The Maze Runner
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner is a 2014 dystopian science fiction film based on James Dashner's novel, directed by Wes Ball. The story follows Thomas, a teenager who wakes up in a mysterious Glade with no memory, surrounded by other boys and a dangerous, ever-changing maze inhabited by monstrous creatures called Grievers. The group, known as Gladers, attempts to find a way out while building a functioning society. The film delves into themes of survival, memory, and rebellion against an unknown authority responsible for their predicament. Targeted at young adult audiences, the movie carries a PG-13 rating due to its intense sci-fi violence, action sequences, and disturbing imagery. It sets a dark and suspenseful tone, with a strong focus on action and mystery rather than romance or overt social commentary. The content can be quite harrowing for younger viewers, featuring perilous escapes, creature attacks, and thematic elements of human experimentation and loss.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains intense and often graphic science fiction violence, including deadly creature attacks, human-on-human combat, and several character deaths. The level of violence significantly increases in the sequels, with more explicit depictions of blood and gore.
1. Horrifying mechanical creatures called Grievers attack and bite humans. Those stung become violent and zombie-like, eventually dying, with some being graphically eaten by the creatures. Several Gladers are killed by these monsters during escape attempts. 2. Chuck, a young Glader, is fatally shot in the chest by Gally, who is then impaled with a spear-like weapon by Minho. This scene is particularly impactful due to Chuck's young age and the suddenness of his death. 3. A character, Alby, is forced into the Maze to be eaten by Grievers after being stung. Dead bodies and a pile of bones are seen in the Glade and the Maze, indicating violent ends for many. 4. In 'Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,' there are extended sequences of violence, including gun battles between soldiers and mutant humans, physical assaults, and a woman shooting herself in the head, with her dead body later shown.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is consistently suspenseful and features numerous frightening and disturbing scenes. The threats are ever-present, involving menacing creatures, violent encounters, and psychological distress from confinement and memory loss.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
14+ with parental guidance for 13-year-olds. The film's PG-13 rating is justified by intense sci-fi violence, scary creatures, thematic elements of human experimentation, and multiple character deaths. Australian ratings also suggest it is not suitable for children under 13 and recommend parental guidance for 13-14 year olds.
Good to Know
The film series escalates in intensity, violence, and mature themes across its installments. Parents should be aware that while the first film sets a dark tone, the sequels ('The Scorch Trials' and 'The Death Cure') introduce more graphic violence, explicit substance use, and higher stakes. The underlying themes of sacrifice, leadership, and the fight for freedom can offer discussion points for older teens.
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