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The Tomorrow War (2021) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future, mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. The only hope for survival is for soldiers and civilians from the present to be transported to the future and join the fight. Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester. Determined to save the world for his young daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist and his estranged father in a desperate quest… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2021 • 2h 18m

7.5
2K+
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Age
13+

Rated PG-13 for its intense and sustained sci-fi violence, The Tomorrow War is a creature-feature action film best suited for older teens and adults. The primary parental concerns are the frequent, scary, and sometimes bloody battles between humans and aggressive alien creatures, which include stabbings, shootings, explosions, and characters being torn apart. The film also contains frequent strong language, including over 40 uses of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt
Yvonne Strahovski
Yvonne Strahovski
J.K. Simmons
J.K. Simmons
Betty Gilpin
Betty Gilpin
Sam Richardson
Sam Richardson
Edwin Hodge
Edwin Hodge
Jasmine Mathews
Jasmine Mathews
Ryan Kiera Armstrong
Ryan Kiera Armstrong
Keith Powers
Keith Powers
Mary Lynn Rajskub
Mary Lynn Rajskub
Mike Mitchell
Mike Mitchell
Jared Shaw
Jared Shaw
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Is The Tomorrow War appropriate for kids?

Rated PG-13 for its intense and sustained sci-fi violence, The Tomorrow War is a creature-feature action film best suited for older teens and adults. The primary parental concerns are the frequent, scary, and sometimes bloody battles between humans and aggressive alien… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Tomorrow War

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

What happens in The Tomorrow War, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🍷 Substances 1/10
  2. 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
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Sex and nudity in The Tomorrow War

Sexual content is virtually nonexistent. A husband and wife share a couple of brief, non-passionate kisses. One male character is seen shirtless in a non-sexual context. There are no sexual references, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in The Tomorrow War

Violence is frequent, intense, and a core part of the film, earning its PG-13 rating. The alien creatures, called White Spikes, are fast, aggressive, and frightening. There are numerous scenes of soldiers and civilians being attacked, swarmed, impaled, and carried off by the aliens. People are shown being bitten and torn apart, though these moments are often quick and not graphically detailed. Characters are shot, blown up, and fall to their deaths. There are bloody wounds and some creature gore, specifically when…

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Language in The Tomorrow War

Language is strong and frequent throughout. There is one use of the 'f-word' near the end of the film. The word 'shit' is used over 40 times, with many uses concentrated in a single tense sequence. Other profanity includes multiple uses of 'hell,' 'ass,' 'son of a bitch,' 'damn,' and 'goddamn,' as well as exclamatory uses of 'Jesus'.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Tomorrow War

Substance use is minor. Characters are occasionally seen drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as at a Christmas party at the beginning of the film. There is no depiction of drunkenness, and no drug use.

Mature themes in The Tomorrow War

The film contains strong and mature thematic material. A central theme is familial estrangement and reconciliation, particularly between Dan, his estranged father, and his future adult daughter. The plot revolves around existential threat, with humanity facing extinction and characters grappling with the knowledge of their own predetermined deaths. Scenes involving the death of major characters, including a parent witnessing their child's death, are emotionally intense. Themes of sacrifice, regret, and the…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Tomorrow War appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Tomorrow War is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13 for its intense and sustained sci-fi violence, The Tomorrow War is a creature-feature action film best suited for older teens and adults. The primary parental concerns are the frequent, scary, and sometimes…

What age rating does The Tomorrow War have?

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

What is The Tomorrow War about?

Rated PG-13 for its intense and sustained sci-fi violence, The Tomorrow War is a creature-feature action film best suited for older teens and adults. The primary parental concerns are the frequent, scary, and sometimes bloody battles between humans and aggressive alien creatures, which include stabbings, shootings…

Is there sex or nudity in The Tomorrow War?

Sexual content is virtually nonexistent. A husband and wife share a couple of brief, non-passionate kisses. One male character is seen shirtless in a non-sexual context. There are no sexual references, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is The Tomorrow War?

Violence is frequent, intense, and a core part of the film, earning its PG-13 rating. The alien creatures, called White Spikes, are fast, aggressive, and frightening. There are numerous scenes of soldiers and civilians being attacked, swarmed, impaled, and…

Is the language in The Tomorrow War appropriate for kids?

Language is strong and frequent throughout. There is one use of the 'f-word' near the end of the film. The word 'shit' is used over 40 times, with many uses concentrated in a single tense sequence. Other profanity includes multiple uses of 'hell,' 'ass,' 'son…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Tomorrow War?

Substance use is minor. Characters are occasionally seen drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as at a Christmas party at the beginning of the film. There is no depiction of drunkenness, and no drug use.

What mature themes appear in The Tomorrow War?

The film contains strong and mature thematic material. A central theme is familial estrangement and reconciliation, particularly between Dan, his estranged father, and his future adult daughter. The plot revolves around existential threat, with humanity…

How long is The Tomorrow War?

The Tomorrow War runs 138 minutes, directed by Chris McKay, released in 2021.

Where can I read the full The Tomorrow War parent guide?

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