Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug appropriate for children?

# The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Parent Guide This PG-13 fantasy adventure features strong action violence including battle scenes and dragon attacks that may be intense for younger children. Language and other content are mild, but the overall verdict suggests it's better suited for older children (10+) who can handle sustained action sequences and some frightening moments.

What age is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug suitable for?

Our verdict for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is: Not recommended. See the age grid on this page for specific recommendations by age group.

Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug safe for children?

Content breakdown

🔫

Violence

Strong

🗣️

Language / Profanity

Mild

🔞

Sexual Content

Mild

👻

Horror / Scary

Mild

About this movie

Type

Movie

Released

2013

Rating

PG-13

Genre

Fantasy, Adventure, Action

Synopsis

The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.

Cast

Ian McKellen

Gandalf the Grey

Martin Freeman

Bilbo Baggins

Richard Armitage

Thorin Oakenshield

Benedict Cumberbatch

Smaug / Sauron

Full cast on IMDb ›

Age suitability

Under 6

Not yet

Ages 6–8

Not recommended

Ages 9–12

Not recommended

Ages 13+

Not recommended

Where to watch

🎬 Find on Amazon

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Parents also checked

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Generally safe

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Not recommended

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Not recommended

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Generally safe

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