Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story: parents' guide
Best for ages 13 and up. Rated PG-13 for some strong language and thematic elements.
An inspiring but tear-jerking documentary for young teens who know Superman or care about disability rights. It follows Christopher Reeve from movie stardom through the 1995 riding fall that paralyzed him and his years of activism, told largely by his three children. Expect a few f-words in interviews, frank talk about his despair after the accident, including that he considered ending his life, and medical emergencies. His death, and his wife's death from cancer soon after, are covered with real grief. Little else is objectionable; the f-words and heavy themes are why we suggest 13, with a parent ready for the sad parts.
What's in it
Violence
MildFootage and descriptions of the riding accident and its aftermath. Movie clips include brief fantasy action such as chokings and shootings, and one short clip has a little blood.
Language
ModerateBetween one and three f-words depending on the count, plus occasional s-words, asshole and idiot, all in interviews. Infrequent overall, and the main reason for the PG-13.
Sex and nudity
MildKissing, a mention of a husband making love to his wife, a dirty joke, and talk of women throwing themselves at Reeve when he was a famous leading man. No nudity.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
MildArchival images show people drinking socially in nightclubs and at events. No drunkenness, smoking of note or drug use.
Scary or intense scenes
ModerateReal medical crises are described, including a near-death moment and a ventilator failure. Reeve's depression and thoughts of suicide are discussed, and his children grieve the deaths of both parents. Emotionally intense rather than scary.
Sensitive topics
- Suicide
- Death of a parent
Worth talking about
Reeve said his wife's words, that he was still himself, kept him going. How can the people around us help us through something life-changing, and what did he do with the platform he had afterward?
On our lists
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Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, bbfc.co.uk, Wikipedia, the-numbers.com, Rotten Tomatoes. 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.