I’ve been waiting for Avengers: Infinity War for a long time, and it’s finally here. I think many parents were surprised by the violence in Black Panther. It’s not that there isn’t any violence in Marvel films, but the close up fist fights and hand-to-hand combat were hard for sensitive viewers and young children. So is Avengers: Infinity War kid friendly? I have your spoiler free parents guide to Avengers: Infinity War and will give you the scoop on violence, language, and sexual content.
Is Avengers: Infinity War Kid Friendly?
Writing anything about Avengers: Infinity War is going to be hard so as not to give you any spoilers. I’m not about that spoiler life, plus the Russo brothers already warned us that Thanos demands our silence. So I’ll start off with the nitty gritty.
Sexual Content in Avengers Infinity War
There is no nudity in Avengers: Infinity War. Not even shirts off this go around, except for Drax which is his regular look. There are a couple of kisses, but nothing to make you uncomfortable.
Profanity in Avengers Infinity War
There is some language in Avengers: Infinity War. I didn’t get an exact count, because I was really engrossed in the film, but I am pretty sensitive to profanity. I counted at least a few hells, dammits, a**holes, and s**t. They also make a reference to Jesus in an irreverent way, and I heard a douchebag in there. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is worse in that regard.
ETA: I went back to see it in the theaters and also noticed a couple of a**, also a handful of references to God like “oh my God,” not GD. There was also a reference to a nut sack (in typical Peter Quill fashion).
Violence in Avengers Infinity War
So on a scale in violence, I would rate this higher (meaning more violence) than Captain America: Civil War and lower than Black Panther. There are fight scenes that will make sensitive children cringe. Also, some creatures in the film are nightmare-inducing (see pic below). There is blood, destruction, and explosions.
A Parent’s Guide to Avengers: Infinity War
Is Avengers: Infinity War safe for kids? Well it features almost all the major characters from every Marvel movie made, so kids will want to watch it. When Thanos starts seeking the six Infinity Stones and wants to destroy half the universe, the Avengers must band together with old and new allies to defeat him in their most difficult challenge yet.
Marvel President, Kevin Feige, had already said that characters will die and that Marvel fans should be careful what they wish for – permanent deaths. I’m not going to say who or what, but be prepared. Parents, if you want to get caught up with and screen the other Marvel films, then watch these Marvel movies in order before watching Avengers: Infinity War.
What Ages Should Watch Avengers Infinity War?
As always, use your best judgement. I would recommend Avengers: Infinity War for ages 10 and up. If your kids are big fans and have seen the other Marvel films, then you could go younger. I will bring my daughters ages 9 and up.
I think sensitive content and violence will be an issue for younger children, and the length of the movie. At 2 1/2 hours, it’s long, and there are multiple story lines that may be hard for young kids to follow. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time, and Captain America’s face accurately describes my face most of the time while watching.
Should You Bring Your Kids to Avengers Infinity War?
Let me be honest without spoiling anything. It’s emotional. If your kids are sensitive and internalize things and will stew on feelings, do not take them to see this. No movie is worth it. Wait until the Blu-ray comes out. It’s different on a little screen versus a big screen.
Is Avengers: Infinity War kid friendly? I wouldn’t say friendly. Older kids will enjoy it. Younger Marvel fans will, too, but they will see their favorite heroes suffering. I watched Avengers: Infinity War again last night and the reactions of the movie goers are telling. You need time to process. So just be aware if your child can handle that.
Is Avengers: Infinity War Worth the Hype?
If you’re a Marvel fan, you have to watch Avengers: Infinity War! And you’ll probably need to watch it many times. 10 years of Marvel has been leading to this film. There is humor, action, love, sacrifice, and all the other emotions you can pack into one movie. I’m not gonna lie – it’s a roller coaster, but a ride I didn’t want to stop.
