WISE Score
Avg. Tomatometer
A stylish, blood-soaked history lesson where Kevin Costner learns that bringing a knife to a gunfight is a very bad idea.
83%
83%View →The Untouchables is that rare 80s movie that doesn't feel like a dusty relic. It’s fast-paced, beautifully shot, and features some of the best acting of that decade.
While it’s definitely not for younger kids—the violence is 'splattery' and the opening child death is a gut-punch—it’s a top-tier recommendation for teens who are ready for more mature themes. It’s a classic story of good vs. evil that actually makes the 'good guys' look cool without making them perfect.
Best for 15 or 16 and up. It’s a 'grown-up' movie that respects the audience's intelligence, but the violence is visceral and the language is heavy.
The core of the movie is about a band of brothers standing up for justice in a corrupt city, but their 'wholesome' bond is forged in extreme violence and the philosophy that you have to become a monster to catch one.
Brian De Palma’s direction is incredibly visual and stylish. The train station shootout is a legendary piece of filmmaking that remains a masterclass in building tension through slow-motion and framing.
This is a hard R for a reason. There is an early scene where a young girl dies in a bomb blast, a graphic baseball bat murder at a dinner table, and an elevator shooting that is particularly messy. Not for the faint of heart.
It offers a fantastic entry point into discussing Prohibition-era history and the ethical 'gray zones' of law enforcement. The dialogue by David Mamet is sharp and provides plenty of 'The Chicago Way' philosophy to chew on.
Most historical dramas feel like they’re covered in a layer of dust, but this movie moves with a 1980s swagger that makes the 1930s look dangerous rather than quaint. It’s not just a police procedural; it’s a Western set in a city of stone and suits. The central hook isn't just "catching the bad guy"—it’s the moral decay required to do it.
When Sean Connery’s character asks what Ness is prepared to do, he isn't just talking about working overtime. He’s asking if Ness is willing to get his hands dirty. For a teen, this is a fascinating study in the "hero" archetype. Ness starts as a boy scout and ends as something much more complicated. If your kid is into the moody, hyper-stylized vibes of Rumble Fish: The Gritty, Artsy Older Brother of The Outsiders, they’ll appreciate how this film uses style to tell a story about losing one's innocence.
There are two moments that usually lead parents to second-guess this choice. First is the opening scene involving a child. It’s brief, but it’s a gut-punch designed to make you hate the villain immediately. It works, but for sensitive viewers, it’s a heavy start.
Second is the infamous "dinner party" scene. It’s the definition of a "tonal shift." One minute you’re watching a guy give a speech about teamwork and baseball, and the next, it’s a graphic, blunt-force murder. It’s the moment the movie stops being an adventure and starts being a crime thriller. If you want a more granular look at these specific scenes before hitting play, check out The Untouchables: Is This 80s Bloodbath Too Much for Your Teen? for the full breakdown.
While the action is top-tier—especially the Union Station shootout, which is a masterpiece of tension—the real value is in the history. It’s an easy entry point into discussing Prohibition, the rise of organized crime, and why "the law" isn't always the same thing as "justice."
It’s also a masterclass in screen presence. Robert De Niro plays a version of Al Capone that is basically a dark celebrity, while Kevin Costner plays the straight man who has to learn how to fight a war. It’s a great "if you liked X" bridge for kids who enjoy modern heist movies or spy thrillers but haven't yet explored the classics of the genre. It’s loud, it’s bloody, and it’s unapologetic about its stakes. Just be ready for the "Chicago Way" quote to become a permanent part of your household vocabulary.
Get a personalized guide on any topic
