The X-Files (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Mulder and Scully, now taken off the FBI's X Files cases, must find a way to fight the shadowy elements of the government to find out the truth about a conspiracy that might mean the alien colonization of Earth.
Rated PG-13 • 1998 • 2h 1m
As a feature-length extension of the popular TV series, The X-Files movie carries a darker and more intense tone, earning its PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence, frightening creature effects, and mature thematic material. The film features scenes of alien attacks with some bloody results, a large-scale bombing of a building, and a startling murder-suicide. Agents Mulder and Scully also face peril from chases, abductions, and swarms of… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The X-Files appropriate for kids?
As a feature-length extension of the popular TV series, The X-Files movie carries a darker and more intense tone, earning its PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence, frightening creature effects, and mature thematic material. The film features scenes of alien attacks with some bloody… Read more — free account
Content severity in The X-Files
What happens in The X-Files, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in The X-Files
This category is very mild. In one scene, Mulder and Scully have an emotionally charged conversation and lean in to kiss, but they are interrupted before their lips touch. There is no other sexual content or nudity.
Violence and gore in The X-Files
Violence is moderate overall, but contains some intense and occasionally bloody moments. The opening scene shows a prehistoric man being mauled by a creature, leaving bloody gashes. A large building is destroyed in a bomb explosion. Characters are shot, and one man shoots his driver before committing suicide via car bomb. Alien-related violence includes a creature bursting from a man's chest and several scenes of peril involving chases and attacks.
Language in The X-Files
Language is mild and infrequent. The IMDb guide notes approximately 4 uses of "shit" and single uses of "dick" and "goddamn," alongside a few instances of "hell," "ass," and "dammit."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The X-Files
Substance use is mild. The recurring antagonist, "The Smoking Man," is a chain-smoker and is seen with a cigarette in multiple scenes. In one scene, Mulder is shown drinking several shots of liquor at a bar and becomes intoxicated. The alien virus and a vaccine for it are central plot devices, administered via injection.
Mature themes in The X-Files
The film is built on mature and complex themes of deep-seated government conspiracy, paranoia, and the cover-up of extraterrestrial life. Key plot points involve abduction, a child being infected with an alien parasite, and characters being held in suspended animation against their will. The film also includes a murder-suicide, adding to its intense thematic content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The X-Files appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The X-Files is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. As a feature-length extension of the popular TV series, The X-Files movie carries a darker and more intense tone, earning its PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence, frightening creature effects, and mature thematic material…
What age rating does The X-Files have?
The X-Files is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The X-Files about?
As a feature-length extension of the popular TV series, The X-Files movie carries a darker and more intense tone, earning its PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence, frightening creature effects, and mature thematic material. The film features scenes of alien attacks with some bloody results, a large-scale bombing of a…
Is there sex or nudity in The X-Files?
This category is very mild. In one scene, Mulder and Scully have an emotionally charged conversation and lean in to kiss, but they are interrupted before their lips touch. There is no other sexual content or nudity.
How violent is The X-Files?
Violence is moderate overall, but contains some intense and occasionally bloody moments. The opening scene shows a prehistoric man being mauled by a creature, leaving bloody gashes. A large building is destroyed in a bomb explosion. Characters are shot, and…
Is the language in The X-Files appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent. The IMDb guide notes approximately 4 uses of "shit" and single uses of "dick" and "goddamn," alongside a few instances of "hell," "ass," and "dammit."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The X-Files?
Substance use is mild. The recurring antagonist, "The Smoking Man," is a chain-smoker and is seen with a cigarette in multiple scenes. In one scene, Mulder is shown drinking several shots of liquor at a bar and becomes intoxicated. The alien virus and a…
What mature themes appear in The X-Files?
The film is built on mature and complex themes of deep-seated government conspiracy, paranoia, and the cover-up of extraterrestrial life. Key plot points involve abduction, a child being infected with an alien parasite, and characters being held in suspended…
How long is The X-Files?
The X-Files runs 121 minutes, directed by Rob Bowman, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full The X-Files 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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