Poster for The Kingdom

The Kingdom (1994) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The Kingdom is the most technologically advanced hospital in Denmark, a gleaming bastion of medical science. A rash of uncanny occurrences, however, begins to weaken the staff's faith in science – a phantom ambulance pulls in every night, but disappears; voices echo in the elevator shaft; and a pregnant doctor's fetus seems to be developing much faster than is natural.

TV-MA • 1994 • 3 seasons

7.6
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
17+

Lars von Trier's "The Kingdom" is a supernatural dark comedy set in a haunted Danish hospital, and its TV-MA rating is well-earned due to severe horror and graphic content. The series is defined by its frequent and disturbing violence, which includes zombies eating a man's flesh, graphic surgical gore, and a subplot involving a decapitated head. Its most notable content, however, is its surreal and intense body horror, particularly a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Søren Pilmark
Søren Pilmark
Ghita Nørby
Ghita Nørby
Birgitte Raaberg
Birgitte Raaberg
Peter Mygind
Peter Mygind
Solbjørg Højfeldt
Solbjørg Højfeldt
Udo Kier
Udo Kier
Birthe Neumann
Birthe Neumann
Henning Jensen
Henning Jensen
Bodil Jørgensen
Bodil Jørgensen
Mikael Persbrandt
Mikael Persbrandt
Lars Mikkelsen
Lars Mikkelsen
Nicolas Bro
Nicolas Bro
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is The Kingdom appropriate for kids?

Lars von Trier's "The Kingdom" is a supernatural dark comedy set in a haunted Danish hospital, and its TV-MA rating is well-earned due to severe horror and graphic content. The series is defined by its frequent and disturbing violence, which includes zombies eating a man's… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Kingdom Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Moderate 4/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 8/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Kingdom

Sexual content is mild and often played for dark humor or shock value. One scene depicts a man standing behind a sheet, manipulated to appear as if he has an erect penis. There is a creepy scene of a woman breastfeeding a deformed baby with an adult head, which is unsettling rather than sexual. No explicit nudity is shown in this season.

Violence and gore in The Kingdom

Moderate violence with some gory elements is featured. This includes a subplot involving the severed head of a patient, which is used for blackmail and shown on screen. Surgical procedures show some internal organs, and characters experience unsettling physical manifestations, such as a fetus growing at an alarming rate. These scenes contribute to the show's prevalent body horror.

Language in The Kingdom

Frequent strong language is used, most notably by the character Dr. Helmer, who often refers to his Danish colleagues as 'Danish f***ers.' Other characters occasionally use mild to moderate profanity, contributing to the show's dark and cynical tone.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Kingdom

Mild substance use is present, primarily depicting hospital staff smoking cigarettes and drinking beer casually during their free time. These instances are not central to the plot and do not involve misuse or addiction.

Mature themes in The Kingdom

This season delves deeper into themes of medical malpractice, death, and supernatural horror. Dr. Helmer experiences intense psychological distress and paranoia, leading him to dabble in black magic. Mrs. Drusse interacts with ghosts and demonic entities. The birth of a monstrous baby and a subplot involving a severed head contribute to pervasive unsettling and frightening moments.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Kingdom appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Kingdom is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Lars von Trier's "The Kingdom" is a supernatural dark comedy set in a haunted Danish hospital, and its TV-MA rating is well-earned due to severe horror and graphic content. The series is defined by its frequent and…

What age rating does The Kingdom have?

The Kingdom is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is The Kingdom about?

Lars von Trier's "The Kingdom" is a supernatural dark comedy set in a haunted Danish hospital, and its TV-MA rating is well-earned due to severe horror and graphic content. The series is defined by its frequent and disturbing violence, which includes zombies eating a man's flesh, graphic surgical gore, and a subplot…

How many seasons does The Kingdom have?

The Kingdom has 3 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Kingdom?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Kingdom.

How violent is The Kingdom?

Violence isn't a standout concern across The Kingdom per our reviewers.

Is the language in The Kingdom appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Kingdom.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Kingdom?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Kingdom.

What mature themes appear in The Kingdom?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Kingdom.

Where can I read the full The Kingdom parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.