Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

film

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Age rating, content warnings & parent guide

1982

Is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan appropriate for your child? See the reviewed age guidance, content cautions, positive themes, and supporting evidence below.

The starship Enterprise and its crew is pulled back into action when old nemesis, Khan, steals a top secret device called Project Genesis.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent peril and space combat, deaths, a disturbing parasite-based mind-control threat, radiation poisoning, grief, and mature revenge themes make this better suited to early teenagers despite its PG rating. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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.

10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceAges 12+
Strongest cautionsDeath of a character 4/5 · Frightening scenes 4/5 · Violence 4/5
Strongest positivesCourage & resilience 5/5 · Creativity & curiosity 4/5
Recommendation4/5

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: death of a character.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Frequent peril and space combat, deaths, a disturbing parasite-based mind-control threat, radiation poisoning, grief, and mature revenge themes make this better suited to early teenagers despite its PG rating. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Courage & resilience; strongest caution: death of a character.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 12+Main watch-out: Death of a character 4/5
Recommendation 4/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
14Scored categories
14Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Oct 22, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

How ratings workReport a rating or series issue
Review depth14 scored categories14 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

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?

Minimal, related only to the wider Star Trek franchise marketing.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A primary character dies in a central scene involving high emotional stakes. Numerous other red-shirt crew members are killed during battles.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, somewhat disturbing imagery of parasitic eels being placed into characters' ears, and some blood/wounds on characters after combat.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, mostly dramatic insults associated with Khan's character.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of a past romantic relationship between Kirk and Dr. Carol Marcus, and the existence of their son, but not the focus.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The mind-control parasite sequence and the overall high-stakes tension of being hunted in a nebula create a dark, eerie atmosphere.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features intense space combat, ship-to-ship fire, and laser weapon exchanges. Several characters are killed or injured in the conflict.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of the film is facing death and insurmountable odds with courage and logic.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inspires curiosity about space exploration, tactical problem-solving, and imaginative science concepts.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The bridge crew is historically notable for its multicultural cast, though it lacks depth in non-human/non-male representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to literary references (Ahab/Moby Dick) and sci-fi concepts like terraforming.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Displays of camaraderie and deep personal care among the Enterprise crew, especially toward Spock.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of self-sacrifice, the consequences of revenge, and the importance of accepting aging.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters exhibit leadership, loyalty, and bravery. They make difficult choices for the greater good.

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

Community signal

Community ratings and written reactions are a separate layer. They do not automatically change Dickens & Rumi’s official age guidance or content scores.

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

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.