If you have questions whether you should take your kids to Avengers Infinity War, I always encourage parents to watch the movie first if you’re unsure or at least read reviews to see if it’s on par with your values. Here is my is Black Panther kid friendly review to give you an example of my mom meter.
And side note: I was walking out of the Dolby theater behind Scarlett Johansson, and I overheard her telling friends that Avengers 4 is bananas! So hold on to your popcorn buckets, we’re in for a wild ride!
Avengers: Infinity War is now in theaters!
Linus F. Didier says
Hi Tania:
Thank you for your review.
It is very important to me that movie reviews are clear, as to whether there is damning of God, or the taking of Jesus’ name in vain.
I am bitterly disappointed to read that Avengers – Infinity Wars went in that direction, at least with the name of Jesus.
The original Avengers and Black Panther were totally free of cursing God and taking Jesus name in vain. I enjoyed those movies very much.
It seems to me that Hollywood must continue on its agenda. I am not sure that I will be going to see this movie.
Many years ago, I pulled my entire family out of a cinema for the same reason – the movie then was – Avatar.
tanialamb says
Yeah, I was disappointed to hear those words, too. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a Hollywood Agenda, just that it’s the way some people speak, so for them, it’s normal way of conversation.
DasikCZ says
I didn’t mind at all. I considered the Jesus reference as clever clue that the person was from Earth. And it was totally in character for this character.
tanialamb says
I agree it’s completely in character for Peter Quill. And while it may be a normal thing to you, it may not be to others. And that’s ok, too. That’s why people voice their opinions and whether filmmakers want to take note, that’s up to them. They’re just letting them know that it’s offensive/important to them and that they won’t spend their dollars to watch the film if those words are included.
DasikCZ says
Yeah, I completely respect that. It just feel too much for me, because even my most Christian friends didn’t mind that.
They didn’t like Doctor Strange in it though, because they hate magic and consider it occultism.
Linus F. Didier says
Hi Tania:
The next time you do a movie review, keep a count on how many times the characters take the name of Jesus Christ and damn God’s name.
You might be surprised.
tanialamb says
No, I definitely am surprised. And I notice it more as people have asked me specifically to start mentioning it in reviews.
DasikCZ says
I consider it totally normal thing. It’s just part of common people conversation. I respect that some people are sensitive about it, but on the other hand they shouldn’t be oversensitive.
Jennifer says
Hi. I work as a master’s-level therapist with individuals and families. I would urge a little more caution with Infinity War. The movie is very graphic involves very heavy themes. I would not recommend this movie for a child under the age of 12. Images are very powerful to adolescents and young children. It is thought the subconscious at that age does not fully discern between reality… and what they experience, see and hear on the big screen (esp. in Dolby digital widescreen and surround sound). For a child to see characters that they have come to know and love perish so vividly, and in such great number, that can be devastating to a child. It can be overwhelming to their emotional processing capacity. I would say consider the PG-13 rating for this movie very seriously.
tanialamb says
I understand what you’re saying and agree with some of the things you suggest. I have a degree in social work. However I don’t agree with the assessment that no child under 12 should watch this movie just like I wouldn’t say all children over 13 would be ok watching it. I think it depends on the child and also to what degree they understand what’s going on in the film. Essentially they dissipate, but they’re not dead.
Comicfanboy says
Is no one here actually reading the comic books? You know the ones that this movie is based on? That came out in the 90’s? If you’re surprised that characters “die” in this movie…I mean, I got no answer for ya. If you think they won’t come back, as a dyed in the wool comic fan…the literally all always come back. They do in the Infinity Guantlet books.
However I do agree that some kids, no matter how you prep them for the movie shouldn’t go see it until their parent thinks they are ready.
Mel says
Thank you for the thorough review. I was undecided about taking my eight year old. I’m going have him sit this one out based on the trailers and this review.
tanialamb says
You’re welcome! At the end of the day, I think it’s better to wait if you’re undecided. There will always be an opportunity to watch!