Poster for White House Down

White House Down (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Capitol Policeman John Cale has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service protecting President James Sawyer. Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation's government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 11m

6.5
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Age
13+

White House Down is an action-thriller following a Capitol police officer, John Cale, who must save the President after a paramilitary group seizes the White House. The film earns its PG-13 rating through pervasive gunfire, explosive sequences, and intense hostage situations involving a pre-teen character. Parents should be aware of moderate language, occasional bloody violence, and scenes of significant peril for children. While the… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Channing Tatum
Channing Tatum
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Jason Clarke
Jason Clarke
Richard Jenkins
Richard Jenkins
Joey King
Joey King
James Woods
James Woods
Nicolas Wright
Nicolas Wright
Jimmi Simpson
Jimmi Simpson
Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy
Rachelle Lefevre
Rachelle Lefevre
Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick
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Is White House Down appropriate for kids?

White House Down is an action-thriller following a Capitol police officer, John Cale, who must save the President after a paramilitary group seizes the White House. The film earns its PG-13 rating through pervasive gunfire, explosive sequences, and intense hostage situations… Read more — free account

Content severity in White House Down

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in White House Down, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  2. 0:12 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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Sex and nudity in White House Down

The film contains a fleeting image of a couple in bed viewed through a thermal scope during the opening scene. There is one verbal exchange where a character jokes about trying to 'get to second base.'

Violence and gore in White House Down

Violence is frequent and intense, featuring pervasive gunfire, stabbings, and large-scale explosions. Key scenes include characters being shot with visible blood, a hostage executed via a grenade vest, and hand-to-hand combat involving improvised weapons like pens and heavy objects. While many deaths are stylized, the intensity remains high throughout the runtime.

Language in White House Down

Language includes one usage of the f-word, multiple instances of 's-words,' and several uses of 'bitch' and 'prick.' The Lord's name is taken in vain repeatedly throughout the dialogue.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in White House Down

Substance use is minimal and incidental. A character is seen taking medication, and another is seen chewing Nicorette gum, with one brief shot of a character consuming alcohol.

Mature themes in White House Down

The film deals with themes of political betrayal, domestic terrorism, the loss of children, and the corruption of the military-industrial complex. These mature concepts provide the motivation for the antagonist's actions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is White House Down appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests White House Down is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. White House Down is an action-thriller following a Capitol police officer, John Cale, who must save the President after a paramilitary group seizes the White House. The film earns its PG-13 rating through pervasive…

What age rating does White House Down have?

White House Down is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is White House Down about?

White House Down is an action-thriller following a Capitol police officer, John Cale, who must save the President after a paramilitary group seizes the White House. The film earns its PG-13 rating through pervasive gunfire, explosive sequences, and intense hostage situations involving a pre-teen character. Parents…

Is there sex or nudity in White House Down?

The film contains a fleeting image of a couple in bed viewed through a thermal scope during the opening scene. There is one verbal exchange where a character jokes about trying to 'get to second base.'

How violent is White House Down?

Violence is frequent and intense, featuring pervasive gunfire, stabbings, and large-scale explosions. Key scenes include characters being shot with visible blood, a hostage executed via a grenade vest, and hand-to-hand combat involving improvised weapons like…

Is the language in White House Down appropriate for kids?

Language includes one usage of the f-word, multiple instances of 's-words,' and several uses of 'bitch' and 'prick.' The Lord's name is taken in vain repeatedly throughout the dialogue.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in White House Down?

Substance use is minimal and incidental. A character is seen taking medication, and another is seen chewing Nicorette gum, with one brief shot of a character consuming alcohol.

What mature themes appear in White House Down?

The film deals with themes of political betrayal, domestic terrorism, the loss of children, and the corruption of the military-industrial complex. These mature concepts provide the motivation for the antagonist's actions.

How long is White House Down?

White House Down runs 131 minutes, directed by Roland Emmerich, released in 2013.

Where can I read the full White House Down parent guide?

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