Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superhero sequel has comic-book violence, creepy monsters.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
What's the Story?
IN AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is back and out for revenge. When a research mission turns up a Black Trident, Manta unleashes an ancient, evil force to destroy Atlantis and annihilate the Atlantean people. Arthur (Jason Momoa), now King of Atlantis, wisely realizes that if there's any hope of saving Atlantis and Earth, he must ask for help from an old rival.
Is It Any Good?
With this sequel, Aquaman secures his spot as the superhero whose movies may not be "good," but they are "good fun." And, with a hero like Momoa -- who's all in and loving it -- it's hard not be charmed. This action fantasy is best described as "dumb fun"; you can't help but enjoy yourself, even if you feel brain cells dripping out of your ear.
The original Aquaman was a Cain and Abel tale, and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom turns that brotherly hate into wary love -- in fact, it's so reminiscent of two of Marvel's famous battling bros that Arthur jibes his brother (Patrick Wilson) by calling him Loki. As a whole, it feels like director James Wan is trying to give DC fans their own Guardians of the Galaxy -- but unfortunately, it's not nearly as funny. The CGI, at times, is also embarrassingly bad, but that also helps remind viewers that this is all a bright, colorful fantasy. And as light and silly as most of it is, the movie is also aiming to make a statement about climate change. It's not too "learny," but it submerges viewers in enough terminology -- like "greenhouse gases" -- to lay the groundwork. Lower your expectations, and just keep swimming.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of forgiveness and redemption. What role do those concepts play in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? When have you been given a second chance, and do you feel you made up for the mistake?
How does Aquaman differ from other superheroes? How does he demonstrate integrity, courage, teamwork, and even humility? Why are these important character strengths? Do you consider him a role model?
Imagine other actors in the title role: Who else could play Arthur? How does an actor have a point of view or style, even when inhabiting different characters?
Aquaman is among a handful of superheroes played by actors of color. Why is it important to see a variety of different heroes in the media?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 22, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2024
- Cast : Jason Momoa , Patrick Wilson , Amber Heard , Willem Dafoe
- Director : James Wan
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Director(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence and some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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