Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gruesomely violent sword-and-sorcery tale is terrible.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Conan the Barbarian
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say this movie features excessive violence and gore, presenting a graphic portrayal of the titular character that diverges from earlier adaptations. While some viewers appreciate the intense action and visual aspects, others criticize the lack of coherent story, depth, and character development, ultimately deeming it unfit for younger audiences.
- excessive violence
- poor storytelling
- not for children
- strong visuals
- mixed reviews
- intense action
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 6 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In the Hyborian age of swords and sorcery, Conan is born during a bloody battle. As a boy, his village is slaughtered by the evil Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang), whose goal is to collect all the pieces of a powerful mask. Years later, when Conan has grown into a man (Jason Momoa), he seeks his revenge. Meanwhile, Khalar Zym and his sorceress daughter (Rose McGowan) are hunting for a "pureblood," Tamara (Rachel Nichols), whom they need to help them complete a terrifying ritual. Can Conan find and stop the bad guy and rescue the girl before it's too late?
Is It Any Good?
Directed by Marcus Nispel, this movie (which would be more aptly named Gron-an the Barbarian) is terrible, terrible, terrible. It starts with stale dialogue, which is delivered badly by all the actors. (Momoa tries for a steely gaze, but he winds up with a silly leer.) The lazy, ridiculous story would have been rejected by the pulps. The action sequences are clunky and incomprehensible, not to mention poorly paced, and the 3D effects are like flat images in a pop-up book.
That could have been the worst of it -- and indeed, that's plenty to make audiences howl with unintentional laughter -- but Nispel goes even further. He has delivered perhaps the most gruesomely violent movie of the year; it's extreme and horrifying. Last, though hardly least, is the movie's despicable treatment of women as props and women and children as the targets of brutal violence. Even the Schwarzenegger movies were better. Don't be conned by this Conan.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's extreme violence. Is it shocking? Why did the filmmakers choose to go over the top? What makes it more extreme than what you see in other fantasy/action movies?
Is Conan a role model? What positive traits does he show? What negative ones? Are viewers intended to admire him?
If you've seen earlier Conan movies, how does this one compare? Is it more extreme? Why do you think that is? Is it the filmmaker's decision or a reflection of how culture has changed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 19, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2011
- Cast : Jason Momoa , Rachel Nichols , Ron Perlman
- Director : Marcus Nispel
- Inclusion Information : Indigenous Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, some sexuality and nudity
- Last updated : October 9, 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