Apollo 11 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Apollo 11

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stunning archival doc of the moon landing—breathtaking for space fans, potentially naptime for kids expecting Marvel pacing.

8.1/10

99%

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Apollo 11

movie

G, 2019

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stunning archival doc of the moon landing—breathtaking for space fans, potentially naptime for kids expecting Marvel pacing.

8.1

99%

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8.1/10

99%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking—99% on Rotten Tomatoes doesn't lie. The restored footage is genuinely breathtaking, and if your kid is already into space, this is essential viewing.

But let's be real: it's a 93-minute archival documentary with no narration, just mission control audio and rocket launches. For modern kids raised on fast cuts and constant stimulation, this can feel like watching paint dry—even if it's the most historically significant paint ever.

Best move? Watch it with them, pause to explain what's happening, and make it an event. This isn't background viewing; it's an experience. If they're genuinely curious about Apollo 11, they'll be riveted. If they're just killing time, they'll be checking how much longer is left every five minutes.

The WISE score takes a modest hit not because it's bad—it's objectively excellent—but because its audience is narrow. It's enriching as hell, but only if you can get kids to actually engage with it.

Age Fit

Technically safe for 5+ but realistically best for 8-12 year olds who already have some interest in space or history. Teens might appreciate it if they're into documentaries, but it's not going to convert TikTok natives into space nerds on its own.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary showcases teamwork, determination, and human achievement at its finest. Models cooperation across NASA teams and celebrates peaceful scientific exploration. Emotionally uplifting without manufactured drama. Archival footage maintains respectful, dignified tone throughout.

Imaginative

Uses never-before-seen 70mm footage and restored audio to present the moon landing in stunning new ways. Invites wonder about space exploration and human capability. The cinematic treatment of archival material sparks curiosity about engineering, astronomy, and what seemed impossible. However, it's a historical documentary rather than creative storytelling.

Safe

Entirely archival documentary with no violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. Common Sense Media rates it for age 5+. The only tension comes from the inherent drama of the mission itself—no jump scares, no disturbing imagery. Some younger kids might find rocket launches loud but nothing unsafe.

Enriching

Exceptional educational value about space exploration, STEM, history, and human achievement. Shows real problem-solving, engineering, and courage. Kids learn about the 1960s space race, the people behind the mission, and one of humanity's greatest accomplishments. 99% Rotten Tomatoes, 88 Metacritic, 8.1 IMDb—critically acclaimed for good reason.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Never-before-seen 70mm footage makes you feel like you're actually there in 1969—visually stunning
Shows real scientists and engineers solving impossible problems, great STEM inspiration
No talking heads or modern narration—just pure archival immersion, which is refreshingly different
Celebrates human achievement and teamwork without being cheesy or preachy
Perfect for kids already obsessed with space who want the real story, not Hollywood drama

⚠

What to Watch For

It's a slow-burn documentary—no explosions, no villain, just mission procedures and rocket science
93 minutes but feels longer if your kid needs constant stimulation; this is meditative, not action-packed
Some technical jargon and 1960s communication style might lose younger viewers
Kids used to fast-paced YouTube content may struggle with the deliberate, archival pacing

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it felt like to be the first person to step on the moon?"
"Why do you think so many people worked together to make this happen?"
"What would you want to explore if you could go anywhere in space?"
"How is space travel different now compared to 1969?"
"What's the hardest thing you've ever worked toward? How is that like what these astronauts did?"

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