Is The Fantastic Four: First Steps suitable for a family?

By Alex Wiggan

This summer has delivered a whole bunch of big movies, from Jurassic World: Rebirth to Superman. But one of the biggest films is just around the corner.

Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The movie – the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2025 and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, and Ralph Ineson.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps acts as a re-introduction to the Fantastic Four, unconnected to previous FF films. Meanwhile, the story centres around the team’s encounter with the planet-devouring being known as Galactus, who looks set to wipe out the Earth.

When The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in cinemas, it’s likely to be a smash hit. Pre-release ticket sales are already high, and you can bet that comic book aficionados, sci-fi fans, and general movie-goers will be off to see this one, including young superhero buffs.

But what is the age rating for The Fantastic Four: First Steps? With its story about a world-devouring entity, is this film suitable for family viewing?

Let’s take a look at the rating.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps UK age rating

First up, in the UK, the British Board of Film Classification has granted The Fantastic Four: First Steps a ’12A’ certificate. The film has been granted this certificate due to “moderate threat, (and) violence”.

In the UK, a ’12A’ certificate means the film is deemed most suitable for audiences aged 12 or over. However, anyone under the age of 12 can go and watch this film in a UK cinema, they merely need an accompanying adult or adult guardian with them, as some scenes may not be entirely suitable.

With a ’12A’ certificate in place, a family is completely free to go and watch this movie without any problems. As for its suitability, as a general rule of thumb, most Marvel Cinematic Universe movies carry a ’12A’ certificate, so if you are happy with your younger children watching the likes of Iron Man (2008) or Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) etc, they should be fine with this film.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps US age rating

Over to the US now, where the Motion Picture Association of America has granted The Fantastic Four: First Steps a ‘PG-13’ rating. The MPAA has awarded this rating for “action/violence and some language.”

In the US, anyone can watch a ‘PG-13’ in a US cinema. Parents are cautioned, as some material may be inapproriate for children under 13, however, there are no restrictions or stipulations on who can see the film.

If you wish to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps at the cinema as a family, you are free to do so. The MPAA merely asks that you be aware the film includes action and violence, as well as some language.

Once again, the same rule applies about this film being in line with other MCU titles. If you are comfortable with your family watching other entries in the MCU, then they should be fine with this one.

So, stock up on popcorn, and enjoy! Take your family to see Marvel’s family.

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Editor/Writer/Super Hero

Alex Wiggan

Alex is a writer, editor, and blogger specialising in movies, TV, comics, retro toys, and general geekery. He is a championing voice in nerd content, an expert in pop culture, and a trusted movie critic who publishes new reviews on a weekly basis. After graduating with a degree in film & television studies from the University of Derby in the UK, Alex went on to study journalism in Sheffield, before acquiring NCTJ accreditation. Prior to a career in blogging, Alex was a magazine editor, a senior copywriter, a features writer, and a freelancer.

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