American Sniper – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

American Sniper

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Clint Eastwood's intense war biopic about Navy SEAL Chris Kyle—powerful for adults, but way too graphic and heavy for kids.

7.3/10

71%

→

American Sniper

movie

R, 2014

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Clint Eastwood's intense war biopic about Navy SEAL Chris Kyle—powerful for adults, but way too graphic and heavy for kids.

7.3

71%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.3/10

71%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

American Sniper is a well-crafted war film that doesn't shy away from showing the brutal realities of combat and its lasting psychological impact. For adults and mature older teens, it can be enriching—offering a window into veteran experiences and the complexity of modern warfare.

But let's be clear: this is not remotely appropriate for kids or even most teenagers. The violence is graphic and disturbing, the themes are heavy, and the emotional toll is significant. Common Sense Media's 17+ recommendation is accurate.

If you're considering this for an older teen, know your kid. Some 17-year-olds are ready for this level of intensity and can engage with the moral complexity; others aren't. This isn't a movie you put on for family movie night unless your family is all adults.

For parents of younger kids who might stumble across it on streaming: hard pass. There are better ways to teach about military service and sacrifice without exposing them to this level of violence and trauma.

Age Fit

This is for adults and mature older teens (17+) only. The graphic war violence, including deaths of children, strong language, and heavy PTSD themes make it completely inappropriate for younger viewers. Even at 17, viewer maturity matters—this is not casual entertainment.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Clint Eastwood's film attempts to portray the psychological toll of war on Chris Kyle and his family, showing the difficulty of reintegration after combat. However, the emotional landscape is heavy and often disturbing—PTSD, marital strain, and the brutality of war dominate. The tone is mature and somber, not emotionally healthy for younger viewers. While it doesn't glorify violence gratuitously, the film's focus on a sniper's kills and the dehumanization inherent in war make it a challenging watch that doesn't model kindness or cooperation in ways appropriate for developing minds.

Imaginative

This is a biographical war drama that hews closely to real events and military procedures. There's little room for creativity, exploration, or wonder—it's a straightforward, gritty portrayal of combat and its aftermath. The film doesn't invite viewers to imagine new worlds or think outside the box; it's grounded in the harsh realities of modern warfare. Eastwood's direction is competent but conventional, and the narrative follows a predictable arc. Not a film that sparks curiosity or creative thinking.

Safe

American Sniper is rated R for 'strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references.' The film contains graphic depictions of combat deaths, including children being killed, torture scenes, blood, and intense battlefield carnage. Common Sense Media recommends it for age 17+. The violence is not unexpected given the war genre, but it's pervasive and brutal. There's also strong language throughout and brief sexual content. This is definitively adult content that would be inappropriate and potentially traumatic for children or young teens to encounter.

Enriching

For mature audiences, American Sniper offers meaningful exploration of the costs of war, PTSD, the complexity of heroism, and the sacrifice military families make. It raises important questions about patriotism, duty, and the psychological toll of combat that can spark substantive discussions. The film doesn't provide easy answers, which is intellectually honest. However, it's been criticized for its simplified portrayal of the Iraq War and lack of nuance regarding the enemy. Still, for older teens and adults, it can be a starting point for understanding veteran experiences and the realities of modern warfare. The 71% RT critic score and 7.3 IMDB rating reflect solid craftsmanship.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Honest portrayal of PTSD and the psychological cost of war that can help older teens and adults understand veteran experiences
Raises complex questions about duty, sacrifice, and the impact of war on families—no easy answers provided
Strong performances (Bradley Cooper's transformation is notable) and Eastwood's restrained direction keep it from becoming pure propaganda
Can be a conversation starter about the realities of modern warfare and what we ask of service members

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic war violence throughout, including disturbing scenes of children being killed and torture
Pervasive strong language and brief sexual content
Heavy themes of PTSD, trauma, and marital strain that can be emotionally difficult
Simplified portrayal of the Iraq War that lacks nuance—may need supplemental context for full understanding
This is strictly adult content; Common Sense Media recommends 17+ and that's spot-on

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about the price Chris Kyle paid for his service? Was it worth it?"
"How does war change people, based on what you saw in the film?"
"The movie shows the enemy in a pretty one-dimensional way. What perspectives might be missing?"
"What kind of support do you think veterans need when they come home?"
"How did Chris's relationship with his family change throughout his tours? What could have helped?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic