Is Dungeons and Dragons movie safe for kids? Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves OK for children? Read the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new live action film based on the popular fantasy role playing game (RPG), starring Chris Pine. No spoilers! #DnDMovie May contain commissioned links.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
A new live action film is rolling in theaters (roll – get it?). Based on the popular 1974 RPG game (now owned by Hasbro), this almost 50-year old in the making Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fan-service film is taking a huge risk with the hopes of inspiring a new generation of RPG lovers.
But is this roll of the dice handing out fantasy fun or critical hits?
In this Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG-13 age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Dungeons and Dragons movie parents guide to the new live action film based on the popular role playing game. A no-spoiler parent review of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, is this RPG game fan-service a little too niche for the movie watcher? Or is this film inspiring a new generation of dice-rolling, fantasy loving, RPG playing, nerdy DND lovers?
The Visuals
Dreamy landscapes, fantastical creatures, modern day CGI technology and rounding out the vibe with costuming and accessories, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves doesn’t skimp on the immersive fantasy in the visuals department. Perhaps not quite as breathtaking and impressive as Lord of the Rings, the more Willow-like visuals enhance this Paramount film for audiences for a full entertaining experience.
Photosensitivity Warning. Multiple scenes with lightning/flashing lights, mostly related to use of magic effects that may be triggering for seizures/light sensitive viewers. Multiple scenes in darkness as well.
The Story
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the fantasy world and playful spirit of the popular 1974 roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure. Directed by co-writing duo Johnathan Goldstein and John Francis Daly (“Spiderman: Homecoming“), the D&D movie boasts an all-star cast including Chris Pine (“2009 Star Trek“) as Edgin, Michelle Rodriguez (“Avatar: The Way of Water“) as Holga, Regé-Jean Page (“Bridgerton“) as Xenk, Justice Smith (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu“) as Simon, Sophia Luis (“It Chapter Two“) as Doric and Hugh Grant (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery“) as Forge – as a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic.
An epic fantasy comedy film that hasn’t been present in the theaters for a long time, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is definitely an homage to fandom, with lots of heart put into this passion project as this movie expertly blends fantastical fantasy with a modern day humor twist. A huge quest wrapped up with RPG nostalgia for gamers and non-gamers alike, it’s a genre that is unexpected and surprising – but finally in a good way.
While the story is somewhat predictable, the subtle D&D inserts, cameos, and even a little pop culture keep audiences engaged and very, very entertained.
The cast is loveable and relatable. Audiences will appreciate that the actors are fully committed to their character roles. Chris Pine brings his best Star Trek like leadership acting skills, Hugh Grants brings his sultry charm, Regé-Jean Page brings his Bridgerton sexiness (yes, ladies – you’re welcome), and even Justice Smith surprised me as my favorite character of the film.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves PG-13 Rating Explained
Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves safe for kids? A Paramount PG-13 film – leaning more towards RPG-playing adults or towards family-friendly kids? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Shazam! Fury of the Gods not disclosing any sensual content??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same.
As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option. PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-13 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves rated PG-13? In this Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this live action role playing game based film is rated PG-13 for “some language, fantasy action/violence.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Dungeons and Dragons is kid friendly. Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves too scary for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG-13 age rating in this Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. This fantasy based RPG movie definitely turns up the violence and suspense for being labeled as a comedy. Violence is very intense at times, with multiple medieval weapon usage – such as swords, arrows, and hand-to-hang combat. Multiple kill shots, beheadings, death scenes, grotesque blood and gore, scary monsters and multiple suspenseful/borderline “R” thriller type of jump scares.
Use of dark magic, creepy looking body contortion, possessed/zombie like humans, foaming at the mouth, burning characters, torture screams, and cannibal-like behavior is also very comparable at times to modern day horror thriller films. Macabre is also used mainly for laughs – with multiple scenes of skeletons/dead people coming back to life with grotesque deformities and various stages of decomposing corpses. Overall, the D&D violence/suspense is very comparable to the Willow 2022 series.
