Crime 101 (2026) is a U.S./U.K. crime thriller adapted from Don Winslow’s 2010 novella. It is written and directed by Bart Layton and co-written with Peter Straughan.
The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry, with Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte in supporting roles.
The story follows a meticulous jewel thief named Mike Davis, a dogged detective named Lou Lubesnick, and an insurance broker named Sharon Colvin as their lives collide along California’s 101 freeway. Crime 101 is scheduled for a wide U.S. theatrical release on February 13, 2026, via Amazon MGM Studios.
Crime 101 Age Rating
Crime 101 is rated R by the MPAA for strong language throughout, some violence, and sexual material/nudity. The R rating indicates the film contains adult themes and explicit elements not suitable for children without parental guidance. This guide expands on the kinds of content that earn that rating so parents can decide what is appropriate for their household. For general release details and cast information, see the official production notes and trailer.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Crime 101 is realistic and situational rather than gratuitously graphic. The film contains robberies, tense confrontations, and physical fights linked to heists. Some scenes show on-screen injury and moments of threat during police operations. The overall tone builds suspense and occasional peril as the detective closes in on the thief.
Language
Language is frequent and strong throughout the film. Characters use repeated profanity, including the f-word, in heated confrontations. Mature dialogue supports the film’s gritty and realistic tone. Expect harsh words during investigative and emotional scenes.
Mature Themes
The story explores adult themes such as criminal code, moral compromise, betrayal, and consequences. There is sexual material and instances of nudity tied to adult relationships and plot motives. Substance use is implied in social or criminal contexts, though it is not the film’s primary focus. For guidance on handling films with explicit sexual material and nudity, parents may find context in other mature titles and parental analyses of erotic dramas useful when preparing conversations with teens.
Is Crime 101 Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s sexual scenes, frequent strong language, and criminal themes are inappropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens may grasp the plot, but parents should pre-screen due to explicit language and sexual material. Expect scenes that could be unsettling or confusing without context.
Ages 16–17: With guidance/likely acceptable. Older teens can follow the moral complexity and suspense. Parents should still consider maturity and discuss the film’s ethical and legal issues before or after viewing.
Final recommendation: Crime 101 is intended for adults and older teens only. Parents should pre-screen if younger viewers (under 17) are allowed to watch.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself. Watching first lets you judge language, sexual content, and tension before children see it.
- Prepare talking points about crime and consequences. Discuss why theft harms people beyond monetary loss.
- Use sexual content as learning moments. Talk about consent, healthy relationships, and how media dramatizes intimacy.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the MPAA rating for Crime 101?
A: Crime 101 is rated R for strong language throughout, some violence, and sexual material/nudity.
Q: Is Crime 101 appropriate for teens?
A: Older teens (16–17) may watch with parental guidance; younger teens should not. The film contains repeated profanity and sexual material.
Q: How violent is the film?
A: Violence is realistic and situational, with robberies, fights, and tense police encounters, but it is not primarily graphic gore.
Q: Does the film contain nudity or sexual scenes?
A: Yes. The film includes sexual material and nudity as part of adult relationships and plot development. Parents should be aware.
Q: Where and when can I watch Crime 101?
A: Crime 101 opens in U.S. theaters on February 13, 2026, from Amazon MGM Studios. Check local listings for showtimes.
Q: Should I let my teen watch Crime 101 alone?
A: If your teen is under 18, consider watching together or reviewing the film first. The R rating and mature themes mean parental involvement is advisable.