Superman's Parents Guide: Why the 2025 Hero Might Not Be Kid-Friendly

A New Era for Superman

James Gunn's Superman has finally taken flight, and it's setting the stage for a new era in the DC Universe. The film has received an impressive 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong critical acclaim, while audiences have given it a remarkable 95% rating. This success at the box office suggests that DC Studios' relaunched franchise is on track for significant growth.

Starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the movie brings the iconic superhero back to the big screen in a way that feels both triumphant and heartfelt. It's exactly the kind of uplifting story that many are hoping for in today's world.

While the film is likely to attract a wide audience, especially families, there are some considerations to keep in mind regarding its suitability for younger viewers.

Rating and Content Overview

Like most superhero films, Superman is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of "action, violence, and language." This rating aligns with what fans have come to expect from James Gunn's work, including his direction of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. These movies often blend lighthearted humor with deeper themes, along with intense action scenes and occasional profanity.

If you're planning to take your children to see the movie or watch it together later, it's worth understanding what the film includes.

Violence: A Key Concern

Violence is one of the most notable elements in Superman. As a superhero film, it features numerous action sequences involving monsters, henchmen, and metahumans. There are also energy blasts and high-octane fights. However, there are some particularly graphic scenes that might be more intense than expected for younger viewers.

The film opens with Superman lying in a bloody heap in the snow after suffering his first defeat. His lip is busted, and he bleeds into the snow. Krypto arrives and tries to lighten the mood with playful behavior. This scene has been featured in several trailers, so you can check it out if you're curious.

Another disturbing moment involves Superman being held against his will, and someone is shot in the head right in front of him. While the scene is shown from a distance, it's still quite heavy and may feel out of place in a mostly light-hearted movie.

There's also a scene where a character bursts into acid, causing armed guards to claw at their melting face masks. The film cuts away before showing anything too graphic, but the scene takes place in a dark setting.

In another fight, a villain attempts to harm someone by flooding their lungs with black nanites. The scene is prolonged, showing the substance covering the other character's face and entering their body through their mouth. It's an intense moment that could be unsettling for younger viewers.

Scary Moments

Although Superman is primarily family-friendly, there are some frightening scenes. One standout moment involves Superman battling a giant kaiju-like creature that breathes fire and causes destruction in Metropolis. This scene is visible in the film's trailers, so you can preview it if you prefer.

Additionally, there's a part of the movie set in a darker location that looks haunting and might be scary for younger audiences.

Language: A Common Element

Superman features some instances of mild profanity, which is not unusual for superhero films. However, James Gunn's style often leans into this a bit more. Lois Lane uses the word "sht" frequently, and there are other terms like "piss," "son of a btch," "hell," and "as*hole."

One memorable moment from the trailers shows Green Lantern Guy Gardner using his ring to generate giant green middle finger gestures.

Romantic Scenes and No Nudity

There are no explicit sexual scenes or nudity in Superman. However, there are some romantic moments, including a passionate make-out session between Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

Alcohol and Drugs

There is one scene towards the end of the film where a character describes someone who likes to get drunk and party. That character appears in the scene looking visibly intoxicated.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Superman does explore more mature themes at times, but it remains suitable for general audiences. The film is marketed as an uplifting and feel-good superhero movie, and it delivers on that promise. While it occasionally ventures into darker territory, these moments serve to highlight the triumphs that follow.

If the movie had pushed the boundaries too far, its rating would likely have been higher, but it remains at a PG-13. In the UK, for example, it has earned a 12A rating, meaning it's appropriate for viewers 12 and over, though children under 12 can watch it with an adult.

Of course, every child is different, and parents know their kids best. If you're unsure, watching the movie yourself first could help you decide whether it's right for your family. If your children are familiar with superhero films and can handle more mature content, Superman should be a good fit for them.