sip during the betrothal ceremony) are shown, but there is no depiction of intoxication or drug use.
What mature themes appear in The Nativity Story?
Strong religious and historical themes: faith, prophecy, miraculous birth, poverty, political oppression, forced exile and the threat of child slaughter. The film treats issues like debt slavery, family displacement, and Herod's brutality seriously, which may…
How long is The Nativity Story?
The Nativity Story runs 101 minutes, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, released in 2006.
Where can I read the full The Nativity Story 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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