TL;DR: Twisters (2024) is a high-octane, surprisingly earnest disaster flick that works as a standalone sequel to the 1996 original. It’s PG-13 for a reason—the opening ten minutes are emotionally heavy and the storm sequences are loud and intense. It’s generally great for ages 10-12 and up, especially if they’ve already cut their teeth on movies like Jurassic Park or Top Gun: Maverick.
Quick Links:
- Twisters (2024) - The new Glen Powell blockbuster.
- Twister (1996) - The OG Helen Hunt classic for comparison.
- National Geographic Kids - For kids who get obsessed with meteorology after watching.
- Roblox - Yes, there is a Twisters tie-in "experience" here.
If you grew up in the 90s, you remember the flying cow. Twisters isn't a remake of that movie, but a "legacy sequel." It follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former storm chaser haunted by a tragedy, who gets pulled back into the plains of Oklahoma. There, she clashes—and eventually teams up—with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a "Tornado Wrangler" who is basically a YouTube star with a custom truck and a lot of charisma.
It’s a classic summer blockbuster. There are no superheroes, no multiverses, and no complicated lore. It’s just people vs. nature, fueled by some pretty impressive CGI and a lead actor who is currently the internet's favorite "charismatic guy."
First off, Glen Powell is having a massive cultural moment. If your kids are on TikTok or YouTube, they’ve likely seen clips of him. He plays a character who feels like a professional YouTuber—loud, flashy, and seemingly fearless—which resonates with the current "influencer" culture.
Beyond the star power, there’s the "scary-but-safe" thrill. Disaster movies are the gateway drug to horror. They provide high stakes and adrenaline without the supernatural trauma or slasher-flick gore. Plus, the tech is cool. Between the drones, the specialized trucks, and the science-y gadgets, it hits that sweet spot for kids who like to know how things work.
Check out our guide on why kids are obsessed with disaster content
While the rating is PG-13, the "appropriateness" really depends on your kid’s specific triggers. Here’s the breakdown:
The Intensity Factor
The movie starts with a literal bang. Within the first ten minutes, multiple characters die in a very harrowing, high-tension storm sequence. It’s not gory, but it is emotionally heavy and could be upsetting for younger kids (under 10) who aren't used to seeing "the good guys" lose so early. Throughout the film, people are sucked into storms, buildings are leveled, and there is a constant sense of peril. If your child is sensitive to loud noises or the idea of natural disasters, this might be a "wait for streaming" situation where you can control the volume and take breaks.
Language
It’s a standard PG-13. You’ll hear a handful of "sh*t"s, "hell," "damn," and "ass." There are no F-bombs. It’s the kind of language most middle schoolers hear in the hallways daily, but it's worth noting if you keep a strict "G-rated" household.
Romance
The chemistry between Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones is palpable, but the movie stays surprisingly "clean." There are some flirty glances and a lot of lingering tension, but don't expect a heavy make-out session or anything beyond a PG level of physical affection. It’s actually refreshing to see a blockbuster focus more on the shared passion for science than a forced romantic subplot.
The "YouTube" Ethics
Tyler Owens (Powell) starts the movie looking like a reckless adrenaline junkie chasing "likes." However, the movie does a good job of subverting this. We eventually see that he’s actually a trained meteorologist who uses his platform to help people. This is a great opening to talk to your kids about digital personas. Just because someone looks like a "clout chaser" doesn't mean there isn't substance underneath—and conversely, just because someone looks professional doesn't mean they have good intentions.
Real Science vs. Movie Magic
While the movie uses real terms like "Fujita Scale" and "supercells," a lot of the plot involves "taming" a tornado with chemicals. This is... not a thing. If you have a budding scientist, you might want to point them toward NASA Kids' Club or Weather.com to see what real-life storm chasing looks like.
Community Data: Who is watching?
In our recent Screenwise community surveys, we’re seeing that Twisters is a "family bridge" movie. About 65% of parents with kids aged 11-14 reported seeing this in theaters together. It’s currently out-pacing more "kiddy" animated films for that middle-school demographic because it feels "adult" without being inappropriate.
If you decide to go, use the car ride home to dig into a few topics:
- Resilience and Trauma: Kate (the lead) is clearly dealing with PTSD. How does she handle it? Is it okay to be afraid of something you used to love?
- The Ethics of Chasing: In the movie, there's a conflict between corporate-funded "scientists" and the "cowboy" chasers. Who ended up actually helping the people in the town?
- Weather Safety: If you live in an area prone to storms, this movie might actually trigger some anxiety. Use it as a prompt to review your family’s emergency plan. Knowledge is the best antidote to fear.
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Twisters is a rare win for the "intentional parent" who wants a movie that isn't brain rot but isn't too mature for a 6th grader. It’s exciting, it champions science, and Glen Powell is legitimately fun to watch.
Our Recommendation:
If your kids are buzzing after the movie, here are a few ways to keep the momentum going without just handing them an iPad:
- Watch the original: Rent the 1996 Twister and compare the effects. It’s a fun lesson in how movie-making has changed.
- Gaming: Check out the storm-chasing simulators on Roblox. Just keep an eye on the Robux spending.
- Reading: For a deeper dive into extreme weather, check out The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Learn more about managing screen time after a big movie release