Parents' Guide to Dr. No

Movie 1963 PG 111 minutes
Dr. No Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Elliot Panek , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

007's silver screen debut with action and bikinis.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

Enjoy 3 free reviews when you get the Common Sense Media app .

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 11+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Parents say the film is a classic starter for introducing children to the James Bond franchise, offered as family entertainment with a mix of action and mild adult themes. While some reviews suggest it's suitable for kids aged 10 and up due to its minimal violence and tame content, others caution that it may not hold the attention of younger viewers, as it contains elements that could be deemed a bit rough compared to more modern adaptations.family entertainmentmild violencesuitable for older kidsnot engaging for allclassic starter
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 12 parent reviews
age 10+

Based on 51 kid reviews

Kids say it’s a classic first entry in the spy film genre, iconic for its cool depiction of espionage and action, though some find it dated and slower compared to later Bond films. While the movie features some violence and sexual content typical of the series, many agree it's suitable for older children, making it an interesting watch but often a bit cheesy by today's standards.classic spy filmsuitable for kidsdated yet entertainingsome violenceiconic characters
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 51 kid reviews

What's the Story?

James Bond (Sean Connery), is a British Secret Service agent who has been called upon to investigate suspicious activity in Jamaica. With the help of an earthy Jamaican (John Kitzmiller) and an American CIA agent (Jack Lord), Bond attempts to unravel the mystery of who or what is interfering with rocket launches in the States.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 12 ):
Kids say ( 51 ):

Not quite as streamlined or cohesive as many of its successors, DR. NO introduces James Bond, one of the most enduring figure of Western cinema, to the world. Considering how many sequels this modest action-spy film spawned, it's worth asking why this refined roué has stuck around as long as he has.

The answer, for better or worse, probably lies in the unapologetic way the film plays to undomesticated male fantasies. The action is wooden and the plot contrived, but it sure is fun to look at.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what qualities of James Bond one might want to emulate. What makes people think James Bond is cool? What is different about the world in which he lives in than our world?

  • How are women portrayed in this movie? Can you think of any movies that treat men in the same eye candy way? Who is this movie intended for and how can you tell?

Movie Details

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

Dr. No Poster Image

What to Watch Next

See all

Spy Movies for Kids

See all recommended movie lists

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