Johnny Got His Gun

The most shattering experience you'll ever live.

1971 • 112 min • War · Drama

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Synopsis

A young American soldier, rendered in pseudocoma from an artillery shell from WWI, recalls his life leading up to that point.

Our family guide

Best from age 16

Movie Knight Score

422 reviews

75 Audience · 422 · 100%

A young American soldier, severely wounded in WWI, lies in a hospital bed, recalling his past life and struggling with his present state. He has lost his sight, hearing, speech, and all four limbs, existing as a "basket case." This powerful anti-war drama explores themes of loss, communication, and the will to live.

Violence & peril: 8/10
Language: 2/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 7/10

Heads up

Very strong anti-war message
Graphic depictions of war injuries
Existential dread and despair

What it models well

Resilience in the face of adversity
Value of human connection
The importance of peace

Talk about it after

The true cost of war
Coping with unimaginable loss
Defining quality of life and dignity
Different ways to communicate

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Johnny Got His Gun. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.