Twister (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An unprecedented series of violent tornadoes is sweeping across Oklahoma. Tornado chasers, headed by Dr. Jo Harding, attempt to release a groundbreaking device that will allow them to track them and create a more advanced warning system. They are joined by Jo's soon to be ex-husband Bill, a former tornado chaser himself, and his girlfriend Melissa.
Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 53m
Twister earns its PG-13 rating for relentless and intense sequences of disaster-related peril. The film follows storm chasers Jo and Bill Harding in Oklahoma as they pursue massive tornadoes, resulting in frequent scenes of destruction, property damage, and intense danger. Parents should be aware of several character deaths, including two that are shown on-screen when a truck is thrown by a tornado and explodes. Profanity is frequent… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Twister appropriate for kids?
Twister earns its PG-13 rating for relentless and intense sequences of disaster-related peril. The film follows storm chasers Jo and Bill Harding in Oklahoma as they pursue massive tornadoes, resulting in frequent scenes of destruction, property damage, and intense danger… Read more — free account
Content severity in Twister
What happens in Twister, moment by moment
- 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Twister
None. The central plot involves an estranged married couple reconciling, which includes some kissing and romantic tension, but there is no nudity or sexual content.
Violence and gore in Twister
The violence is strong and consists entirely of intense, sustained disaster-related peril. Characters are constantly in danger from powerful tornadoes that destroy homes, vehicles, and a drive-in theater. The opening scene shows a man killed by being sucked out of a storm cellar. Several characters are seen with bloody but non-graphic injuries. Two antagonist characters are killed on-screen when their truck is lifted by an F5 tornado and explodes upon hitting the ground.
Language in Twister
Language is frequent and strong for a PG-13 film. There are over 15 uses of 'shit', multiple uses of 'son of a bitch', 'damn', 'hell', and exclamatory uses of 'Christ' and 'Jesus'. The film also contains one use of 'fuck', though it is shouted during a chaotic scene and can be difficult to discern.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Twister
There is a total absence of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use throughout the film. The story remains strictly focused on the scientific and survival elements of storm chasing without depicting social drinking or smoking. This lack of substance-related content is consistent with the film's fast-paced disaster-adventure tone and PG-13 rating.
Mature themes in Twister
Thematic content is moderate to strong. The film is built around the trauma of a main character who witnessed her father's death in a tornado as a child, a scene depicted at the start of the film. Themes of intense peril, survival, and grief are constant. There are also thematic elements of scientific hubris, as one character's arrogance leads directly to his and his driver's deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twister appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Twister is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Twister earns its PG-13 rating for relentless and intense sequences of disaster-related peril. The film follows storm chasers Jo and Bill Harding in Oklahoma as they pursue massive tornadoes, resulting in frequent…
What age rating does Twister have?
Twister is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Twister about?
Twister earns its PG-13 rating for relentless and intense sequences of disaster-related peril. The film follows storm chasers Jo and Bill Harding in Oklahoma as they pursue massive tornadoes, resulting in frequent scenes of destruction, property damage, and intense danger. Parents should be aware of several character…
Is there sex or nudity in Twister?
None. The central plot involves an estranged married couple reconciling, which includes some kissing and romantic tension, but there is no nudity or sexual content.
How violent is Twister?
The violence is strong and consists entirely of intense, sustained disaster-related peril. Characters are constantly in danger from powerful tornadoes that destroy homes, vehicles, and a drive-in theater. The opening scene shows a man killed by being sucked…
Is the language in Twister appropriate for kids?
Language is frequent and strong for a PG-13 film. There are over 15 uses of 'shit', multiple uses of 'son of a bitch', 'damn', 'hell', and exclamatory uses of 'Christ' and 'Jesus'. The film also contains one use of 'fuck', though it is shouted during a…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Twister?
There is a total absence of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use throughout the film. The story remains strictly focused on the scientific and survival elements of storm chasing without depicting social drinking or smoking. This lack of substance-related…
What mature themes appear in Twister?
Thematic content is moderate to strong. The film is built around the trauma of a main character who witnessed her father's death in a tornado as a child, a scene depicted at the start of the film. Themes of intense peril, survival, and grief are constant…
How long is Twister?
Twister runs 113 minutes, directed by Jan de Bont, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full Twister 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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