Flee: parents' guide
Best for ages 14 and up. Rated PG-13 for thematic content, disturbing images and strong language.
A powerful animated documentary for teens about Amin, a gay man who fled Afghanistan as a child and now tells, for the first time, how his family escaped through Russia to Europe. Expect real war footage including brief images of dead bodies, a terrifying sea crossing, ruthless smugglers, and a scene implying that police sexually assault a young woman off screen. His father is taken away and never returns. Language includes at least one f-word, and kissing between men is part of his coming-out story. The heavy material makes it best from about 14.
What's in it
Violence
StrongArchive footage shows bombings and a body lying in a pool of blood. Smugglers threaten refugees, police are brutal, and a scene implies officers sexually assault a restrained young woman off screen.
Language
ModerateStrong language is infrequent: a few f-words, plus 'piss,' 'bastard' and 'damn.' There are also some homophobic remarks, which the film does not endorse.
Sex and nudity
MildKissing, including between two men at a nightclub, shirtless men, and a teen's crush on a movie star as Amin comes to terms with being gay. No sex or nudity.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
ModerateArchive footage shows people smoking, and a very drunk man stumbles down a street. No drug use.
Scary or intense scenes
StrongDisturbing real images of war dead, a family adrift at sea for days fearing they will drown, refugees hidden in a shipping container, and constant fear of capture and deportation.
Sensitive topics
- Sexual assault
Worth talking about
Amin kept his past secret even from people he loved. Why might someone who survived trauma hide their story, and what helps them feel safe enough to share it?
On our lists
Similar picks around 14+
Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, bbfc.co.uk, Wikipedia, the MPA, ageratingjuju.com. The age is our judgment, not an official rating, and every family draws its lines differently: read the notes, not just the number. Spotted something we missed? Tell us. How we rate.