The messages of hope and perseverance are powerful in this movie. However, there is some language that is not appropriate for a PG movie (A**, Sonofab****, S**** etc) and there are some inappropriate sexual references involving teens. Preview it before watching with the kids...
Tools for this page
October Sky
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, growing up
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
-
Role models:
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About October Sky
Parents need to know that this moving drama based on a true story centers on a very difficult, tense father-son relationship. Ultimately, the movie is about following your dreams, no matter how unachievable they might feel. In one scene, a drunken stepfather beats up one of the main character's friends; there's also some surprisingly strong language for a PG-rated movie (including "s--t") and a few mild sexual references.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how Homer, not a great student and not especially strong in math, becomes so inspired by an idea that he begins to think in new ways. Has that ever happened to you?
- Why it was hard for John to support Homer's ambitions? Why did his mother see it differently?
- Do you think Homer made the right choice in going to work in the mine -- and in leaving it?
- How does the movie portray the way that "nerds" are treated in school? Do you think people are evaluated differently in school than they are once they get out?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Awesome message, language is a bit gritty.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect family movie, or just to watch by yourself! Best movie ever!
I absolutely fell in love with this movie when I first saw it. I saw October Sky 6 times, and never get tired of it! One of the best movies I have ever seen. Very heart-warming and inspiring.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Inspiring Family Film for All! A Must-See!
OCTOBER SKY is the best. Here we have pin-point acting, marvelous directing, and an inspiring story about tolerance and following your dreams. It's beautiful. After teen Homer Hickam sees Sputnik race across the sky, he is determined to build rockets. One would think that's okay, but it's hard for Homer. He lives in Coalwood, a small, no-name town that relies on its coal mine for everything. To sum it up: No coal mine, no Coalwood. Homer's efforts are discouraged constantly by his miner father and his school principal, but are encouraged by schoolteacher Miss Riley and his mother. So Homer and his buddies hike a few miles, build a launch pad, and let the rockets fly. (SPOILER) Their brilliant work leads to victory at the nationwide science fair. Cursing is strong for a PG rating, but not as frequent as BACK TO THE FUTURE. "b**ch", "a*s", "da*n", and "s**t" are used many times. There is really no sex outside of teenage boys planning to wrap their arms around pretty girls, and the only violence is when a boy is briefly and non-graphically beat by his step-father. The beating is halted by Homer's dad. Really, OCTOBER SKY is the best. It's all you can hope for from movies. The acting is perfect, especially Laura Dern, who is an on-screen gem as Miss Riley. Watch it with your whole family and enjoy. This movie is a perfect example of what attracted us to movies in the first place. Highly reccommended.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Best Movie I Ever Saw
I loved this movie, my 6th grade science teacher showed it to me just this year. We were doing a rocket unit was why, and I thought it was phenomenal.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Meh...
Am I the only one who didn't really like this movie? Well, I thought it was decent, wholesome family entertainment, but had a feeling of 'been there done that' to it. It's just another inspirational 'true story' kind of film, that's been done countless times before. But the main problem with 'October Sky' was the ending, which I found to be overly sentimental and rather corny, and caused some unintentional laughs from me. Overall, I thought this was an okay movie-mildly entertaining, and has a good cast, but far too sentimental, and the whole thing is more unexciting than inspiring.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A definate must-see.
This is an inspiring movie that will move you and your children. It sends a powerful and good message about following your dreams. There is very little sexual content and some language, but nothing that should stop you from watching it...I highly reccomend it to everyone! Great for 11+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A great movie
This is an excellent movie, which is very inspiring. However, there are a few sexual references, and Homer and his girlfriend are shown in a steamed-up car. There is also some strong language for a PG.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
