TL;DR: Madame Web is a PG-13 superhero-adjacent thriller that is perfectly fine for most kids ages 10 and up. It’s less "Avengers" and more "Final Destination Lite" with a side of early 2000s camp. There’s some intense action, a few jump scares, and one or two choice words, but it lacks the heavy-hitting trauma or sexual content found in other Marvel-adjacent properties. Honestly? The biggest risk is your kid asking you to explain the plot holes.
Quick Links
- Where to watch: Netflix
- The "Vibe": Suspenseful, slightly cringe, meme-heavy
- Safe for: 10+ (with some caveats for sensitive viewers)
- Better alternatives: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse or Ms. Marvel
If you missed the theatrical run and the subsequent internet pile-on, here’s the gist: Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson as Cassie Webb, a paramedic in 2003 Manhattan who starts having visions of the future after a near-death experience. She eventually finds herself protecting three teenage girls from a villain who looks like a knock-off Spider-Man and believes these girls will kill him in the future.
It’s technically part of the Sony Spider-Man Universe (the same folks who brought us Venom and Morbius), but don't expect a Peter Parker cameo. This is a standalone story that feels more like a mid-level thriller than a blockbuster superhero epic.
Ask our chatbot about the Sony Spider-Man Universe timeline
You might be wondering why your 12-year-old is asking to watch a movie that has a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the world of 2026 digital culture, "bad" content is often more popular than "good" content because it’s memable.
The internet—and by extension, TikTok and YouTube—absolutely feasted on this movie. From Dakota Johnson’s famously "I’d rather be anywhere else" press tour to the line "He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died," the movie has reached "so-bad-it’s-good" cult status.
For Gen Alpha, watching Madame Web is a bit like watching a viral "brain rot" video. It’s a shared cultural experience. They want to see the scenes they’ve seen in memes, and they want to participate in the collective joke. It’s the cinematic equivalent of saying "Ohio" or "Skibidi"—it’s about being in on the irony.
Read our guide on understanding Gen Alpha slang and memes
If you’re deciding whether to hit "Play" on Netflix tonight, here is the no-BS breakdown of what’s actually in the movie.
Violence and Scare Factor
The movie is PG-13, and it earns that rating primarily through suspense and "peril."
- The Villain: Ezekiel Sims (the bad guy) crawls on walls and has a "poison touch" that kills people. He looks a bit creepy, and there are a few jump-scare moments where he appears suddenly in Cassie’s visions.
- Action: There are several car chases, explosions, and a final showdown in a fireworks factory (classic). It’s loud, but not particularly gory.
- Death: People do die, including some secondary characters, but the deaths are usually quick and not lingered upon. The opening scene involves a betrayal and a shooting, which sets a serious tone early on.
Language
It’s fairly mild for a PG-13 flick. You’ll hear a few "sh*ts," "hells," and "damns." There is one "f-bomb" used for emphasis, which is standard for the rating. If your kids have seen any Marvel movie, this won't be anything new.
Sexy Stuff (or Lack Thereof)
This is probably the "safest" part of the movie. There is zero sexual content. There’s a brief scene where the three teenage girls are in a diner and some guys try to talk to them, but it’s portrayed as creepy and unwelcome. There’s no romance sub-plot for Cassie, which is actually a refreshing change of pace for the genre.
Substance Use
Characters are seen drinking at a diner/party, and there’s a scene involving a "Pepsi" product placement that is so aggressive it’s practically a character itself. No drug use to speak of.
While every kid is different, here’s how we see it breaking down by grade level:
Elementary (Ages 7-10)
Verdict: Use Caution. The plot is actually quite complicated because of the time-loop/vision mechanics. Younger kids might get bored or confused. The "horror" elements of the villain might be a bit much for kids who aren't used to suspense. If they’ve seen Spider-Man: No Way Home, they can probably handle this, but they might find it boring compared to the high-flying action of the MCU.
Middle School (Ages 11-13)
Verdict: The Sweet Spot. This is the prime audience for the "meme factor." They’ll likely enjoy making fun of the dialogue and the weird pacing. It’s safe enough that you don’t need to hover, but you might want to be nearby to laugh at the ridiculous parts with them.
High School (Ages 14+)
Verdict: Totally Fine. They’ve likely already seen the highlights on TikTok. For them, this is a "background movie"—something to have on while they’re scrolling or doing homework.
Check out our guide on PG-13 movies for 10-year-olds
Since Madame Web deals with seeing the future and changing destiny, it actually offers a couple of decent (if accidental) conversation starters:
- Destiny vs. Choice: Cassie spends the whole movie trying to prevent a future she’s seen. Ask your kid: "If you knew something bad was going to happen, would you try to change it, or is some stuff just meant to be?"
- Internet Hype: Talk about the reviews. "Why do you think people hated this movie so much? Do you think it’s actually that bad, or is it just fun to join the crowd?" This is a great way to touch on digital tribalism and how the internet loves a "villain of the week."
- Female Mentorship: The core of the movie is a woman protecting and teaching three younger girls. It’s a rare "girl power" movie that doesn't revolve around a boy.
If your kid wants a superhero fix but you want something with, you know, a coherent script, consider these:
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: The gold standard. It’s visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and actually makes sense.
- Ms. Marvel (Disney+): A fantastic coming-of-age story about a teenage girl finding her powers.
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines: If they want that "so bad it's good" chaotic energy but in a movie that is actually brilliant.
- Sky High: For that early 2000s campy superhero vibe that Madame Web was trying for.
Find more recommendations in our guide to the best superhero movies for kids
Madame Web isn't a "good" movie by traditional standards, but it’s a relatively harmless one. It’s a low-stakes thriller that has become a bit of a digital punchline. If your kid wants to watch it because their friends are talking about it, there’s no real reason to say no—unless you just can't stomach 116 minutes of Dakota Johnson looking confused in a red leather jacket.
It’s a great example of how intentional parenting doesn't always mean "watching only the best stuff." Sometimes it means watching the weird, messy, memable stuff so you can stay connected to the culture your kids are swimming in every day.
Next Steps:
- Check out our guide to Netflix parental controls before they start their marathon.
- Ask our chatbot about other movies starring the Madame Web cast
- Take the Screenwise survey to see how your family's movie nights compare to your local community!