Poster for 54

54 (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When the mastermind behind New York's infamous Studio 54 disco plucks young Shane from the sea of faces clamoring to get inside his club, he not only gets his foot in the door, but lands a coveted job behind the bar — and a front-row ticket to the most legendary party on the planet!

Rated R • 1998 • 1h 33m

5.8
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

54 is an R-rated drama set in New York’s Studio 54 that earned its rating mainly for explicit adult sexuality, pervasive drug use, and frequent strong language. Parents should expect brief on-screen nudity (including bare breasts and at least one instance of male full rear nudity), repeated profanity, and many scenes of heavy alcohol and hard-drug use inside the club. The film centers on Shane (Ryan Phillippe) finding work at Studio 54… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ryan Phillippe
Ryan Phillippe
Mike Myers
Mike Myers
Salma Hayek Pinault
Salma Hayek Pinault
Breckin Meyer
Breckin Meyer
Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell
Sela Ward
Sela Ward
Sherry Stringfield
Sherry Stringfield
Ellen Albertini Dow
Ellen Albertini Dow
Cameron Mathison
Cameron Mathison
Noam Jenkins
Noam Jenkins
Jay Goede
Jay Goede
PT
Patrick Taylor
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Is 54 appropriate for kids?

54 is an R-rated drama set in New York’s Studio 54 that earned its rating mainly for explicit adult sexuality, pervasive drug use, and frequent strong language. Parents should expect brief on-screen nudity (including bare breasts and at least one instance of male full rear… Read more — free account

Content severity in 54

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language Strong 5/10
Substances Intense 8/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in 54, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  2. 0:12 💬 Language 5/10
  3. 0:21 🍷 Substances 8/10
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Sex and nudity in 54

Brief but noticeable nudity and sexualized club scenes appear throughout the film. The IMDb Parents Guide specifically notes bare breasts and at least one shot of full male rear nudity; most scenes are party/stripper contexts and are non-graphic. Kissing and sexual situations are common in party sequences but there is no explicit sex scene or simulated intercourse.

Violence and gore in 54

Violence is minimal. There is a tense moment where a police officer is shown with a gun, but there are no on-screen shootings or graphic injuries. Most of the film’s confrontations are verbal or implied rather than physical.

Language in 54

Frequent strong profanity is used in club and argument scenes, including repeated uses of 'fuck' and other expletives. Language is part of the film’s adult club atmosphere and occurs in both casual and heated moments. Expect moderate-to-strong coarse language throughout.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in 54

Drug and alcohol use are prominent and explicit in numerous scenes; the IMDb Parents Guide flags alcohol and hard drug use as severe content. Characters are shown heavily intoxicated and using hard drugs in party settings, and at least one scene depicts a drug-related medical emergency. These scenes are a persistent part of the film’s portrayal of Studio 54 hedonism.

Mature themes in 54

The film explores mature themes like sexual exploitation, addiction, and the moral/legal fallout of a hedonistic lifestyle (including the club’s run-ins with authorities). Characters face consequences related to drug use, transactional sex, and the business/legal troubles surrounding Studio 54. The tone is adult and deals with downward spirals and compromised choices rather than lighthearted lessons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 54 appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests 54 is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. 54 is an R-rated drama set in New York’s Studio 54 that earned its rating mainly for explicit adult sexuality, pervasive drug use, and frequent strong language. Parents should expect brief on-screen nudity (including…

What age rating does 54 have?

54 is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is 54 about?

54 is an R-rated drama set in New York’s Studio 54 that earned its rating mainly for explicit adult sexuality, pervasive drug use, and frequent strong language. Parents should expect brief on-screen nudity (including bare breasts and at least one instance of male full rear nudity), repeated profanity, and many scenes…

Is there sex or nudity in 54?

Brief but noticeable nudity and sexualized club scenes appear throughout the film. The IMDb Parents Guide specifically notes bare breasts and at least one shot of full male rear nudity; most scenes are party/stripper contexts and are non-graphic. Kissing and…

How violent is 54?

Violence is minimal. There is a tense moment where a police officer is shown with a gun, but there are no on-screen shootings or graphic injuries. Most of the film’s confrontations are verbal or implied rather than physical.

Is the language in 54 appropriate for kids?

Frequent strong profanity is used in club and argument scenes, including repeated uses of 'fuck' and other expletives. Language is part of the film’s adult club atmosphere and occurs in both casual and heated moments. Expect moderate-to-strong coarse language…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in 54?

Drug and alcohol use are prominent and explicit in numerous scenes; the IMDb Parents Guide flags alcohol and hard drug use as severe content. Characters are shown heavily intoxicated and using hard drugs in party settings, and at least one scene depicts a…

What mature themes appear in 54?

The film explores mature themes like sexual exploitation, addiction, and the moral/legal fallout of a hedonistic lifestyle (including the club’s run-ins with authorities). Characters face consequences related to drug use, transactional sex, and the…

How long is 54?

54 runs 93 minutes, directed by Mark Christopher, released in 1998.

Where can I read the full 54 parent guide?

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