StoryScanner
Start free

The Flash

Here's what we found in The Flash. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.

Screen for YOUR family
General Review

Parent's Guide to The Flash

The Flash is a DC Universe action-adventure film centered on Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, who uses his superhuman speed to travel back in time to prevent his mother's murder and clear his father's name. This attempt inadvertently creates an alternate reality where General Zod threatens global annihilation, forcing Barry to team up with a younger version of himself, a different Batman, and Supergirl to save their world. The film blends zany antics and spectacular action sequences with themes of loss, grief, and acceptance. Targeted primarily at teenagers and adults, the movie carries a PG-13 rating due to its intense violence, strong language, and some suggestive content and partial nudity.

Things to Consider

High3

Violence

The Flash contains frequent and intense sequences of violence, including large-scale battles, graphic injuries, and multiple deaths. The action involves superpower-fueled fights, gunplay, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat, with some scenes depicting explicit harm and implied mass casualties.

Examples include cars smashing in a high-speed chase, a collapsing hospital with people and babies falling from windows, and an alien army attacking countless soldiers. More graphic instances feature a character slitting a man's throat, Barry being electrocuted and appearing to be on fire, another character being repeatedly stabbed in the stomach, and Batman bleeding profusely before dying. A particularly dark scene shows an evil alternate version of Barry trapping and stabbing the younger Barry through the chest, leading to his death.

Profanity

The Flash features strong language throughout, including multiple uses of offensive curse words and the frequent abuse of God's name. This language is present in both intense and casual contexts.

Scary & Intense Content

The Flash features numerous scary and intense scenes, including peril, graphic violence, and disturbing imagery that could be frightening for younger viewers. The emotional stakes of the plot also contribute to the overall intensity.

Would these 3 concerns matter to your family?

Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.

Medium4
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityRomance and Sexual ContentSubstance UseDisrespect & Rebellion
Low2
Witchcraft & OccultAnti-Christian Themes
Medium4

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

While the characters within 'The Flash' movie do not explicitly declare LGBTQ+ identities or engage in same-sex relationships, the film's lead actor, Ezra Miller, identifies as queer and non-binary. Some reviewers have discussed how Miller's portrayal of Barry Allen may convey 'non-binary vibes' and how the casting of openly queer actress Kiersey Clemons as Iris West lends a 'welcome sense of queerness' to their romantic pairing, even without explicit in-film canonization of LGBTQ+ themes for the characters themselves.

Romance and Sexual Content

The movie includes partial non-sexual nudity, suggestive dialogue, and implied sexual activity. These elements are often played for comedic effect or are briefly present, but they contribute to a level of mature content beyond a younger audience.

Substance Use

The movie includes instances of alcohol consumption by adult characters and references to drugs, though no explicit drug use is shown. One character is depicted in a state of apparent heavy intoxication.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The core plot of The Flash revolves around Barry Allen's rebellious act of defying warnings from his mentor, Batman, about the severe consequences of altering past events. This defiance drives the entire narrative, showcasing a persistent disregard for established wisdom.

Low2

Witchcraft & Occult

The film does not contain explicit depictions of witchcraft, sorcery, magic rituals, or demons. However, it explores themes that touch upon spiritual ideas, specifically regarding the consequences of altering fate and playing with forces beyond human control.

Anti-Christian Themes

The film does not explicitly promote anti-Christian messages or depict direct mockery of Christian beliefs. However, it explores themes of fate versus free will and meddling with the natural order of time, which can be interpreted as 'playing God,' without explicit religious commentary.

Want these personalized to YOUR family?

The Flash offers several themes that resonate with Christian values, particularly regarding the acceptance of suffering and the importance of family. The core message revolves around Barry Allen's journey to confront and ultimately accept the pain of his past, specifically his mother's death and father's wrongful imprisonment. This aligns with biblical teachings that acknowledge suffering as an unavoidable part of life and a potential catalyst for growth and character formation, rather than something to be avoided at all costs. Batman, a mentor figure, reinforces this by explaining that personal tragedies and 'scars' contribute to shaping who an individual becomes, suggesting a transcendent view where even hardship can have purpose. The movie ultimately teaches that trying to manipulate the past, or 'play God,' leads to catastrophic consequences, demonstrating the dangers of attempting to control divine sovereignty and reinforcing the idea of trusting in a greater plan. Character morality in "The Flash" largely rewards virtue. Barry's initial attempts to alter history, though driven by love for his family, lead to significant negative repercussions, including an alternate reality threatened by General Zod and the potential destruction of other heroes. His eventual decision to stop trying to change the past, making the painful choice to let go and accept what cannot be undone, represents a moral turning point and self-sacrifice for the greater good. This arc demonstrates moral accountability, as Barry learns that even good intentions can have devastating outcomes when one oversteps boundaries. The film also strongly promotes pro-family values, emphasizing the power of familial love and the enduring nature of these relationships, even through suffering. While there are instances of strong language and some suggestive content, the overarching narrative promotes courage, selflessness, and doing the right thing, aligning with many aspects of Christian virtue. Redemption themes are evident as Barry learns to embrace forgiveness—both for circumstances and for himself—and makes sacrifices not just for his own family, but for the safety of entire realities. His acceptance of his past, despite the pain, allows him to move forward and become a more mature hero. While explicit faith or Christian representation is not a central part of the narrative, the themes of embracing suffering for growth, the consequences of playing God, and the ultimate necessity of letting go of what cannot be changed, resonate deeply with a Christian worldview that emphasizes trust in divine providence and the transformative power of acceptance and sacrifice.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

The Flash is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language, and partial nudity. It is best suited for viewers aged 13 and older, with some parent reviews suggesting 12+ due to the intensity of violence, mature themes of grief, and the presence of profanity and suggestive content.

Good to Know

The film's runtime is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, which might be a factor for younger audiences. Despite the intense content, positive themes such as teamwork, courage, sacrifice, compassion, and the importance of accepting what cannot be changed are present.

How does this review compare?

This review
  • 9 standard concerns
  • General sensitivity level
  • One-size-fits-all perspective
Your report
  • Concerns you choose
  • Sensitivity levels you set
  • Tailored to your family

What are you watching next?

Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.

Personalized to your valuesDetailed findingsAny title, instantly
Start with 10 free scans

No credit card required — join hundreds of families