Avengers: Endgame wraps up the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we've known it for almost the last 11 years - but is it suitable for kids to see? Anticipation of the final Avengers installment is at fever pitch, and everyone is clamoring to see it, including kids. For a lot of kids, Marvel movies have become a staple of their childhood. Even if they've not watched all the movies, characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and, more recently, Captain Marvel, have entered popular culture in such a way that even the very young know who they are and what they do.
Avengers: Endgame picks up where last year's Avengers: Infinity War left off; with half of the universe eroded from existence thanks to Thanos' deadly finger snap. Undoubtedly, the remaining Avengers and their superhero allies will be working to defeat Thanos and, hopefully, right the universe once more. As is the way with Marvel movies, there will be losses along the way. Avengers: Infinity War was considered to be the darkest MCU entry at the time of its release, but by its very nature, Avengers: Endgame will be darker still. So how suitable is it for kids? Endgame has a PG-13 rating in the U.S., which means that anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult if they wish to see it, and a classification of 12A in the U.K. - thus meaning it's about the same as Infinity War. But there are some things worth pointing out.
The BBFC Guide warns of "moderate violence," specifically "regular fantasy violence," and "occasional bloody detail." It also warns of mild bad language, but it's not terrible enough to warrant more than a brief note. Broadly speaking, kids are able to deal with fantasy violence better than anything realistic. They know they're unlikely to walk down the street and see Thanos coming after them. Equally, they know that Iron Man isn't likely to come to their defense, either, and so they're able to recognize, even subconsciously, that what's on screen reflects no potential real-life threat. With regards to the cuss words, again, most kids know those words aren't to be used day to day, but if you are the type who takes real issue with kids hearing mild swearing, stay away.
One important aspect of Avengers: Endgame to note when deciding to take children is that it's an incredibly emotive movie, with at least two profoundly sad moments. These will be upsetting for adults (just take a look on Twitter to see how many people said they cried), and even more so for children. If you know your kids will have difficulty with sadness on screen, don't take them. This movie is three hours long and you'll end up having to leave if the kids in your care are too upset. Arguably, though, it may be good for children to experience sadness in a movie featuring characters they adore. Avengers: Endgame also has happy moments; it's not all bleak and depressing, and that's a pretty accurate representation of what happens in real life. Sad things do happen to good people, and we have to deal with it and carry on. In that regard, Avengers: Endgame can teach a pretty powerful lesson.
Ultimately, you know the kids in your care. We wouldn't necessarily recommend this movie for kids under 7, and certainly not in theaters owing to the length of it and also its intense nature. For those age 7-11 (ish) exercise caution if your kids are particularly sensitive or anxious. Those age 12 upwards should be fine, but you may want to warn them that it's likely they will cry. If you're in any way concerned, we would recommend you watch Avengers: Endgame by yourself, first, in order that you can make a more informed choice.
Key Release Dates
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The Avengers 4
Release Date:2019-04-26 -
spider-man homecoming 2
Release Date:2019-07-02
