Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based thriller is brutally violent; strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Lord of the Flies (1990)
What's the Story?
Based on the William Golding's award-winning novel by William Golding, LORD OF THE FLIES (1990) tells the story of a group of American military school boys who get stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. While they at first behave based on structure, discipline, and systemic democracy under the rule of leader Ralph (Balthazar Getty), order turns to chaos after rebel Jack (Chris Furrh) lets their signal fire die out. With no hope of rescue in sight, Jack and his "hunters" split from the group, reverting to primal behavior to survive -- which ultimately leads to brutality and murder.
Is It Any Good?
Brutally violent, with a dark, overarching theme that may be difficult for kids to process, this adaptation is the scarier, more disturbing cousin of the 1963 film. This take on Lord of the Flies is definitely less kid-friendly than that film -- and also hasn't aged well when compared to the award-winning source material. Even with the thriller-like tone, updated characters, and gorgeous island setting, the intene brutality, choppy storyline, and clumsy acting lingers longer than the story's "survival of the fittest'' symbolism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that this adaptation of Lord of the Flies has more disturbing violence than the previous film. Do you think this change was necessary to convey the story and messaging? Why, or why not?
Lord of the Flies is often referred to as a metaphor for "survival of the fittest" and "mob"-like behavior. Can you think of any instances where you've seen people act in cruel/bullying ways to get what they want? Why is it dangerous to act with a "mob" mentality?
Have you read the book the movie is based on? If so, which do you prefer, and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 16, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : May 4, 2017
- Cast : Balthazar Getty , Chris Furrh , Danuel Pipoly
- Director : Harry Hook
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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