Better Than the Movies (2026) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Better Than the Movies is best for ages 14+ according to Bontent's parent guide. The strongest content in this book is language at 6/10 (strong) and substances at 5/10 (strong). Below you'll find severity scores out of 10 for every category plus the moments parents ask about most.
YA • 2026 • 1 pages • Lexile 740L (roughly grades 4–5 reading difficulty)
Better Than the Movies is a contemporary YA rom-com that earns its 14+ recommendation primarily for moderate language and realistic high school social situations. While the physical romance is mostly limited to sweet kissing and emotional intimacy, the high volume of profanity and a scene involving underage drinking and a car accident are the main points of concern. It is an ideal read for teens who enjoy classic romantic comedy tropes… Sign up for the full guide
Is Better Than the Movies appropriate for kids?
Better Than the Movies is a contemporary YA rom-com that earns its 14+ recommendation primarily for moderate language and realistic high school social situations. While the physical romance is mostly limited to sweet kissing and emotional intimacy, the high volume of profanity… Read more — free account
Content severity in Better Than the Movies
What happens in Better Than the Movies, moment by moment
- p. 4 💬 Language 2/10
- p. 12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
Sex and nudity in Better Than the Movies
Romance is a central focus but remains relatively clean by YA standards, prioritizing emotional tension over physical descriptions. Physical contact includes hand-holding, prolonged cuddling, and several descriptions of passionate kissing, though the narrative never moves into the bedroom. One specific scene involves Liz Buxbaum waking up in Wes Bennett's bed after a party, which initially causes panic for the protagonist. However, it is explicitly clarified that both characters fell asleep fully clothed and…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Better Than the Movies
Violence is minimal throughout the story and is mostly relegated to comedic anecdotes or accidental mishaps. Past childhood pranks are mentioned early on, specifically Wes's history of decapitating Liz’s lawn gnomes as a form of neighborhood harassment. The most significant physical event is a minor car accident where Michael's vehicle is totaled, which serves as a turning point for the characters. Although the car is destroyed, the characters involved suffer only minor bruising and are primarily shaken by the…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Better Than the Movies
Moderate to frequent for the genre. The book contains roughly 20-25 uses of 'sh*t,' along with multiple uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' 'ass,' and 'pissed.' The f-word appears a single time.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Better Than the Movies
Underage drinking occurs during a high school party scene, which is a common trope in contemporary YA settings. Several characters are seen holding red solo cups, and one of Liz's friends becomes noticeably intoxicated, requiring others to care for her. This lead to a situation involving a car accident; while the driver himself was sober, the context of the night involves reckless behavior and poor decision-making under the influence of social pressure. Outside of this party environment, there is very little…
Read more — free accountMature themes in Better Than the Movies
The narrative features a heavy focus on the grief associated with losing a parent at a young age. Liz frequently discusses the death of her mother and uses her shared love for classic romantic comedies to keep that emotional connection alive. Secondary themes explore the significant pressure of senior year, the fear of losing childhood friendships, and the uncertainty of moving away for college. Navigating blended family dynamics is also a recurring point of tension as Liz struggles to accept her stepmother…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is Better Than the Movies appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Better Than the Movies is best for ages 14+. Better Than the Movies is a contemporary YA rom-com that earns its 14+ recommendation primarily for moderate language and realistic high school social situations. While the physical romance is mostly limited to sweet…
What age rating does Better Than the Movies have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. Better Than the Movies is published for a YA audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What reading level is Better Than the Movies?
Better Than the Movies is 1 pages and its reading level is Lexile 740L (roughly grades 4–5 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Better Than the Movies about?
Better Than the Movies is a contemporary YA rom-com that earns its 14+ recommendation primarily for moderate language and realistic high school social situations. While the physical romance is mostly limited to sweet kissing and emotional intimacy, the high volume of profanity and a scene involving underage drinking…
Is there sex or nudity in Better Than the Movies?
Romance is a central focus but remains relatively clean by YA standards, prioritizing emotional tension over physical descriptions. Physical contact includes hand-holding, prolonged cuddling, and several descriptions of passionate kissing, though the…
How violent is Better Than the Movies?
Violence is minimal throughout the story and is mostly relegated to comedic anecdotes or accidental mishaps. Past childhood pranks are mentioned early on, specifically Wes's history of decapitating Liz’s lawn gnomes as a form of neighborhood harassment. The…
Is the language in Better Than the Movies appropriate for kids?
Moderate to frequent for the genre. The book contains roughly 20-25 uses of 'sh*t,' along with multiple uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' 'ass,' and 'pissed.' The f-word appears a single time.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Better Than the Movies?
Underage drinking occurs during a high school party scene, which is a common trope in contemporary YA settings. Several characters are seen holding red solo cups, and one of Liz's friends becomes noticeably intoxicated, requiring others to care for her. This…
What mature themes appear in Better Than the Movies?
The narrative features a heavy focus on the grief associated with losing a parent at a young age. Liz frequently discusses the death of her mother and uses her shared love for classic romantic comedies to keep that emotional connection alive. Secondary themes…
Where can I read the full Better Than the Movies parent guide?
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