The Great Flood (original Korean title: 대홍수) is a 2025 South Korean science-fiction disaster film produced by Netflix. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, known for his intense thrillers like The Terror Live, the film stars top Korean actors Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo.
The story unfolds on what may be humanity’s last day as a catastrophic flood engulfs the planet. The action is set within a single apartment building, where water rises floor by floor. The film follows Anna, a researcher, in a desperate struggle to save a child while navigating a crumbling building and hostile survivors. A member of a security unit, Hee-jo, also fights to reach them from the outside, with a mission that holds humanity’s last hope.
This highly anticipated film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025 and is scheduled for a global Netflix release on December 19, 2025.
The Great Flood Age Rating
The Great Flood is rated TV-MA on Netflix. In the U.S. television rating system, TV-MA stands for “Mature Audience Only.”
This rating indicates that a program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17.
Content Breakdown for Parents:
- Violence & Peril: The film’s primary focus is on relentless, life-or-death peril. Characters face physical danger from the rising floodwaters, collapsing infrastructure, and the desperate actions of other survivors. While not a slasher film, there is implied and depicted violence as people fight for survival. The emotional tension is extremely high, and the film is designed to be a “pressure-cooker” experience, which may be very disturbing for younger or sensitive viewers.
- Language: Given the intense and desperate situations the characters face, strong language and profanity should be expected.
- Mature Themes: This is the most prominent element of the film. The Great Flood tackles a wide range of strong mature themes, including desperation, loss, grief, and the moral and ethical dilemmas of survival. It explores how human behavior breaks down under extreme stress, with characters making difficult choices to save themselves or others. There may be no sexual content or substance use, but the psychological intensity is a significant factor.
Is The Great Flood Suitable for Teens?
- Ages 10–14: No. The film’s intense and continuous sense of peril, combined with its mature themes of human desperation and survival, is far too overwhelming for this age group. The psychological and emotional stress may cause significant distress.
- Ages 15–17: With Guidance. Older teens may be able to handle the action and intensity, but parental guidance is highly recommended. The film could be a good starting point for a discussion about human nature and morality in a crisis, but parents should be ready to talk through the difficult content and disturbing themes.
- Ages 18+: Yes. Adults who enjoy high-stakes disaster thrillers and films that explore the darker side of human nature will likely appreciate the film’s intense plot and powerful performances.
Final recommendation: The Great Flood is a highly intense disaster thriller best for viewers aged 16 and up, with parental guidance for younger teens. This is not a popcorn movie and should be viewed with a clear understanding of its serious and stressful content.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the Trailer First: Preview the official trailer to get a clear sense of the film’s tone and intensity. This will help you decide if it is right for your teenager.
- Discuss the Stakes: Before or after viewing, talk about the ethical dilemmas the characters face. Ask questions like, “What would you do in that situation?” or “What does this film say about human nature?”
- Be Available for Discussion: Given the film’s heavy themes of loss and survival, be prepared to talk with your child about how they feel after watching and reassure them.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) Is The Great Flood appropriate for teens?
Older teens (16–17) will likely be fine. Younger teens (13–15) may need parental guidance. Avoid for most children under 13.
2) Are there violent or scary scenes?
Yes. The film centers on flood disaster and trapped people. Expect intense peril and suspense.
3) Is there strong language or slurs?
Promotional materials don’t emphasize language, but occasional strong language is possible in heated scenes.
4) Is there sexual content or nudity?
Trailers and official synopsis show no sexual content or nudity. The film focuses on disaster survival.
5) Where can I watch it?
Netflix worldwide, streaming from December 19, 2025, per Netflix’s announcement.