The Adam Project

Frequent offensive language, sexual material and drug use Rated on: 11 March 2022

The Adam Project

What's it about?

Time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed accidentally crash-lands in 2022, and teams up with his 12-year-old self to save the future. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, known for his quirky and edgy comedy.

Positive messages include the importance of whānau, sharing emotions, and that it is cool to be nerdy.

The facts

  • Directed by Shawn Levy
  • Sci-Fi, comedy and action/adventure
  • 106 mins
  • English language

Why did it get this rating?

The film was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Violence

In the scenes where younger Adam is being bullied younger viewers could feel upset and scared, especially those who might have experiences related to bullying. The film includes gun violence however when people are shot they disappear back to their time period. The only injury noted is when a character is shot off screen and talks about his bloody stomach wound, which is covered by his jacket.

Offensive Language

Along with feeling uncomfortable and upset, the risk is that younger viewers could think this is a normal way to talk to people or encourage them to use it against others. There is infrequent use of offensive language in The Adam Project, which contain words like "sh*t," "mother f****r," and "a**hole." The comedy in the film brings down the impact of the offensive language, however Ryan Reynolds’ edgy style means the words can be quite cutting.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

02 November 2026

A Story of Derry

IT: Welcome to Derry. A story of Derry

Horror and bloody violence

Three young people go into the Western Wood and encounter a terrifying ancient spirit, the Kollu.

Read more

30 September 2026

Content that may disturb

A maternity home for unmarried mothers and their children operated between 1925 and 1961 in Tuam, County Galway. In the 21st century, the home became the focus of a national scandal after a forensic excavation uncovered the remains of hundreds of babies and young children, along with illegal adoptions, mistreatment, and systemic neglect. In this film based on based on true events, an amateur historian investigates the horrors that took place there.

Read more