Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Parents Guide + Review

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 combines a compelling story, action, humor, and heart, to create the perfect trilogy. It’s no secret that this is the darkest film the franchise, which might make parents wonder if Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is kid-friendly. I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG-13 rating, in my Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Parents Guide + Review

One more time — with so many feelings. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 reunites us with our favorite band of misfits for one last galactic adventure. This time the stakes are higher than ever as they race to save one of their own. It is very clear from the opening scene that this is Rocket’s story. Director James Gunn poured his heart and soul into this final chapter, and to have Rocket front and center is the perfect ending piece of an immaculate trilogy.

The Guardians of the Galaxy always deliver a smashing soundtrack, and Vol. 3 is no different! I’d even go to say that the music itself is like its own character. Each song delivers and ties into the story flawlessly. No Sleep Till Brooklyn is one of the best action sequences ever. In fact, the cinematography overall is a visual feast.

The development of each characters arc is exceptional. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff). Another major standout is Nebula (Karen Gillan). Her character has evolved the most since the beginning, and to see where she is today, and who she’s become, is honorable.

Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Kid-Friendly? Here’s your Parents Guide:

Here it is. The big question. Should you take your kids to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3? Well, that depends. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has an MPA rating of PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references, and thematic elements. It has a runtime of 2 hours 30 minutes. There’s a lot to digest in the latest MCU film. Here’s what parents need to know before watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with their kids.

Language

James Gunn made it clear that he wanted to be the first Marvel director to have an F-bomb in a film, and he made true on his word. Was it necessary? Absolutely not. My issue with this is that Guardians has always been marketed towards children. I feel like if you’re going to promote something to be enjoyed by kids, then you need to hold yourself to certain standards.

Aside from that one usage of profanity, other lookout words include: douche, douchebag, @sshole, d!ck, d!ck head, $hit, son of a b!tch, @ss, @sshole, p!ss off, Hell, and d@mn.

Insult words include: an abundance of stupid, idiot, dumb, morons, and “suck my…” (ending is cut off).

Violence

The violence of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is pretty much on par with the first two films. However, what makes this one so much more intense is the focus on animal abuse. We’re given Rocket’s backstory and it’s a real tearjerker. Some of the scenes are very difficult to watch, even more so if you’re an animal lover. Gunn doesn’t hold back with the gore and violence relating to these animals. We’re talking torture, murder, disfigured body parts. Consider this your trigger warning and expect to see very disturbing and graphic scenes.

Mature Content

There is a comment made about inappropriate touching. Drinking alcohol is portrayed and someone references selling meth.

Age Recommendation for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

There’s a lot to unpack in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Especially for children. For me, the animal cruelty ups the ante when discussing what ages this movie is suitable for. I’d like to say if they’ve seen the other Guardians films, then this one should be okay. However, Vol. 3 is way more intense. Rocket’s story is soul crushing, and it should be noted as such. I would recommend Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 for ages 13 and up. If your younger children really want to see this movie, then I’d strongly encourage parents to pre-screen the film.

Is there an End-Credit Scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?

There are TWO post credit scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. There’s a mid-credit scene as well as a post credit scene once the credits finish rolling. Don’t miss them!

Overall Thoughts

Sci-Fi, action, adventure, humor, and heart, all wrapped up to complete this absolute blast of a trilogy. The entire cast pours their hearts into their roles, and it all plays out to perfection. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers the perfect sendoff for our beloved misfits. James Gunn sure can deliver a compelling story. We’ll be ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ for years to come.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Synopsis

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers. 

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE SEEING IT IN THEATERS?!

Looking for more parent guides and movie reviews? Don’t miss these posts HERE!