Parents' Guide to

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Superhero sequel has comic-book violence, creepy monsters.

Movie PG-13 2023 124 minutes
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Poster: Aquaman and King Orm stand with their backs to each other

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Aquaman stands in water holding a trident with Mera next to him
    1:05
  • Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie: Aquaman stands in front of rocks on a beach, holding a gold trident with his gloved hands
  • Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie: Jason Momoa as Aquaman, holding a trident

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 9 parent reviews

chelinin
chelinin Adult
December 22, 2023
age 13+

troubling

The movie is pretty great. That being said... the opening scene, where the pirates raid the ship is deeply troubling. The violence and threat of violence is just too real... The other scene I was uncomfortable with is when the brothers go to the underground dark world of pirates (or some such) to talk to the mafia head guy... the guy is flanked and fawned over by three women. Because harems and servitude are still a thing. It is these subtle messages of misogyny that bother me...
Brendan P.
Brendan P. Adult
December 22, 2023
age 9+

No masterpiece but the best of this year's four DC movies; sci-fi violence

I couldn't agree more with most of what the main review says, it's popcorn entertainment but by just being entertaining it surpasses the other DC movies this year, as well as Marvel's that aren't GOTG 3 or Spider-Verse. I'm glad I saw the film in 3D, the visuals are a big highlight. They don't waste time with this one (something I felt like the first one did) which is a double-edged sword, there's nary a dull moment but it also lacks a bit of depth. Know all of this coming into it and it'll be enjoyable. Content: Sci-fi violence: People beat each other up and fight creatures such as skeleton warriors, giant squids, and huge bugs. Fists, tridents, bladed weapons, and lasers are used. Bodies and heads are slammed on hard surfaces. Characters get shot and hurt with lasers but recover. The stump of a monster who has lost a claw in battle is briefly shown, but he doesn't express pain and has previously mentioned that his severed limbs grow back within a year. Spoilers! Black Manta falls into an abyss. Language: Some. "Ass," "a--hole," "butthole," "crap," "d---bag," "hell," "s--t," "suck," "piss," 'screw," "hell," "God," "damn," and an unfinished use of "what the fu-".
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

IN AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is back and out for revenge. When a research mission turns up a Black Trident, Manta unleashes an ancient, evil force to destroy Atlantis and annihilate the Atlantean people. Arthur (Jason Momoa), now King of Atlantis, wisely realizes that if there's any hope of saving Atlantis and Earth, he must ask for help from an old rival.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (6 ):

With this sequel, Aquaman secures his spot as the superhero whose movies may not be "good," but they are "good fun." And, with a hero like Momoa -- who's all in and loving it -- it's hard not be charmed. This action fantasy is best described as "dumb fun"; you can't help but enjoy yourself, even if you feel brain cells dripping out of your ear.

The original Aquaman was a Cain and Abel tale, and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom turns that brotherly hate into wary love -- in fact, it's so reminiscent of two of Marvel's famous battling bros that Arthur jibes his brother (Patrick Wilson) by calling him Loki. As a whole, it feels like director James Wan is trying to give DC fans their own Guardians of the Galaxy -- but unfortunately, it's not nearly as funny. The CGI, at times, is also embarrassingly bad, but that also helps remind viewers that this is all a bright, colorful fantasy. And as light and silly as most of it is, the movie is also aiming to make a statement about climate change. It's not too "learny," but it submerges viewers in enough terminology -- like "greenhouse gases" -- to lay the groundwork. Lower your expectations, and just keep swimming.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of forgiveness and redemption. What role do those concepts play in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? When have you been given a second chance, and do you feel you made up for the mistake?

  • How does Aquaman differ from other superheroes? How does he demonstrate integrity, courage, teamwork, and even humility? Why are these important character strengths? Do you consider him a role model?

  • Imagine other actors in the title role: Who else could play Arthur? How does an actor have a point of view or style, even when inhabiting different characters?

  • Aquaman is among a handful of superheroes played by actors of color. Why is it important to see a variety of different heroes in the media?

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