War Horse (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
On the brink of the First World War, Albert's beloved horse Joey is sold to the Cavalry by his father. Against the backdrop of the Great War, Joey begins an odyssey full of danger, joy, and sorrow, and he transforms everyone he meets along the way. Meanwhile, Albert, unable to forget his equine friend, searches the battlefields of France to find Joey and bring him home.
Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 2h 26m
A horse named Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the start of WWI — and both he and the boy who raised him must survive the war's horrors. Based on Michael Morpurgo's novel. PG-13 covers war violence.
Cast
Is War Horse appropriate for kids?
A horse named Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the start of WWI — and both he and the boy who raised him must survive the war's horrors. Based on Michael Morpurgo's novel. PG-13 covers war violence. Read more — free account
Content severity in War Horse
What happens in War Horse, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in War Horse
None.
Violence and gore in War Horse
WWI combat — cavalry charges, soldiers killed, horses in barbed wire. The violence of war depicted with PG-13 restraint but genuine weight.
Language in War Horse
Moderate language consistent with PG-13.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in War Horse
None.
Mature themes in War Horse
A film about the endurance of a bond across the chaos of war. Joey's journey through both sides of the conflict — British, German, French — as a way of showing war's universal human cost. Spielberg's sentimentality is earned through genuine craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is War Horse appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests War Horse is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A horse named Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the start of WWI — and both he and the boy who raised him must survive the war's horrors. Based on Michael Morpurgo's novel. PG-13 covers war violence.
What age rating does War Horse have?
War Horse is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is War Horse about?
A horse named Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the start of WWI — and both he and the boy who raised him must survive the war's horrors. Based on Michael Morpurgo's novel. PG-13 covers war violence.
Is there sex or nudity in War Horse?
None.
How violent is War Horse?
WWI combat — cavalry charges, soldiers killed, horses in barbed wire. The violence of war depicted with PG-13 restraint but genuine weight.
Is the language in War Horse appropriate for kids?
Moderate language consistent with PG-13.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in War Horse?
None.
What mature themes appear in War Horse?
A film about the endurance of a bond across the chaos of war. Joey's journey through both sides of the conflict — British, German, French — as a way of showing war's universal human cost. Spielberg's sentimentality is earned through genuine craft.
How long is War Horse?
War Horse runs 146 minutes, directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full War Horse 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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