Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media
August 9, 2023
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Marvel Age-by-Age Guide

Find out which Marvel movies, TV shows, books, apps, and games are appropriate for your kids.

By Common Sense Media  |  August 9, 2023
Topics: Recommendations
[Image alt text: Actor Chadwick Boseman as the character Black Panther, looking pensively at his armored suit's built-in claws.]

Marvel Comics has been entertaining families with popular characters like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man since 1939. And after Disney took the reins of the movie franchise in 2009, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) transformed into one of the most successful franchises of all time. The movies have even inspired kids to pick up the classic comics and spin-off books, helping them develop a love of reading along the way.

Even very young kids love Marvel heroes, but that doesn't mean that every superhero adventure is appropriate for them. The cartoony action in the Lego Marvel Super Heroes game is very different from the graphic hijinks in the movie Deadpool.

Luckily, there are many age-appropriate options for kids if they're ready to dive into the Marvel multiverse. Not every title in our list below is part of the official MCU timeline, but all are full of comic book action and memorable characters.

Keep in mind that all kids are different, so consider your child's ability to handle peril and conflict before exploring the content below.

Age 4–7

Keep it mild with animated action that's not too scary or intense.

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Age 8–9

Dial up the intensity with these (still kid-friendly) cartoons and books.

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Age 10–11

Start introducing popular titles with recognizable characters and lighter action violence.

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Age 12–13

As your kid feels ready, dig into all of the action-packed movie blockbusters, plus their sequels and tie-ins.

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Age 14–15

Consider some of the edgier spin-off series and video games.

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Age 16+

Teens can likely handle most of what the MCU has to offer at this stage, including these racier (and often very violent) stories.

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Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.

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