TL;DR: In Like Flynn (2018 movie) is a gritty, swashbuckling origin story that’s more "R-rated Indiana Jones" than "Classic Hollywood Glamour." While it captures the spirit of adventure, the inclusion of opium dens, brief nudity, and a heavy dose of "rogue" behavior means it’s best reserved for older teens (16+). If you’re looking for a family-friendly Flynn experience, stick to the classics like The Adventures of Robin Hood.
If your kids have ever used the phrase "in like Flynn" to describe someone sliding into a situation with ease (or if they’ve just seen the memes), they might be curious about this 2018 biopic. In Like Flynn isn't about the glitz and glamour of 1940s Hollywood. Instead, it’s an Australian production that follows a young, pre-fame Errol Flynn as he treks through the jungles of Papua New Guinea in search of gold.
Think of it as a historical Uncharted. It’s got boat chases, jungle survival, bar fights, and a lot of 1930s-era "toxic masculinity" that the film tries to frame as charming roguishness. It’s based on Flynn’s own (highly embellished) autobiography, Beam Ends, so take the "true story" claim with a massive grain of salt.
Teens who have graduated from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark or Pirates of the Caribbean are often looking for something that feels a bit "edgier" or more "adult" without being a full-blown horror movie or a slow-burn drama.
In Like Flynn hits that sweet spot of high-stakes adventure and "cool" rebellion. It’s got that "Ohio" energy—weird, unexpected, and a little chaotic. Flynn is portrayed as the ultimate "main character," someone who refuses to follow the rules and always comes out on top. For a 15-year-old trying to figure out their own identity, that "I do what I want" vibe is incredibly magnetic.
This is where we get into the "no-BS" territory. If you’re expecting a clean, vintage-style movie, you’re going to be disappointed. This movie is rated R for a reason in some regions (and a hard TV-MA or M in others).
The biggest red flag for many parents will be the drug use. The film features scenes in opium dens. We aren't just talking about a passing mention; we see the preparation and the consumption of the drug. There’s also a significant amount of heavy drinking and cigarette smoking, which is historically accurate for the 1930s but definitely moves the needle toward a more mature audience.
The violence is grittier than your average PG-13 adventure flick. There are bloody fistfights, stabbings, and scenes involving indigenous tribes that feel a bit dated in their portrayal, even if they are trying to stay true to the "pulp fiction" style of the era. It’s not "saw-level" gore, but it’s visceral.
Errol Flynn was the original Hollywood "bad boy," and the movie doesn't shy away from that. There is brief full-frontal male nudity (Flynn jumping into water) and several scenes of a sexual nature. While not graphic "pornography," the womanizing is a core part of the character's DNA. If you aren't ready to have a conversation about "hookup culture" in the 1930s, this might not be the movie for your Saturday night.
So, where do we draw the line?
- Ages 13 and Under: Hard pass. There are way better ways to introduce your kids to adventure movies. If they want the jungle vibes, let them play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
- Ages 14-15: Proceed with caution. This depends heavily on your teen's maturity level and your family's stance on drug depictions. If you do watch it, be prepared to talk about the opium scenes.
- Ages 16+: This is the target demographic. At this age, most kids have seen worse on TikTok or in Grand Theft Auto V. The historical context provides a good jumping-off point for discussions about how much of "history" is actually just PR.
If you decide to let your teen watch In Like Flynn, use it as a teaching moment. You don’t have to be preachy, but you can be real.
- The "Rogue" Myth: Ask them, "Do you think Flynn is actually a hero, or is he just a guy who’s good at getting away with stuff?" It’s a great way to talk about accountability.
- Historical Accuracy: Mention that the real Errol Flynn was a deeply complicated (and often problematic) person. It’s a good lesson in how biopics often "clean up" or "cool up" someone’s life for entertainment.
- Substance Use: The opium dens are a stark contrast to how drugs are portrayed in modern media. You can talk about the history of the opium trade and why it was so prevalent in that part of the world at that time.
In Like Flynn is a well-shot, fast-paced adventure that will likely entertain older teens who are tired of the "kid stuff." However, it’s definitely not "brain rot" in the sense of being mindless, but it is mature. The drug use and the "ladies' man" themes are the primary hurdles.
If you want the Flynn vibe without the Flynn vices, I’d highly recommend checking out The Mask of Zorro. It has all the sword-fighting and charm but stays firmly in the "fun for the whole family" territory.
If your teen is on an adventure kick, here are a few Screenwise-approved alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your boundaries:
- For the "Rogue" vibe but cleaner: Sherlock Holmes (2009) — Robert Downey Jr. brings that same chaotic energy but with a lot less opium.
- For the jungle adventure: The Lost City of Z — A more serious, beautifully shot exploration movie.
- For the classic swashbuckler: The Princess Bride — Because honestly, if they haven't seen this, start here.
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