Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superhero vampire film has extreme violence, gore, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blade
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say the film features excessive violence, gore, and profanity but is not perceived as scary given its cartoonish effects and campy nature. Many reviews suggest it can be suitable for tweens aged 11 and up, emphasizing that while it has dark themes, it offers entertainment and action, thus catering to a mature audience who can appreciate its stylized approach.
- violence and gore
- inappropriate language
- suitable for tweens
- entertaining action
- campy style
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BLADE finds a group of rebellious vampires, led by Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff), who are determined to rid the world of humans. Standing in their way is vampire hunter Blade (Wesley Snipes), a man who shares all their strengths but none of their weaknesses. However, when Frost discovers the key to awakening the blood god La Magra, even Blade may have met his match.
Is It Any Good?
It may reside in the Marvel superhero franchise, but this violent 1998 vampire hunter movie is most definitely not for kids. However, if you're looking for nonstop action, a kick-ass antihero, and a plot that doesn't require you to think too hard, then look no further. Blade -- the first of a trinity of films -- provided the perfect vehicle for martial arts enthusiast Snipes to showcase his talents. The close combat fights between Blade and all who cross him are the movie's standout scenes, while Dorff brings a certain coolness to the movie's villain, the power-hungry, rebellious Deacon Frost.
Some of the dialogue is a tad clunky, although it continues to get quoted even today -- "Some motherf----rs
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the extreme violence in Blade. What impact does it have? What consequences does it have in the movie's world? How do you think that would change in real life?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
What separates Blade from the vampires? How does Blade compare to other superheroes? Would you describe him as being good or more as an antihero?
Why is it important for superheroes to be diverse? Why is it important to see superheroes like Blade and Black Panther on-screen?
How does this movie compare to other vampire movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 21, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : December 22, 1998
- Cast : Wesley Snipes , Stephen Dorff , Kris Kristofferson
- Director : Stephen Norrington
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line Cinema
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Fantasy
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong, pervasive vampire violence and gore, language, and brief sexuality
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate