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Is Doctor Strange appropriate for kids?

Disclosure: Our interview sessions and screenings were part of the Disney hosted #DoctorStrangeEvent press junket. While all expenses were paid, opinions are always 100% my own. This site uses affiliate links.

Dr. Strange has a new movie coming to theaters soon.  While the article below is about the original Dr. Strange movie from a few years ago, we are sharing all about our feelings about the newest Dr. Strange movie coming to theaters in 2022 in a newer article.  If you want to know if Dr. Strange Multiverse of Madness is too scary for kids, we are here for you.  My oldest and I previewed the film at the red carpet premiere and we do have a lot of things to say.  Read about how Dr. Strange Multiverse of Madness is maybe not appropriate for little kids. I go more into dept on why in the article linked, but the 2nd Dr. Strange film is quite a bit darker and parents should proceed with caution.

is doctor strange appropriate for kids

Whether you are a long time Marvel fan or not, Doctor Strange will capture your imagination and your heart.  Our number one question from readers about movies is if they are appropriate for young children.  Readers know we think twice and pre-screen most movies before our ten year olds and five year old see them. Since seeing an early screening I have had several people ask me if Doctor Strange is appropriate for kids.  While I always suggest parents read more than just my blog post on the matter, I am here to tell you our big kids will be seeing Doctor Strange.

The ancient one marvel

I don’t believe in sharing spoilers but I will break down some of the reasons why I feel this is a great movie for adults as well as teens and tweens.  My big kids are ten and we are always on the lookout for quality entertainment for them.  While children’s programing is still fun for them, we love finding movies with more mature themes but still age appropriate. Doctor Strange does have some comic book level violence. It has very little bad language and is void of anything sexual you are going to need to explain to kids. Everyone is different, but that gets a green light from me.

doctor strange training

I hope this is not considered a spoiler; but violence and death is peppered throughout the film.  As is the case in many Marvel movies, fighting is as intricately choreographed as a dance number. While it is expected in a super hero movie to have some action and violence, Doctor Strange is not graphic or gory. Language, for the most part is very tame with only one curse word that I can recall in the whole film.

the ancient one magical

Strong female roles are few and far between in super hero films, but Doctor Strange has two.  This isn’t just a selling point for young girls.  I love that my son will be going to see a Marvel movie where the female characters are not sex symbols.  Traditionally this is at least part of the role for a female in the super hero universe. Even if the females are superheros they are young and sexy. *sigh* I get it, but I don’t. Doctor Strange has two female leads that make my heart sing.  Tilda Swinton’s role as The Ancient One is perfection.  She is powerful and offers sage advice about looking outside yourself.  Rachel McAdams plays Christine Palmer who does not have any super powers, but is a strong woman just the same. She loves someone who is imperfect, she forgives, but she also stands up and walks away when he is out of line. These are the women I want my daughters to look up to. These are the women I want my son to fall in love with.

Marvel Christine Palmer

The message is uplifting and encouraging.  Doctor Strange has a universal message that thinking deeply and outside of yourself is where real value lies. Extraordinarily talented and brilliant Doctor Stephen Strange need to let go of himself and open himself up to his calling to save others.  Doctor Strange has everything, but he is shallow and self centered.  He goes through heart wrenching emotional and physical struggles on his journey. Standing up for what is right and good triumphs evil are lessons I feel our kids need and crave in crazy times like these.

doctor strange cape

What age is appropriate to see Doctor Strange?  This is where it gets tricky.  I don’t like to make blanket statements, but I think about eight years old and up is safe. Please gauge with the information I shared above alongside other sources you trust as a parent. My ten year olds will be seeing it in theaters, my five year old who scared quite easily will be waiting till we have it on DVD.

Doctor Strange is in theaters TODAY and is rated PG-13.  I suggest splurging on 3D, the effects are unlike anything I have ever seen before.Reserve your tickets now to see Doctor Strange at a theater near you with Fandango!

Don’t miss the trailer of Doctor Strange below….

Until Next Time ~ Kate
Categories:  Entertainment
  1. Vet Leow says:

    Your review comes at the perfect timing as I just watch it in the theatre last night…I agree with all that you said about the 3 lead characters and I couldn’t have said it better myself…This is one movie with very little/none curse words and sexual scenes….

    • kate says:

      I’m so glad you saw it! It is a great movie – some violence and I think if kids have sensory processing disorder it could be very overstimulating in the theater with all the special effects – but these things aside it really is a great film with a great message =)

  2. Tamara says:

    I don’t think I’d let any kid under the age of 13 watch any of the Marvel movies.

    • kate says:

      I always suggest readers don’t just take my recommendation – everyone is different. 12 or 13 is a good age as well, some kids that are even older should maybe wait. Each family is different. Thank you for stopping by today!

  3. I can’t wait to see this movie. I know the whole family will enjoy it. We are big Marvel fans…at least we are now because of my husband and little man. Thanks, Kate.

  4. Cheryl Elmore says:

    Thanks for your review. It can be tricky figuring out which movies are appropriate for my boys.

  5. Jacon says:

    I’m might let my ten her old son watch Dr.strange. should I?

    • kate says:

      Hi Jacon – I think the post might help you make this decision, but there are many other reviews out there as well. We let our 9 year old see it and we are fairly conservative in what we will allow. Always best to make an informed decision. Thank you for stopping by!

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