Poster for The Scorpion King

The Scorpion King (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In ancient Egypt, peasant Mathayus is hired to exact revenge on the powerful Memnon and the sorceress Cassandra, who are ready to overtake Balthazar's village. Amid betrayals, thieves, abductions and more, Mathayus strives to bring justice to his complicated world.

Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 32m

5.6
2K+
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Age
13+

This prequel to 'The Mummy' franchise earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense, stylized action violence and consistent sensuality. The film follows the warrior Mathayus on a quest for revenge against the tyrannical Memnon. Parents should be aware of frequent, though largely bloodless, sword fights, stabbings, and large-scale battles. The sensuality is notable, with the main female character wearing very revealing outfits… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson
Steven Brand
Steven Brand
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan
Kelly Hu
Kelly Hu
Bernard Hill
Bernard Hill
Grant Heslov
Grant Heslov
Peter Facinelli
Peter Facinelli
Ralf Moeller
Ralf Moeller
Branscombe Richmond
Branscombe Richmond
Roger Rees
Roger Rees
Sherri Howard
Sherri Howard
Conrad Roberts
Conrad Roberts
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Is The Scorpion King appropriate for kids?

This prequel to 'The Mummy' franchise earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense, stylized action violence and consistent sensuality. The film follows the warrior Mathayus on a quest for revenge against the tyrannical Memnon. Parents should be aware of frequent, though largely… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Scorpion King

Sex Strong 7/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in The Scorpion King, moment by moment

  1. 0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
  3. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
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Sex and nudity in The Scorpion King

This film has a strong element of sensuality. The sorceress Cassandra wears very revealing outfits for most of the film, showing significant cleavage and skin. One scene features Mathayus landing in her bath, where she is seen briefly with obscured and distant nudity (her bare back and side are shown). In another scene, Mathayus is thrown into a harem where scantily clad women proposition him. Later, Mathayus and Cassandra share a passionate kiss leading to an implied off-screen sex scene; afterwards, they are…

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Violence and gore in The Scorpion King

Violence is frequent, stylized, and high-action, but generally not gory. The film is filled with sword fights, martial arts combat, and archery, resulting in many characters being stabbed, slashed, and shot with arrows. One character is shown holding the severed (but not bloody) head of his father. A main character's brother is executed on-screen with an arrow. In a moment of peril, a character is buried up to his neck in the desert to be eaten by fire ants. Another scene involves the threat of a young boy's hand…

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Language in The Scorpion King

Language is very mild. There is one use of "bastard" and "piss." An f-word is reportedly muffled during a chaotic scene but is difficult to discern. Overall profanity is not a significant feature of the film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Scorpion King

Substance use is minimal. Characters are briefly seen drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as a tavern or during celebrations. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in The Scorpion King

The film deals with themes of revenge, betrayal, and destiny. Mathayus's primary motivation is to avenge the murder of his brother. A major betrayal occurs when a king's son kills his own father to align with the villain. A recurring theme is the conflict between fate (as seen in Cassandra's visions) and free will, with Mathayus insisting he can make his own destiny.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Scorpion King appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Scorpion King is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This prequel to 'The Mummy' franchise earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense, stylized action violence and consistent sensuality. The film follows the warrior Mathayus on a quest for revenge against the tyrannical…

What age rating does The Scorpion King have?

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

What is The Scorpion King about?

This prequel to 'The Mummy' franchise earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense, stylized action violence and consistent sensuality. The film follows the warrior Mathayus on a quest for revenge against the tyrannical Memnon. Parents should be aware of frequent, though largely bloodless, sword fights, stabbings, and…

Is there sex or nudity in The Scorpion King?

This film has a strong element of sensuality. The sorceress Cassandra wears very revealing outfits for most of the film, showing significant cleavage and skin. One scene features Mathayus landing in her bath, where she is seen briefly with obscured and…

How violent is The Scorpion King?

Violence is frequent, stylized, and high-action, but generally not gory. The film is filled with sword fights, martial arts combat, and archery, resulting in many characters being stabbed, slashed, and shot with arrows. One character is shown holding the…

Is the language in The Scorpion King appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. There is one use of "bastard" and "piss." An f-word is reportedly muffled during a chaotic scene but is difficult to discern. Overall profanity is not a significant feature of the film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Scorpion King?

Substance use is minimal. Characters are briefly seen drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as a tavern or during celebrations. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in The Scorpion King?

The film deals with themes of revenge, betrayal, and destiny. Mathayus's primary motivation is to avenge the murder of his brother. A major betrayal occurs when a king's son kills his own father to align with the villain. A recurring theme is the conflict…

How long is The Scorpion King?

The Scorpion King runs 92 minutes, directed by Chuck Russell, released in 2002.

Where can I read the full The Scorpion King parent guide?

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