Poster for The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer (1991) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A stunt pilot comes across a prototype jetpack that gives him the ability to fly. However, evil forces of the world also want this jetpack at any cost.

Rated PG • 1991 • 1h 48m

6.5
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, "The Rocketeer" is a throwback adventure that earns its PG rating for stylized action violence and some mature themes. The film follows stunt pilot Cliff Secord as he discovers a rocket pack and becomes a reluctant hero fighting mobsters and Nazi spies. While generally a fun, pulpy adventure, parents should be aware of frequent fistfights, gun battles, and several character deaths, two of which are fiery and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Billy Campbell
Billy Campbell
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly
Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin
Timothy Dalton
Timothy Dalton
Paul Sorvino
Paul Sorvino
Terry O'Quinn
Terry O'Quinn
Ed Lauter
Ed Lauter
Jon Polito
Jon Polito
James Handy
James Handy
Tiny Ron
Tiny Ron
William Sanderson
William Sanderson
Margo Martindale
Margo Martindale
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Is The Rocketeer appropriate for kids?

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, "The Rocketeer" is a throwback adventure that earns its PG rating for stylized action violence and some mature themes. The film follows stunt pilot Cliff Secord as he discovers a rocket pack and becomes a reluctant hero fighting mobsters and Nazi spies… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Rocketeer

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in The Rocketeer, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  2. 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  3. 0:12 💬 Language 2/10
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Sex and nudity in The Rocketeer

Content is mild and limited to some romantic kissing and mild innuendo. The lead characters, Cliff and Jenny, share several kisses. In one scene, the villain, Neville Sinclair, leers at Jenny's cleavage. Later, he attempts to get her to change into a dress at his mansion, unzipping it for her before she fights him off. Another brief shot shows Jenny hooking up her thigh-high stockings. No nudity is shown.

Violence and gore in The Rocketeer

Violence is frequent and in the style of classic action-adventure films, with gunfights, fistfights, and large explosions. Multiple characters are shot, but there is no blood or gore. A brutish henchman, Lothar, kills two men by breaking their backs (the act itself is off-screen but the sound is heard and the result implied). Two major villains die in fiery explosions at the end; one is seen engulfed in flames as he plummets from the sky, and another perishes in a large zeppelin explosion. A plane crashes early in…

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Language in The Rocketeer

Language is infrequent and mild. According to IMDb, the word "hell" is used about seven times and "damn" is used six times. The term "son of a bitch" is used once by the character Howard Hughes.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Rocketeer

Substance use is minimal and incidental to the 1930s setting. Characters are seen drinking alcoholic beverages like champagne and cocktails in a nightclub setting (the South Seas Club). There is no drunkenness or focus on consumption.

Mature themes in The Rocketeer

The film's primary thematic elements involve heroism and patriotism, contrasted with treason and fascism. The main villains are revealed to be Nazi spies working against the United States, which is a central plot point and may require discussion with younger viewers. A scene depicts a fictional Nazi propaganda film showing an army of rocket-powered soldiers invading America. Themes of kidnapping, peril, and character death are also present and sustained throughout the final act on the German zeppelin.

Scary moments in The Rocketeer

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Rocketeer 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Rocketeer appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Rocketeer is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Set in 1938 Los Angeles, "The Rocketeer" is a throwback adventure that earns its PG rating for stylized action violence and some mature themes. The film follows stunt pilot Cliff Secord as he discovers a rocket pack and…

What age rating does The Rocketeer have?

The Rocketeer is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is The Rocketeer about?

Set in 1938 Los Angeles, "The Rocketeer" is a throwback adventure that earns its PG rating for stylized action violence and some mature themes. The film follows stunt pilot Cliff Secord as he discovers a rocket pack and becomes a reluctant hero fighting mobsters and Nazi spies. While generally a fun, pulpy adventure…

Is there sex or nudity in The Rocketeer?

Content is mild and limited to some romantic kissing and mild innuendo. The lead characters, Cliff and Jenny, share several kisses. In one scene, the villain, Neville Sinclair, leers at Jenny's cleavage. Later, he attempts to get her to change into a dress at…

How violent is The Rocketeer?

Violence is frequent and in the style of classic action-adventure films, with gunfights, fistfights, and large explosions. Multiple characters are shot, but there is no blood or gore. A brutish henchman, Lothar, kills two men by breaking their backs (the act…

Is the language in The Rocketeer appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent and mild. According to IMDb, the word "hell" is used about seven times and "damn" is used six times. The term "son of a bitch" is used once by the character Howard Hughes.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Rocketeer?

Substance use is minimal and incidental to the 1930s setting. Characters are seen drinking alcoholic beverages like champagne and cocktails in a nightclub setting (the South Seas Club). There is no drunkenness or focus on consumption.

What mature themes appear in The Rocketeer?

The film's primary thematic elements involve heroism and patriotism, contrasted with treason and fascism. The main villains are revealed to be Nazi spies working against the United States, which is a central plot point and may require discussion with younger…

How long is The Rocketeer?

The Rocketeer runs 108 minutes, directed by Joe Johnston, released in 1991.

Where can I read the full The Rocketeer parent guide?

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