Common Sense Media Review
Suspenseful Cold War tale with teen gamer in control.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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WarGames
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this film combines humor, suspense, and elements of the Cold War in a thrilling narrative about a teen accidentally initiating a nuclear crisis through a computer game. While many enjoyed its nostalgic charm and engaging plot, there were concerns about language and thematic intensity, suggesting caution for younger viewers.
- suspenseful plot
- nostalgic charm
- language concerns
- engaging characters
- caution for youth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
America comes to the brink of World War III when a teenager accidentally hacks into a military computer. The story begins when computer gamer David (Matthew Broderick) accidentally cracks into the Pentagon's computer system and starts to play the game Global Thermonuclear War. But the game is real, and the fate of the world is at stake, leaving David, his friend Jennifer (Ally Sheedy), and government official McKittrick (Dabney Coleman) are in a race to stop the Pentagon computer from bombing Russia.
Is It Any Good?
Although dated in appearance, this clever and suspenseful movie questions both an overreliance on technology and the Reagan-era defense policy. This movie makes a strong case against nuclear war, portraying it as a game of brinksmanship with no winners. It also warns against leaving the responsibility of starting a nuclear war to artificial intelligence technology. The final sequence dramatizes these dangers with simulated explosions on wall-sized screens.
Nevertheless, WarGames manages to have fun with a very serious topic. The overall atmosphere of the movie is playful, as kids ride their bikes from house to house while the fate of the world rests in their hands. The Pacman-era technology may seem hokey by today's standards, but the military command center, with its multiple screens, is still impressive. Ironically, much of the "computer" simulation was accomplished with good old-fashioned animation. The movie anticipates various technological advances, most notably the explosion of the Internet. Teens interested in computers and game theory will find much to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Cold War history. Also, while the movie is dated, it might be provide a way to talk about the current war and to ask your kids about their own fears.
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 3, 1983
- On DVD or streaming : April 28, 1998
- Cast : Ally Sheedy , Dabney Coleman , Matthew Broderick
- Director : John Badham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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