Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Aquaman is exactly what it promises: a big, loud, visually spectacular superhero movie that prioritizes spectacle over substance. Jason Momoa is genuinely fun to watch and brings a lighter energy than most DC films, which is a relief.

The underwater world is legitimately impressive—if your kid is into ocean life or mythology, the creative sea kingdoms might spark some genuine interest. But let's be real: this is 143 minutes of near-constant action, explosions, and battles. It's exhausting.

The themes of identity and environmental responsibility are there if you squint, but they're buried under layers of CGI combat. It's fine entertainment for the right age group (think 10-14), but it's not going to change anyone's life or teach deep lessons. It's popcorn. Pretty, well-made popcorn with a charismatic lead, but still just popcorn.

If your kid loved the Marvel formula and can handle PG-13 action, they'll probably enjoy this. Just know what you're signing up for: a very long, very loud movie that's more about the ride than the destination.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10+ who can handle intense superhero action and a long runtime. The violence is persistent enough that younger kids may find it overwhelming, and tweens/early teens are the sweet spot for appreciating the spectacle without being bored by the straightforward plot.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

Aquaman presents a hero's journey with themes of identity, belonging, and accepting responsibility. Arthur learns to embrace both sides of his heritage and work cooperatively with others. However, the film is heavily action-oriented with frequent combat sequences, some romantic elements, and a tone that skews toward spectacle over emotional depth. The pacing is chaotic at times with relentless action set pieces. Positive family relationships are present but underdeveloped.

Imaginative

78

The underwater world of Atlantis is visually spectacular and creatively realized, featuring diverse aquatic kingdoms, bioluminescent creatures, and imaginative sea-based technology. The film invites curiosity about ocean mythology and ecosystems. However, it's primarily a visual spectacle rather than something that encourages active creative expression or building. The world-building is strong but the narrative follows fairly conventional superhero beats.

Safe

58

Rated PG-13 (typical for DC superhero films), Aquaman contains extensive fantasy violence including large-scale battles, explosions, and creatures attacking people. There's some mild language, brief romantic content, and intense action sequences that could be frightening for younger viewers. A major character death occurs. The violence is stylized rather than gory, but it's persistent throughout the 143-minute runtime. No surprise graphic content, but the intensity level is consistent with Marvel films—expected but substantial.

Enriching

55

Aquaman touches on themes of environmental responsibility (ocean pollution is briefly addressed), accepting one's identity, and bridging divided communities. However, these themes are surface-level and secondary to the action spectacle. The film offers minimal cognitive challenge or meaningful character development. Entertainment value is high for action fans, but deeper takeaways are limited. It's popcorn entertainment that doesn't aim for profound insight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gorgeous underwater world-building that makes Atlantis feel like a living, breathing civilization with distinct kingdoms and creative sea-based technology
Jason Momoa brings humor and charm to a superhero who's different from the typical brooding DC hero—he's fun and doesn't take himself too seriously
Touches on themes of identity and belonging that could resonate with kids navigating their own sense of self
The action sequences are creative and unlike typical superhero fare—underwater combat with sea creatures and trident battles offer something visually fresh

⚠

What to Watch For

Persistent action violence throughout—large-scale battles, explosions, creatures attacking people, and a significant character death that might upset sensitive viewers
At 2 hours 23 minutes, it's a long sit for younger kids and the pacing doesn't let up much
Some scary imagery including deep-sea monsters, the Trench creatures are legitimately frightening, and intense underwater sequences
Brief romantic content and some mild language typical of PG-13 superhero films

Conversation Starters

"Arthur had to figure out how to belong in two different worlds. Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in somewhere?"
"The movie shows pollution in the ocean. What do you think we could do to help keep oceans clean?"
"Orm thought the surface world was dangerous to Atlantis. When have you had to change your mind about something you thought was true?"
"If you could breathe underwater and talk to sea animals like Aquaman, where would you explore first?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic