The Kings Man

The Kings Man

movie

2021, Action, Adventure

WISE
35%

WISE Score

41

Avg. Tomatometer

WWI spy prequel with stylized ultraviolence and a deeply uncomfortable Rasputin scene—this ain't your kid's secret agent movie.

IMDb6.3
RT Critics41%
MC44
TMDB6.7
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your teen loved the first two Kingsman movies and you're comfortable with R-rated content, this prequel delivers more of the same stylized ultraviolence wrapped in dapper suits. But fair warning: it's darker and more disturbing than its predecessors.

The Rasputin sequence alone—featuring sexual assault played for laughs—is going to make you regret your choices. Add in graphic war violence, a suicide, and villains literally plotting genocide, and you've got a movie that's trying way too hard to be edgy.

The historical window-dressing is mildly interesting (real figures! WWI intrigue!) but it's all in service of increasingly absurd action set pieces. At 131 minutes, it overstays its welcome. The TMDB score of 6.7 tells you what you need to know: it's fine if you're already a fan, skippable if you're not.

Bottom line: This is not a family movie night pick unless your family is college-aged. Save it for the 17-year-old who specifically asks for it, and even then, maybe preview that Rasputin scene first.

Age Fit

This is strictly 16+ territory for mature teens who can handle R-rated violence, sexual content, and dark themes. Even then, many 16-year-olds will find parts genuinely disturbing. Not remotely appropriate for middle schoolers despite the spy-movie packaging.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
35

Prequel to a violent spy franchise featuring WWI-era brutality, assassination plots, and morally complex characters. The tone is dark and cynical, with graphic violence including stabbings, shootings, and a disturbing scene involving Rasputin. Models vengeance and manipulation more than cooperation. Not emotionally healthy viewing for most families.

Imaginative
58

Alternate-history premise reimagining the origins of the Kingsman organization during WWI is moderately creative. Blends real historical figures (Rasputin, Lenin) with fictional spy intrigue in a stylized way. However, it's derivative of the existing Kingsman formula and doesn't invite much active engagement or creative expression—it's passive viewing of increasingly over-the-top action sequences.

Safe
25

Multiple serious safety concerns: graphic violence including close-up stabbings, beheadings, and poisonings; a deeply uncomfortable sexual assault scene involving Rasputin; wartime atrocities and mass death; strong language; and a suicide. This is R-rated spy violence with unexpected disturbing content that would be highly inappropriate for younger viewers. The Rasputin sequence alone is nightmare fuel.

Enriching
42

Offers some historical context about WWI and the geopolitical tensions of the era, introducing figures like Rasputin and exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and the cost of war. However, the historical elements are heavily fictionalized for entertainment, and the film prioritizes stylized violence over meaningful insight. The anti-war message is muddled by glorified action sequences. Limited lasting value beyond popcorn entertainment.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Older teens interested in WWI history get a (very) fictionalized introduction to the era's key players and political tensions
  • Stylish action choreography and period costumes for fans of the Kingsman aesthetic
  • Explores themes of pacifism vs. intervention and the generational trauma of war, even if heavy-handedly
  • Ralph Fiennes brings gravitas to a father trying to protect his son from violence while building a spy network
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Graphic violence that's significantly more brutal than typical Marvel fare—close-up stabbings, beheadings, war atrocities
  • The Rasputin fight sequence involves sexual assault played for dark comedy and will make everyone uncomfortable
  • A major character suicide that's emotionally heavy and potentially triggering
  • Strong language and crude humor throughout
  • The historical 'facts' are wildly inaccurate—this is alt-history fan fiction, not a documentary

Conversation Starters

  • "How do you think the real WWI compared to what we saw in this movie? Want to look up what actually happened?"
  • "The dad wanted to keep his son safe by avoiding war—do you think that was the right call or cowardly?"
  • "Why do you think they mixed real historical figures like Rasputin with made-up spy stories?"
  • "That Rasputin scene was... a lot. How did that make you feel? Was that supposed to be funny or just disturbing?"
Stills
The Kings Man — still 1
The Kings Man — still 2
The Kings Man — still 3
The Kings Man — still 4
The Kings Man — still 5
The Kings Man — still 6
The Kings Man — still 7
The Kings Man — still 8

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about The Kings Man? Put this WISE score on your site