We’ve officially entered a confusing era of superhero media. For a decade, the formula was simple: Marvel movies were generally safe for anyone who could sit still for two hours. They were the "Disney-fied" version of action.

But 2024 and 2025 have changed the rules. With the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the industry realized that R-rated superheroes make a lot of money. Now, your kid sees a red suit and assumes it’s like Spider-Man, but the content is actually closer to a slasher film with a stand-up comedy routine.

The "Deadpool Dilemma" is the branding confusion. Marvel is no longer a monolith of PG-13 family fun. They are branching into "Marvel Spotlight" and R-rated features that are specifically designed for adults. If you aren't checking the rating and the "why" behind it, you're going to have a very awkward conversation about why the guy in the mask just said that word forty times.

James Gunn is taking over the DC Universe, and he’s starting with a version of Superman that actually feels like Superman. This is likely going to be the "Safe" movie of the year. While Gunn’s previous work like The Suicide Squad was a bloodbath, he’s explicitly stated this is for the "all-ages" crowd.

This one is leaning into a 1960s retro-futurist vibe. It looks bright, colorful, and focused on the "family" dynamic of the characters. It’s Marvel’s attempt to get back to the core audience that made them famous.

This is not your 2011 Captain America. This is a political thriller. Think The Winter Soldier but with more complex international stakes and a Red Hulk. It’s going to be "safe" in terms of language, but it might be incredibly boring for kids under 10 who just want to see shields flying.

The conclusion to the trilogy that started with Into the Spider-Verse. These movies are masterpieces, but they deal with heavy themes: identity, loss, and the "canon" of our lives. They are visually intense (sometimes a bit much for kids with sensory sensitivities).

Sony is trying to make "edgy" Spider-Man villain movies without Spider-Man. This is R-rated. It’s violent. It’s essentially a monster movie.

Ask our chatbot about age-appropriate alternatives for your 10-year-old

When we talk about "brain rot," we’re usually talking about Skibidi Toilet or endless Roblox obby videos. But superhero movies can be brain rot too.

When a movie relies entirely on "Easter eggs" and references to 20 other movies you haven't seen, it stops being a story and starts being a chore. If your kid is just watching Avengers: Doomsday (coming in 2026) because they want to see the "new skin" for a character they play in Fortnite, they aren't really engaging with the media.

We want to steer kids toward superhero stories that actually have something to say. Spider-Man is about responsibility. Superman is about hope. The Fantastic Four is about family. If the movie is just a two-hour commercial for toys or other movies, it’s okay to skip it.

At this age, the live-action stuff is often too loud, too long, and too confusing. Stick to things like Spidey and His Amazing Friends or the classic Batman: The Animated Series. If you want a movie night, The Incredibles is still the best superhero movie ever made.

This is when they start asking for the big Marvel releases. This is the time to watch with them. Use these movies to talk about the difference between "movie violence" and real-life consequences. If they want to play the games, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PS5 is a great companion, but be aware of the "addictive" loops in mobile games like Marvel Snap.

By now, they’ve probably seen clips of Deadpool on TikTok. Instead of just banning it, talk about why it’s rated R. Is it the gore? The sexual humor? The nihilism? Help them understand that just because a character is "cool" doesn't mean the movie is good or worth their time.

Before you buy those $18 tickets, do a quick check on these three things:

Read our guide on how much Marvel "homework" is too much

Superheroes aren't just for kids anymore, and that’s okay—as long as we aren't assuming every cape is a "green light." 2025 is going to give us some incredible family moments (looking at you, Superman), but it’s also going to give us some R-rated distractions.

Be the parent who knows the difference. You don't have to be a comic book nerd to realize that Kraven is a skip, but The Fantastic Four is a "yes."

Check out our guide on setting movie boundaries with your tween Learn more about the 2025 DC Universe reboot