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12 Years a Slave poster
HomeMovies › 12 Years a Slave Updated March 2026

Is 12 Years a Slave safe for children?

R Drama, History Not recommended
Scenes & stills
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Not recommended
# 12 Years a Slave - Parental Guide This powerful historical drama depicts the brutal realities of American slavery and contains strong violence, including whipping and assault scenes that are disturbing and graphic. It also includes strong language and moderate sexual content. The film is appropriate only for mature teenagers who can handle difficult historical subject matter, not younger children.
๐Ÿ”ซ
Violence
Strong
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Language / Profanity
Strong
๐Ÿ”ž
Sexual Content
Moderate
๐Ÿ‘ป
Horror / Scary
Moderate
Type
Movie
Released
2013
Rating
R
Genre
Drama, History

In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomonโ€™s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Solomon Northup
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender
Edwin Epps
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o
Patsey
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch
William Ford
Full cast on IMDb ›
Under 6
Not yet
Ages 6โ€“8
Not recommended
Ages 9โ€“12
Not recommended
Ages 13+
Not recommended

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Ratings based on MPAA/TV classification and TMDB metadata. Updated March 2026.
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