Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

film

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

2013

In New York City, Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager, learns that she is descended from a line of Shadowhunters — half-angel warriors who protect humanity from evil forces. After her mother disappears, Clary joins forces with a group of Shadowhunters and enters Downworld, an alternate realm filled with demons, vampires, and a host of other creatures. Clary and her companions must find and protect an ancient cup that holds the key to her mother's future.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent fantasy combat, demon attacks, peril, kidnapping, frightening creatures, deaths or apparent deaths, and intense family revelations accompany teen romance. The PG-13 rating supports older-teen guidance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

Keep going

What should you do next?

One review should lead naturally to the next useful choice.

Keep browsingSearch for another movieUse age, interests, vibe, or content preferences.Search →

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Some incidental product presence; film is part of an established book franchise.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters kill demons and enemies; a sibling is said to have died, and characters face apparent or possible deaths and serious injury.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Brief depictions of injury and demon-inflicted wounds; not gratuitous but includes some blood.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

The film contains occasional mild profanity and teen-oriented insults, without frequent or especially strong language.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Alec Lightwood has a secondary same-sex attraction storyline. LGBTQIA content is present but not central to the film’s main plot.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Angel ancestry, Raziel, half-angel warriors, sacred-looking settings, and supernatural mythology are recurring world-building elements.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen romantic tension is a recurring subplot, including a kiss, jealousy, a love confession, and complicated feelings involving Clary, Jace, and Simon.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Demons, vampires, werewolves, occult settings, attacks, kidnapping, portals, and danger to a missing mother create sustained frightening fantasy peril.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic innuendo and suggestive dialogue typical of teen fantasy dramas.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional scenes set in nightclubs with implied consumption, though not a focus.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated supernatural fights include demon killing, vampire and werewolf battles, lethal stings, interrogations, and a climactic battle with summoned demons.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters repeatedly confront demons, vampires, dangerous adults, family revelations, and major personal risks to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The hidden-world premise, magical runes, portals, fantastical creatures, and inventive artifact mythology strongly engage imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Contains a cast with some diverse representation of identities and backgrounds.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Companions cooperate to rescue missing and kidnapped people, protect one another, heal injuries, and oppose those who exploit others.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Themes include protecting others, resisting power and betrayal, accepting identity, loyalty, and confronting harmful family legacies.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty, protect vulnerable people, rescue others, and oppose evil, though some make risky choices and operate in morally complex situations.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Something wrong with this guide? Report age, caution, series, cover, or title issues.