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Alien

(1979, Rated R, Horror, Starring Sigourney Weaver)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Dated, but still scary. Not for younger kids.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A famously-courageous heroine, but rest of the ensemble are fatalities waiting to happen.
  • Violence :

    Grisly monster attacks, a humanlike robot beats up the heroine, then winds up dismembered himself.
  • Sex :

    Cast strips to next to nothing for their deep-space hibernation.
  • Language:

    Expletives when faced with monster outbreak.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some beer drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Alien

Parents need to know that, while the demonic space monsters at the center of this 1979 classic shocker have since been overexposed via inferior sequels, video games, parodies, and comic books (even Superman battled them!), some of the best minds in cinema tried to ensure this movie would be a nightmare-inducer. Keep that in mind. Indeed, small kids are better off with E.T. Teens can take it for the thrill-ride that it is, and perhaps even discuss why they think it works so well (or doesn't) in evoking elemental terror.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why the movie was so effective (or not) in evoking fear.
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Alien?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 29 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    Graphic but spectacular sci-fi classic is very scary for kids.

    Parents should know that this film has graphic violence including the infamous scene in which a baby alien bursts forth from a screaming man's gut. Other bloody attacks are implied and shown and there are jump scenes, There is some strong language in the movie and there are no strong messages.

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    I like it

    WOW!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 17
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Just a heads up its hard to see but I saw it without even looking, when ash goes on a rampage there are pictures of naked women (breast shown) in different sexual positions taped up on the wall, it is seen throughout the whole scene

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