You’ve probably seen the meme. Matt Damon, covered in red dust, looking like he’s just about had it with the universe, declaring he’s going to "science the s*** out of this." It’s the defining line of Ridley Scott's 2015 space epic. But if you’re a parent planning a movie night or just someone sensitive to "gnarly" visuals, that line alone might make you pause. What exactly is the martian movie rating, and why did the MPAA land where they did?
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird case. Usually, a movie with that many F-bombs—even if they’re delivered with a smirk—flirts dangerously with an R rating. Yet, The Martian sits comfortably in the PG-13 category.
The Official Verdict: Why PG-13?
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) officially tagged The Martian with a PG-13 rating. Their specific reasoning cites "some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity."
That’s the clinical version. The reality is a bit more textured.
If you look at the raw numbers, the film actually uses the F-word multiple times. Historically, the "one F-bomb rule" is the gold standard for PG-13. Use it twice, and you’re looking at an R. However, the MPAA (as they were called then) has always had a "special circumstances" loophole. Because the language in The Martian isn’t sexual and isn't used in a "harsh" or aggressive way against another person—Watney is mostly just yelling at the planet Mars for being difficult—they gave it a pass. It’s "contextual frustration," basically.
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Breaking Down the Content
Let's talk about the "brief nudity." No, it’s not that kind of movie. There’s a scene where Mark Watney (Damon) is seen from behind, completely naked. He’s incredibly thin, ribs poking out, looking haggard after months of rationing potatoes. It’s meant to show his physical decay and the toll of survival. It’s medical, not sexual.
Then there are the "injury images." This is probably the part that actually makes people squeamish. Early in the film, Watney has to perform self-surgery to remove a piece of antenna from his abdomen. It’s bloody. It’s clinical. You see the staple gun go in. If you have a weak stomach for needles or surgical "squelch" sounds, you might want to look away for those three minutes.
Is It Safe for Tweens?
Most critics and parenting experts, including those at Common Sense Media and Movie Mom, suggest that 12 or 13 is the "sweet spot."
That said, plenty of 10-year-olds watch it and love it. Why? Because the movie is fundamentally optimistic. Unlike Alien (another Ridley Scott classic) where space is a terrifying vacuum filled with monsters, The Martian treats space as a series of math problems. It’s educational. It’s funny. It makes being a botanist look like being a superhero.
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- The "Science" Factor: It’s a long movie. 144 minutes is a lot for a kid who wants Star Wars explosions. There aren't any aliens. No laser fights. Just a guy trying to figure out how to make water out of hydrazine.
- The Emotional Weight: There’s a persistent sense of peril. Watney is constantly one seal-leak away from exploding or suffocating. For very anxious kids, the "loneliness" factor might be more upsetting than the actual "danger."
Critical and Audience Reception
The ratings on the big aggregator sites are almost suspiciously consistent.
As of early 2026, The Martian holds a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and the "Popcornmeter" (audience score). That’s a rare feat. Usually, there’s a gap between what critics like and what regular people enjoy.
On Metacritic, it holds a 80/100, which they categorize as "generally favorable." Most reviewers, like the late Richard Roeper or the team at The Hollywood Reporter, pointed out that while the plot is somewhat predictable (man gets stuck, man tries to get home), the execution is flawless. It’s a "feel-good" movie about a guy who could die at any second. It’s weird, but it works.
| Platform | Rating / Score |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% (Certified Fresh) |
| IMDb | 8.0/10 |
| Metacritic | 80/100 |
| Common Sense Media | 4/5 Stars (Recommended for ages 12+) |
Where to Watch It Now (2026 Update)
The streaming landscape is always a mess. After a long stint on Netflix, The Martian recently migrated.
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In the U.S., you can currently find it on Paramount+. It also frequently pops up on Disney+ in certain international territories (like the UK or Canada) under the "Star" banner because it's a 20th Century Studios film. If you don't have those, it's a permanent fixture on PVOD platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu for a few bucks.
Actionable Takeaways for Movie Night
If you're still on the fence about the the martian movie rating, here is how to handle it:
- Fast-Forward the Surgery: If you're watching with younger kids, the "self-surgery" scene happens roughly 10-15 minutes into the film. Keep the remote handy if they're squeamish.
- Explain the Language: Use it as a teaching moment. Watney isn't being "mean"; he's under extreme stress. (Or just let it slide—they've probably heard worse at school).
- Read the Book First: Andy Weir’s novel is even more technical and has way more swearing. If they can handle the book, the movie is a breeze.
- Check the "Extended Edition": There is an extended cut with about 10 minutes of extra footage. It doesn't change the rating, but it adds more character beats for the NASA crew back on Earth.
Ultimately, The Martian is one of the "cleanest" sci-fi movies of the last decade in terms of its message. It's a celebration of human intelligence and the idea that we don't leave people behind. That's a rating worth more than a "PG-13" label.