Black Adam parents guide: Is the superhero movie appropriate for kids?

While Disney+ dominates with its collection of Marvel movies, Netflix boasts a significant array of DC movies and shows available for streaming in the U.S., including the recently added 2022 superhero action movie Black Adam!

Black Adam, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, serves as a spin-off of the 2019 movie Shazam! and marks the 11th film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Starring Dwayne Johnson as Teth-Adam / Black Adam, an ancient superhuman, the movie follows his release from centuries of magical imprisonment by a group of archeologists, aiming to liberate the nation of Kahndaq from the grips of the crime syndicate Intergang. The official synopsis, as per IMDb, outlines the premise:

"“Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods — and imprisoned just as quickly — Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.”"

For parents wondering whether Black Adam is suitable for kids, you’re in the right place! Join us as we delve into the movie’s themes, potentially intense action sequences, violence, and mature themes to equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision. Whether this superhero flick is fit for family movie night or best reserved for post-bedtime viewing, our parent guide and additional film recommendations below aim to assist in making the right choice for your family’s entertainment!

Is Black Adam suitable for kids? (official parent guide)

IMDb rates Black Adam as 12A, suggesting that younger viewers under 12 can watch when accompanied by an adult. However, the decision hinges on your children’s sensitivity to on-screen violence.

The film delves into themes of power, justice, and the complex interplay between heroism and villainy. Black Adam embodies an anti-villain persona, fiercely safeguarding the world and confronting formidable adversaries like Superman and Wonder Woman. His protective nature towards the innocent drives him to make sacrifices, underlining the blurred lines between good and bad.

Expect an action-packed narrative rich in stylized, though not hyper-realistic, violence alongside intense and potentially frightening scenes and characters. Common Sense Media highlights “large-scale action violence, explosions, guns, fighting,” and instances where characters, including women and children, meet grisly, though bloodless, ends through electrocution, stabbing, etc. Additionally, occasional use of language like “s–t,” “ass,” “bastard,” “piss,” “damn,” and “hell” is present.

Given these factors, parental discretion is crucial. As every child’s tolerance for such content differs, we strongly recommend that parents consider these elements before deciding if the movie is suitable for their children. Take a sneak peek of what’s to come in the movie by watching the official trailer below:

What other D.C. movies are on Netflix?

As mentioned Netflix is a treasure trove for D.C. movies and series! Below you’ll find a list of films and shows you can watch in addition to, or instead of, Black Adam.

D.C. movies available on Netflix include:

• Green Lantern (2011): A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as he joins an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
• Man of Steel (2013): Drifter Clark Kent must keep his powers hidden from the world, but when an evil general plans to destroy Earth, the Man of Steel springs into action.
• Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016): It’s the Man of Steel vs. the Caped Crusader when Batman becomes suspicious of Superman’s increasing power, and Lex Luthor’s happy to take advantage.
• Suicide Squad movies (2016-2021): A team of incarcerated supervillains is sent on a dangerous mission in exchange for reduced sentences, facing off against powerful adversaries to save the world.
• Wonder Woman movies (2017-2020): The movies follow the journey of Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman, as she becomes a superhero and fights against various villains to save the world.
• Birds of Prey (2020): After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.
• The Batman (2022): The Batman’s hunt for a killer leads him into Gotham City’s grimy underworld, which may be more entwined with its ruling elite than he’d ever imagined.
• Shazam! Movies (2019-2023): A teenage boy is given the ability to transform into an adult superhero at will, and he must learn to harness his powers to fight against evil forces.
• Black Adam (2023): The story of an ancient anti-hero who is freed from his prison and sets out on a path of vengeance, leading to a conflict with modern-day superheroes.
• DC League Of Super-Pets (2022): The movie follows Superman’s dog, Krypto, and other super-powered pets as they team up to save the world.

D.C. series streaming on Netflix include:

• Justice League and Justice League Unlimited (2001-2004, 2004-2006): These animated series feature a group of superheroes, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and others, who form an alliance to combat various threats. The shows are part of the esteemed DC Animated Universe and are known for their compelling storytelling and iconic characters.
• The Batman (2004-2008): This animated series follows the story of Bruce Wayne, who, as the wealthy and orphaned protagonist, becomes the symbol of his greatest fear to fight crime in Gotham City. The show is praised for its portrayal of Batman and his rogues’ gallery.
• Arrow (2012-2020): The live-action series Arrow revolves around the character Oliver Queen, who becomes the vigilante archer Green Arrow and is set in the same fictional universe as other DC Comics characters. The show is known for its action-packed sequences and complex character development.
• The Flash (2014-2023): This series follows the story of Barry Allen, who gains super-speed after a particle accelerator accident and becomes the superhero known as the Flash. The show is praised for its engaging storytelling and impressive visual effects.
• Supergirl (2015-2021): Supergirl revolves around Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who embraces her superhuman abilities to become the hero Supergirl. The series explores her journey as a superhero and her efforts to protect National City.
• DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022): This series features a group of superheroes and villains who travel through time to stop temporal aberrations and other threats. The show is known for its adventurous and often humorous take on the superhero genre.
• Black Lightning (2017-2021): Black Lightning follows the story of Jefferson Pierce, a retired superhero who is forced to return to his vigilante alter ego to protect his family and community. The series addresses social issues alongside its superhero narrative.