Wondering if Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is ok for kids? It’s is a fun, globetrotting adventure full of new faces and some familiar friends. After more than 40 years, Indy has still got it. Here’s what parents need to know in this parents guide to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Parents Guide
In this 5th installment of Indiana Jones, daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.
Although Indy may not be as young and agile as he once was, Harrison Ford still has the charm and charisma.
Age Rating: Why is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Rated PG-13?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is Rated PG-13 for Action, Violence, Language, and Smoking which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 13.
Language in Indiana Jones 5
Language is moderate for a PG-13 movie. There are a few uses of damn and one use of g-ddammit and sh*t. The word hell is used on a few occasions, in one instance it is said many times as a crowd repeatedly chants “Hell no, we won’t go”. Other variations include “Give them hell” and “What the hell?”
There are also uses of Deity including “oh g-d” and Jesus. Also phrases like “piss me off” are used.
Mature Content: Is Indiana Jones 5 OK for Kids?
Indiana Jones is shown shirtless, getting out of bed.
There is some hugging and kissing between characters.
Characters drink alcohol.
Mature topics include death and grief.
Violence: Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Too Scary for Kids?
There is a lot of violence, but nothing particularly bloody, gory, or graphic. There are plenty of weapons including guns, knives, spears, arrows, and a whip, of course. There is a lot of kicking, punching, and shooting. Many characters die from gunshots, most are not graphic, but a couple are more close up, with some blood shown. One character is drowned, which may be the most disturbing scene.
The movie is filled with other action scenes including chases, explosions, and crashes – car crashes, train crashes, plane crashes.
One scary element for kids is a dark cave with creepy things including a tomb filled with lots of skeletons.
Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
With a running time of 2 hours and 22 minutes, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny may drag a bit for some, especially younger children. It’s very long and could have have been shorter. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is kid friendly for ages 10 and older.
Some kids may want to watch due to Helena’s young side-kick Teddy, played by Ethan Isidore. Teddy is likable, clever and a key member of the cast, but not quite the scene-stealer that Ke Huy Quan was as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Indiana Jones 5 is action-packed, but some scenes elevate Indy to almost superhero status with him performing tasks that are generally reserved for super soldiers like Captain America. However, they were minor in the grand scheme of the movie as a whole.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny relies on some nostalgia, but it’s also more than that. These old friends are worth seeing on the big screen. It’s not the best Indy movie, but it’s good enough. Indiana Jones needed a proper send off.
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