Steven Spielberg’s newest sci-fi movie, Disclosure Day, which hit theaters on June 12, 2026, has everyone talking about whether aliens are real or not. But it also has parents wondering: Is the Disclosure Day movie OK for my kids to see? As someone who grew up watching Spielberg’s iconic ‘80s movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—widely considered a family movie—it had me wondering if Disclosure Day would be regarded as the same. After all, the last scene of the final movie trailer, revealing what the aliens look like, gave me all the vibes of E.T.
While some Gen-X and millennial parents put E.T. in the category of ‘Movies That Traumatized Me as a Kid,’ watching the family film is considered a rite of passage to childhood. So, does Disclosure Day have the potential to do the same? If you’re a parent wondering if the Disclosure Day movie is OK for kids, I’m sharing all the details as a parent who’s already seen it.
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What is the ‘Disclosure Day’ movie about?
The film, which hit theaters on June 12, 2026, stars big-name actors like Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo. Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg also directs, known for other movie classics like Jurassic Park, Jaws, and Indiana Jones.
Disclosure Day follows the story of weatherwoman Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) and cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and their mysterious, interconnected extraterrestrial relationship. Daniel is on the run after he discovers that the company he has been working for, WARDEX, has kept a 79-year secret filled with classified information. So, what does he want to tell the world, exactly, while willing to put his life at risk? Daniel is on a mission to disclose the largest secret kept from the human race: that humans are not alone, and aliens do exist.
Quick facts about the ‘Disclosure Day’ movie
- Rating: PG-13
- Rated for: Some peril, blood and violence, language, and sci-fi tension
- Genre: Sci-fi Thriller
- Length: 2 hours, 25 minutes
- Recommended age: 13+, depending on sensitivity
Is the ‘Disclosure Day’ movie scary?
While the movie is rated PG-13, parents may want to know if Disclosure Day is still appropriate or OK for a young kid, tween, or teen to see.
There is some violence
Parents should know there are some high-intensity moments that may be disturbing. In a couple of scenes, a character is instructed to use a knife to harm another person. While (spoiler) none of the characters die in the film, parents can expect to see guns being shot, blood, and intense car chases. Plus, the video footage of aliens does contain cruelty towards them.
Scenes addressing mental health and substance use
Parents should also be aware that the movie does touch on the topic of mental health in case any of these scenes are triggering for their child. Blunt’s character has an intense panic attack, and the drug ketamine is briefly mentioned.
Mind control
In the movie, Firth’s character, Noah Scanlon, uses a device to control the minds and bodies of others. As a parent, I found this to be more disturbing. I felt that kids watching would find these scenes scarier than the other violent moments.
Some foul language
There is some foul language in the movie. However, I didn’t think it was over the top. The “F” word is used, along with the occasional use of the word “sh*t” and other profanity.
What age is ‘Disclosure Day’ appropriate for?
I’d say the PG-13 movie rating is pretty spot-on. And that any child seeing it should be at least 13 and up. With that said, depending on your child’s development and knowing what they can and cannot handle, it may be best to preview the movie beforehand or have a discussion with them about any scenes you feel could be triggering.
Is ‘Disclosure Day’ a family-friendly movie?
So, is Disclosure Day a sci-fi movie that’s OK for kids? If you’re looking for something along the lines of E.T., or even the more recent Project Hail Mary, I say it’s not in that realm. Spielberg does hone in on the emotional connection between humans and aliens. However, it didn’t leave me with that feel-good feeling if that is the vibe you’re going for. In that case, I’d say to stick to watching Spielberg’s ‘80s movie classic and see Disclosure Day for a parent’s night out.
FAQs
What is Disclosure Day rated?
PG-13
Is the Disclosure Day movie scary?
The movie does contain some gun, knife, cruelty towards aliens, and mental health scenes, along with aspects of mind control.
Is the Disclosure Day movie for kids?
The Disclosure Day movie is not recommended for young children. The movie is intended for children 13 and older.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
