Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Humor mixed with guns, drugs, swearing in fact-based tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
War Dogs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a fun and surprising take on a serious subject, featuring an engaging story about friendship and arms dealing. While it contains strong language, drug use, and some adult themes, most reviewers found it entertaining and suitable for older teens but advised parental discretion due to its mature content.
- friendship theme
- strong language
- drug use
- age appropriate
- serious subject
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In WAR DOGS, David Packouz (Miles Teller) is making a meager living as a massage therapist in Florida in 2005. When his girlfriend, Iz (Ana de Armas), announces that she's pregnant, David doesn't know how he's going to make it. That's when old pal Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill) -- who sells weapons, ammo, and other military equipment to the U.S. military overseas -- offers him a job. The pair's adventures take them to the Middle East, where they must physically drive a truckload of Derringers through Jordan to Iraq. But their biggest challenge comes when they win a contract to supply hundreds of millions of AK-47 bullets. A new contact (Bradley Cooper) sets them up in Albania, but there's a problem. Can the old friends survive this dangerous game?
Is It Any Good?
Gleefully irreverent, with a so-crazy-it-must-be-true vibe, this exuberant comedy manages to be wildly entertaining while simultaneously finding alarming cracks in the fabric of American society. Director Todd Phillips started decades ago with a punk rock documentary about GG Allin & the Murder Junkies, and he's at his best whenever he's able to keep up that kind of energy in his work (i.e. Old School, The Hangover, etc.).
However -- unlike the similar The Wolf of Wall Street -- War Dogs can't quite sustain its zing, and, like many Hollywood comedies, the humor flags as the filmmakers settle in to wrap up the story. De Armas plays an unfortunately typical "girlfriend" role, and there are a few too many rock songs on the soundtrack; perhaps tightening up those things could have quickened the movie's pace. But Hill gives a fascinating, hilarious performance as the consummate salesman who's as diverting as he is calculating, and Teller is a good match. As it stands, the movie is very funny -- and a little bit smart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about War Dogs' use of guns and violence. Is there a detachment between guns and violence? How? What message does that send? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How does the movie portray drugs and drinking? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why is that important?
Can these characters be considered role models? What are their rewards? Their punishments?
What does the movie have to say about war, the military, and business in America? Does the movie inspire you to find out more?
How are female characters portrayed in the movie? What message does that send?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 19, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2016
- Cast : Miles Teller , Bradley Cooper , Jonah Hill
- Director : Todd Phillips
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout, drug use and some sexual references
- 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