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Wing Commander (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the mid-27th century, the Terran Confederation is at war with the vicious alien Kilrathi Empire. When the Kilrathi capture a crucial navigational device that could lead them to Earth, the Confederation’s only hope rests with a small group of young fighter pilots. Lieutenant Christopher Blair, along with his wingman Todd 'Maniac' Marshall and Commander Jeanette 'Angel' Deveraux, must intercept the alien fleet and prevent the destruction of mankind. Battling overwhelming odds and racing against time, they face not only external… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 40m

4.8
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Wing Commander received its PG-13 rating for sci-fi action and some sexual references. The film contains frequent but largely bloodless spaceship battles, with lots of explosions and ships being destroyed. Thematic elements include the threat of planetary genocide, prejudice against a minority group, and the on-screen death of a sympathetic supporting character, Rosie Forbes, in a crash. There is also a scene of interrupted… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Freddie Prinze Jr.
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Saffron Burrows
Saffron Burrows
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard
Tchéky Karyo
Tchéky Karyo
Jürgen Prochnow
Jürgen Prochnow
David Suchet
David Suchet
David Warner
David Warner
Ginny Holder
Ginny Holder
Hugh Quarshie
Hugh Quarshie
Ken Bones
Ken Bones
JM
John McGlynn
Richard Dillane
Richard Dillane
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Is Wing Commander appropriate for kids?

Wing Commander received its PG-13 rating for sci-fi action and some sexual references. The film contains frequent but largely bloodless spaceship battles, with lots of explosions and ships being destroyed. Thematic elements include the threat of planetary genocide, prejudice… Read more — free account

Content severity in Wing Commander

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Wing Commander, moment by moment

  1. 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:20 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
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Sex and nudity in Wing Commander

Sexual content is mild. One scene depicts two pilots, Marshall and Rosie, kissing and beginning to fool around in a bunk before they are interrupted; no nudity is shown. Other content is limited to romantic tension and flirting between the main characters, Blair and Deveraux, including a kiss at the end of the film.

Violence and gore in Wing Commander

Violence consists almost entirely of sci-fi space combat. There are frequent dogfights with laser fire and missile strikes, resulting in numerous ships exploding. A key supporting character dies when her damaged fighter crashes on a flight deck. Another character is briefly seen with a bloody forehead after an accident. The violence is bloodless and focused on ship destruction rather than graphic harm to individuals, though the scale of fleet destruction is significant.

Language in Wing Commander

Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word 'shit' is used a few times, along with other minor expletives like 'hell' and 'damn'. Profanity is not pervasive.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Wing Commander

Substance use is minimal. Characters are briefly shown drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages socially in the ship's mess hall. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Wing Commander

The film's primary themes involve war, sacrifice, and prejudice. The central conflict is a genocidal war against humanity, and the stakes are the complete annihilation of Earth. A major character's death is shown on screen and has an emotional impact on the crew. The main character, Blair, faces bigotry and distrust from his squadmates due to his 'Pilgrim' heritage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wing Commander appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Wing Commander is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Wing Commander received its PG-13 rating for sci-fi action and some sexual references. The film contains frequent but largely bloodless spaceship battles, with lots of explosions and ships being destroyed. Thematic…

What age rating does Wing Commander have?

Wing Commander is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Wing Commander about?

Wing Commander received its PG-13 rating for sci-fi action and some sexual references. The film contains frequent but largely bloodless spaceship battles, with lots of explosions and ships being destroyed. Thematic elements include the threat of planetary genocide, prejudice against a minority group, and the on-screen…

Is there sex or nudity in Wing Commander?

Sexual content is mild. One scene depicts two pilots, Marshall and Rosie, kissing and beginning to fool around in a bunk before they are interrupted; no nudity is shown. Other content is limited to romantic tension and flirting between the main characters…

How violent is Wing Commander?

Violence consists almost entirely of sci-fi space combat. There are frequent dogfights with laser fire and missile strikes, resulting in numerous ships exploding. A key supporting character dies when her damaged fighter crashes on a flight deck. Another…

Is the language in Wing Commander appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word 'shit' is used a few times, along with other minor expletives like 'hell' and 'damn'. Profanity is not pervasive.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Wing Commander?

Substance use is minimal. Characters are briefly shown drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages socially in the ship's mess hall. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in Wing Commander?

The film's primary themes involve war, sacrifice, and prejudice. The central conflict is a genocidal war against humanity, and the stakes are the complete annihilation of Earth. A major character's death is shown on screen and has an emotional impact on the…

How long is Wing Commander?

Wing Commander runs 100 minutes, directed by Christopher Roberts, released in 1999.

Where can I read the full Wing Commander parent guide?

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