The Secret of Kells (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: The Secret of Kells
Director: Tomm Moore
Released: 2009
Duration: 79 min
Rating: 7.4

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?

Rated NR • 2009 • 1h 19m

Directed by Tomm Moore

7.4

600+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

The Secret of Kells is a visually striking animated adventure that follows 12-year-old Brendan as he risks his safety to complete a legendary manuscript. The film is rated TV-PG for its dark atmosphere, depictions of Viking raids, and intense sequences involving mythical creatures. While the stylized, hand-drawn art style keeps the violence from being graphic, the stakes feel very real and the tone can be quite somber. It is… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Evan McGuire

Christen Mooney

Brendan Gleeson

Mick Lally

Liam Hourican

Paul Tylak

Michael McGrath

Paul Young

Nora Twomey

Alli McCann

Clair Funchion

Conor O'Halloran

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Is The Secret of Kells appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The Secret of Kells

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 5/10

Language None 0/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The Secret of Kells, moment by moment

0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
0:22 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
0:48 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10

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Sex and nudity in The Secret of Kells

There is no sexual content in this film.

Violence and gore in The Secret of Kells

The violence is presented through a highly stylized, abstract animation lens. This includes intense sequences where Vikings attack the abbey, burning buildings and causing mass panic. Because the film uses an artistic, non-photorealistic approach, there is no blood or gore, fitting the animated violence modifier.

Language in The Secret of Kells

There is no profanity or offensive language in this film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Secret of Kells

There is no substance use in this film.

Mature themes in The Secret of Kells

The narrative covers heavy subjects including the death of parents, the threat of war, and the loss of cultural heritage. These themes are treated with gravity, particularly during scenes where characters confront the loss of their home and the mortality of their mentors.

Scary moments in The Secret of Kells

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Secret of Kells 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 Secret of Kells appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Secret of Kells is best for ages 8+. It's rated NR. The Secret of Kells is a visually striking animated adventure that follows 12-year-old Brendan as he risks his safety to complete a legendary manuscript. The film is rated TV-PG for its dark atmosphere, depictions of…

What age rating does The Secret of Kells have?

The Secret of Kells is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.

What is The Secret of Kells about?

Is there sex or nudity in The Secret of Kells?

There is no sexual content in this film.

How violent is The Secret of Kells?

Is the language in The Secret of Kells appropriate for kids?

There is no profanity or offensive language in this film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Secret of Kells?

There is no substance use in this film.

What mature themes appear in The Secret of Kells?

How long is The Secret of Kells?