Wondering if the new Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is scary for kids? If you’re thinking of taking your kids to see the movie and looking for a spoiler-free parent review, don’t worry, I’ve got you. And details to help you decide if Spiderman Across the SpiderVerse is scary for kids you might want to bring. This post might also include some affiliate links that are no cost to you, where I may get a small commission if you purchase from one of my links.

To me, there’s nothing better than a movie where I’m laughing so hard my stomach hurts and I’m hearing my kids laughing beside me. So much of my enjoyment of movies comes from the experience of watching it with loved ones. Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse was the first movie in a long time where both my kids were on the edge of their seats alongside me. 

We all have different tastes and there are so few movies that our entire family enjoys and gives a 5-star rating in our movie tracker. This movie’s predecessor, Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse, has earned the highest average rating of any movie we’ve all seen together. Which is high praise and hard to top. Going into this sequel, I avoided most trailers, went in with high expectations and an open mind, and I am happy to say I was not disappointed. 

The Nitty Gritty: What parents need to know about ‘Spider-Man: Across the SPider-Verse‘

Parents need to know that Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a highly anticipated sequel to the 2018, Academy Award Winning Spiderman Into the Spider Verse. The movie includes some moderate language and swear words such as “hell” and “ass,” as well as animated violence, and battle scenes that may be intense for some younger viewers. There is also some mild flirting between two of the characters. Parents will likely appreciate some of the positive messages and role models present including Miles Morales and many of his returning friends such as Spider Gwen, Peter B. Parker, as well as Miles’ parents, who play a more prominent role in this movie. On top of that, we meet a whole new cast of characters who help, and sometimes hurt along the way. 

My Spoiler-Free Parent Review of Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse

I didn’t think I could love another Spider-Man movie more than Into the Spider Verse or Spider-Man: No Way Home, but this just might be my new favorite. Miles has more experience being Spider-Man now, and in this movie we get to see him as he’s learning to navigate growing up, and growing as a superhero. I loved watching this from a parent’s perspective and also hearing from my kids who pointed out and noticed different things. 

The movie is hilarious and the only downside to me were some of the back to back punchlines that I missed because I was laughing so hard. I’m not going to say much because I really feel like going in with an open mind is the best way to see it. I’ll just add that the choices for  animation and graphics are stunning. The inclusiveness and diversity throughout the movie was unsurprising (because they’ve been on the ball) and I personally loved the little things like a #BLM pin while also having an officer as a father. The nuances about a multicultural family were such a beautiful breath of fresh air.

On top of that, this was the first movie experience in a theater in awhile where I felt like I needed subtitles because it was SO fast moving and quick witted. I know I missed a lot, and there’s so much to catch that I not only want to, but I have to see it again. 

Got it, but is Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse scary for kids?

If you’re wanting to go check out this movie for a family movie night outing, you might be wondering if Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is scary for kids. Particularly young kids. 

As with all movies in theaters, the dark atmosphere, loud speakers and large screen can make any story feel more intense. The nice thing about Spider-Man movies is a lot of the battling includes hilarious dialogue that can ease up some of the severity of the fighting scenes. Still, there is typical Spider-Man danger, angry (and silly) villains, people falling from extreme heights and other endangerment. My kids didn’t think it was very scary though, and you can read more about their thoughts in their Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse kids review.

Ok, but you mentioned swearing and iffy parts, is Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse ok for little kids?

Depending how old your kids are you may have different concerns about the movie. The first thing being the run time. The first movie–Into the Spider-Verse, is almost 2 hours long. 1 hour and 56 minutes to be exact. This movie is 2 hours and 20 minutes long. It doesn’t feel longer because we were into the story but I can see how little kids might get bored because so much of the plot is more complex. I didn’t bring my 4-year-old because she could hardly sit through all of the live action The Little Mermaid. I knew most of that plot so I didn’t mind, but I didn’t want her ruining this one for me. 

Then there’s the topics of the plot. Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is rated PG for sequences of animated action violence, some language and thematic elements. Many of the jokes might go over their heads, but are perfect for a tween audience, and kids who were into the first movie around the time it came out.

The film seems to mature with the audience and adds more dimensions and characters that can be a lot for young viewers to process. There isn’t any kissing or sexual content aside from a little flirting, and a crush between two teens. There are a couple of mild language such as “crap” as well as swear words used a few times including phrases like “What the hell” “Hell yea” and “Big ass mystery” as well as some  This was a little shocking just because the first didn’t have any and this movie has a PG rating. 

We are planning to go see it again and will likely bring our almost 5-year-old who is a huge Miles Morales and Spider Gwen fan. I’ll update their kids’ movie review with her thoughts once I do.

What my kids thought of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

My review is getting long enough, and I was careful not to include any spoilers. If you want more of a kid’s’ perspective on the film that might include very minor spoilers, I definitely recommend reading my 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son’s Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse movie review. My son is a HUGE fan of Miles Morales but he says he didn’t like the movie. If you read his review you’ll see why (thought any plot points being revealed but it may be a good tip for planning purposes and warning your kids). Their review should also help you decide if Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is scary for kids around their age or younger.

All this is great info! But are there end credit scenes in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?

The movie is already pretty long, but we know how Marvel is. Are there any end credit scenes in this movie that you need to stick around for? Well, definitely wait for mid-credits for what is more of a note than an actual scene. And then you can clean up and go, cause there’s no other part of the movie.

Should you watch Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse before going to see Across the Spider-Verse?

Seriously? Yes. And if it’s been awhile since you’ve seen it, watch it again. 

Here’s your homework: 1. Watch or re-watch Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse so you can appreciate the character and story continuation. 

2. Pay close attention to the details throughout the movie and notice the change in graphic styles. 

3. Then come back and discuss what you thought with us because, holy cow! 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Swings into theaters June 2nd.

Want to dress for the occasion? Here is some Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse movie merch we love (many of which we’ve already bought.)

Wondering how our review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse might compare to yours? Check out some of our other movie reviews.

• ‘TRANSFORMERS RISE OF THE BEASTS’ REVIEW
• ‘THE FLASH’ MOVIE REVIEW
• LIVE ACTION ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’ REVIEW
• ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3’ REVIEW
• ‘SHAZAM 2’ REVIEW
• ‘CREED III’ REVIEW
• ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ REVIEW
• ‘STRANGE WORLD’ REVIEW
• ‘THOR LOVE AND THUNDER’ REVIEW
• ‘JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION’ REVIEW
• ‘DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS’ REVIEW
• ‘SONIC 2’ MOVIE REVIEW
• ‘TURNING RED’ MOVIE REVIEW
• ‘SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME’ REVIEW

If you like watching movies together as a family you’ll love our Family Movie Night Journal! Created by me and my oldest daughter Jayda. It’s bringing a family tradition of movie watching and rating to families around the world.

Tags: kids movie review, movie reveiw, movie reviews