Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Kid Friendly? | No Spoiler Movie Review

The Rise of Skywalker is a lot, emotionally. It’s a lot. Episode IX is the end of the Skywalker saga, so whenever there is an end, there is emotion. Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker kid friendly? Parents need to be most concerned about the violence and the evil scary components. This non-spoiler The Rise of Skywalker movie review is going to be short, because you can’t say much without spoiling anything. However, just because your kids saw the other Star Wars movies, doesn’t mean they need to see this one in theaters. 

Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Kid Friendly?

In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe’s journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences. Will you get answers in The Rise of Skywalker? Yes, you will, but that doesn’t mean you’ll like them. 

That also doesn’t mean your child will like them. Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker safe for kids? I would not recommend it for kids under 8. However, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is generally ok for kids who have seen every single Star Wars movie. I don’t think there’s anyway to stop them from seeing it, but once again, be mindful of the emotional heaviness and darkness.

Language

There are a few bad words like a**, damn, and hell. I think I counted a total of six, so profanity is light for a PG-13 movie.

Violence

This is where Star Wars movies get their PG-13 rating from…violence and action, albeit sci-fi violence. Yes, there is a ton of violence in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker from the opening sequence to the end of the movie which may effect little kids who are sensitive to seeing their friends get hurt.

The action never stops and some of that includes death. There are also some close-up shots of the violence which makes it feel more real. Sometimes blasters and lightsabers soften the blow, which aren’t weapons you see on the street besides Disney World and Comic Cons. Be aware of some scary creatures and tense moments.

Mature Content

Episode IX is heavy. People were crying in the theater, myself included. There are plenty of emotional moments; don’t try to guess them. Emotionally, I would say it ranges between Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One. 

Also, there’s some flirtation and kisses between a man and a woman and between two women.

Is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Appropriate for Kids Under 10?

This is always a hard question for me to answer, because only you know your child and how they handle different situations. With a running time of 2 hours and 22 minutes, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be long for kids 8 and under. It’s mostly action-packed, but there are some lulls where scenes could have been shorter. 

I recommend Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker for kids 10 and up, and it’s safe for kids younger than that if they are huge Star Wars fans and are used to Star Wars content. I would increase the age recommendation to ages 12 and older if they don’t like the Harry Potter movies. Strange comment, yes, but if they don’t like that creepy, Sith-type feel, then maybe watch this one at home. There’s some Voldemort-like parts. 

Though, it will be nearly impossible to avoid spoilers until an in-home release.

Will Kids Like Star Wars: Episode IX?

I don’t know. It’s violent, it’s creepy, but it’s also funny and was made for the fans! There’s a lot of fan service – meaning, yes you’ll get some nods to old Star Wars quotes like “Never underestimate a droid.” J.J. Abrams was never going to please everybody; Star Wars fans are too volatile, but you have to judge for yourself. 

The new Star Wars characters like Jannah, Zorri Bliss, D-O, and Babu Frik are scene stealers and fun additions to the Star Wars family! If you don’t love Babu Frik as much as you love Baby Yoda, then I’m not sure about humanity anymore. Honestly, I’m happy to see more female Star Wars characters making appearances. 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will not satisfy everyone. It’s not without fault and a bit all over the place trying to answer questions from a trilogy that never seems to know where its going. The Mandalorian will probably satisfy more Star Wars purists.

However, J.J. Abrams does a beautiful job of restoring hope to a fan base and world that need it, unless you’re cynical, then not even Obi-Wan can help you. 

Overall, The Rise of Skywalker is family friendly and will be a great addition for older kids and parents to add to the holiday line-up.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is in theaters December 20th! 

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