Dickens & Rumi
Cover of I Am Number Four

film

I Am Number Four

2011

A teenage fugitive with an incredible secret races to stay one step ahead of the mysterious forces seeking destroy him. With three dead and one on the run, the race to find the elusive Number Four begins. Outwardly normal teen John Smith never gets too comfortable in the same identity, and along with his guardian, Henri, he is constantly moving from town to town. With each passing day, John gains a stronger grasp on his extraordinary new powers, and his bond to the beings that share his fantastic fate grows stronger.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent fantasy action and peril, character deaths, frightening creatures, grief, and intense confrontations suit teens; romance is present but not explicit. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

There may be ordinary background product placement in this major-studio film, but it is not presented as a shopping-focused story.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several Garde are already dead, a guardian dies, and the plot centers on the remaining characters being killed in sequence.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some minor injuries and battle aftermath, but generally avoids graphic gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity and bullying language may occur, but strong or frequent language is not indicated.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

John and Sarah develop a relationship and share a goodbye kiss; romance is meaningful but secondary to the action plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Teens are repeatedly hunted, chased and trapped by alien killers and frightening creatures in life-threatening action scenes.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal, non-glamorized depictions of teenage social situations.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated fights, attacks, chases, super-powered combat, weapons, and dangerous confrontations occur throughout the story.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters repeatedly face deadly persecution and danger, rescue others, confront attackers, and accept personal sacrifice.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Alien mythology, superpowers, secret identities, shapeshifting and magical artifacts offer rich material for imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of young actors in an ensemble setting.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, guardianship, rescue, loyalty, and protection are important; characters cooperate and show care under pressure.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, protecting others, teamwork, responsibility, perseverance, and choosing to help despite personal danger.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows growth and selflessness in protecting others.

Family discussion

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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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in I Am Number Four would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in I Am Number Four, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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