Adult Themes. Sexual content is overall mild to moderate. Sensual content includes light kisses between a married couple. Tight, sexy outfits are present, enhancing the female breasts. One scene of 2 fully clothed adults in an “awkward sexual position,” used for comedic effect. Verbal sayings of the word “orifice” for laughs.
Drinking alcohol however is a strong theme throughout the Dungeons & Dragons film. Multiple scenes of consuming alcohol, acting drunk, and jokes about drinks. Slight potty humor in regards to “pee.” Other adult themes include death, grief and loss.
Language. Bad language plays an important part of the 2023 Dungeons and Dragons PG-13 rating. There was definitely more foul language than I had expected to hear, with the use of curse words and phrases throughout the entire movie, sometimes as punchlines for laughs. Swear words in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves include: 5 “sh!t,” 2 “son of a b!tch,” 4 “b@stard,” 6 “d@mn,” 3 “d@mmit,” 2 “pr!ck,” 2 “H-E-double-hockey sticks.”
Milder insults and bad language include: “bollocks,” “bloody” “shut up,” “moron,” “stupid,” “dummy,” and “Oh g-d.” Overall, I would rate as moderate language in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Age Rating for Kids
At a runtime of 2 hours 14 minutes, this D&D film is definitely on the long side for a live action fantasy film to be kid friendly. Without having interest in RPG games or understanding/loving fantasy archetypes, it may be hard for younger kids to understand character arcs and their actions.
However, keep in mind that while this 2023 Dungeons & Dragons movie is filled with entertaining adventure, this film also has quite a bit of heavy adult dialogue and an overall fantasy quest tone that may be boring at times for little ones. Your child’s sensitivity to violence, suspense, dark fantasy themes, scary creatures, and nightmares will play a huge role in determining if Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is ok for kids to watch.
The 2023 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie is most comparable to the 2022 Willow series – with a dash of Princess Bride. An unexpected fantasy comedy combination, this not-so-serious “Lord of the Rings” type of film brings a fresh, modern perspective to the D&D fandom, without taking itself too seriously.
The 2023 Paramount live action film based on the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is rated PG-13 for “some language, fantasy action/violence” by the MPAA.
No end credit scenes. However, the 2023 Dungeons & Dragons movie does have one mid-credit scene that the audience will enjoy. No need to stay until the very end of the credits.
Based on my Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves to kids younger than the age of 11-12 years old. 
Considering the full PG-13 rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves to kids younger than the age of 11-12 years old. This Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves PG-13 rating is spot on for violence and language – but completely missing the adult themes content. This movie is most comparable to the 2022 Willow series on Disney+. And honestly, this DnD film is what I had hoped the Willow series was going to be.
With intense violence, dark magic, scary monsters/characters, suspenseful jump scares and swear words, this more teen friendly rating is well earned. I recommend parents to prescreen the 2023 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves for strong violence, dark fantasy themes and foul language throughout the entire film.
The Overall
It’s been a long time since we’d had a BIG fantasy film worth watching (Lord of the Rings, Hobbit being the most memorable – perhaps?). In 3 words: A Game Changer. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is proof that RPG nerdy is cool.
I honestly haven’t laughed that much in theaters in a long time. And after just one screening, I’m hooked. An unexpected fantasy/comedy combo, this 2023 Dungeons & Dragons movie is fun for RPG fans and non-fans alike. Blending a fantasy world, fantastical creatures, relatable characters, adventure and most importantly modern day humor, this all-star cast exceeded my expectations. Paramount, you done good. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is one of my favorite films of 2023. After almost 50 years, there’s a space where RPG playing, fantasy loving, dice rolling fans and movie lovers can co-exist – finally.
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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the all-new live action role playing game based film rolls into theaters starting on Friday, March 31, 2023. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the new 2023 live action Dungeons and Dragons movie in exchange for this Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Paramount. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
John says
Is gods name paired with the d word ?
christie says
It is not.
Ryan says
Thanks, Christie, for the honest and in-depth review of the DnD movie being suitable for kids. I have an almost nine year old, and think I’ll skip this one for us, for now. Currently at a horse show (boring!) and was looking for some entertainment…haha. 🙂
christie says
I want to bring my 10-year old daughter so badly. But she’s easily scared and has nightmares. A skip for us for now too.