PG-13

Dances with Wolves

Inside everyone is a frontier waiting to be discovered.

1990 • 181 min • Adventure · Drama · Western

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Synopsis

Wounded Civil War soldier John Dunbar tries to commit suicide—and becomes a hero instead. As a reward, he's assigned to his dream post, a remote junction on the Western frontier, and soon makes unlikely friends with the local Sioux tribe.

Our family guide

Best from age 12

Movie Knight Score

4796 reviews

78 Audience · 4796 · 100%

An injured Civil War soldier, John Dunbar, seeks solitude on the Western frontier and gradually befriends the Sioux tribe, immersing himself in their culture. He navigates a complex world of changing loyalties and cultural differences, finding a new sense of belonging and purpose.

Violence & peril: 5/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Historical violence, including battles and animal hunting
Some brief nudity in cultural context
Long runtime

What it models well

Embracing different cultures
Finding one's place
Loyalty and friendship
Respect for nature

Talk about it after

The history of Native American tribes and westward expansion
The meaning of courage and loyalty
How different cultures can learn from each other

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Dances with Wolves. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.