A Christmas Carol (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption.
Rated PG • 2009 • 1h 36m
This motion-capture adaptation of the Dickens classic earns its PG rating for its surprisingly intense and frightening imagery. The film's primary content concerns are its scary sequences involving ghosts, peril, and mature themes of death and regret, which may be too much for young children. Ebenezer Scrooge's ghostly encounters, particularly with the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, are visually dark and menacing. With no… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is A Christmas Carol appropriate for kids?
This motion-capture adaptation of the Dickens classic earns its PG rating for its surprisingly intense and frightening imagery. The film's primary content concerns are its scary sequences involving ghosts, peril, and mature themes of death and regret, which may be too much for… Read more — free account
Content severity in A Christmas Carol
What happens in A Christmas Carol, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:27 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in A Christmas Carol
None.
Violence and gore in A Christmas Carol
Violence is infrequent and consists of perilous chase sequences and slapstick falls. In one sequence, a miniaturized Scrooge is chased by a carriage pulled by menacing, red-eyed horses. The two allegorical children, Ignorance and Want, are depicted as feral and frightening. Early in the film, the non-gory corpse of Jacob Marley is briefly seen. There is no blood or graphic injury.
Language in A Christmas Carol
Language is not a concern. The term 'ass' is used once in a non-profane, period-appropriate context referring to the law.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in A Christmas Carol
Substance use is very mild. One character is briefly shown taking snuff. Adults drink ale and wine socially at holiday parties.
Mature themes in A Christmas Carol
The film is built on mature themes and contains numerous frightening and intense scenes that are the primary reason for its PG rating. The ghosts are depicted in a scary manner: Marley's ghost is tormented with a dislocating jaw, the Ghost of Christmas Present withers into a laughing skeleton, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a silent, grim-reaper-like shadow. Heavy themes of mortality, regret, and poverty are central, with scenes showing Scrooge's grave, the potential death of Tiny Tim, and two haggard…
Read more — free accountScary moments in A Christmas Carol
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for A Christmas Carol yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Christmas Carol appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests A Christmas Carol is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This motion-capture adaptation of the Dickens classic earns its PG rating for its surprisingly intense and frightening imagery. The film's primary content concerns are its scary sequences involving ghosts, peril, and…
What age rating does A Christmas Carol have?
A Christmas Carol is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is A Christmas Carol about?
This motion-capture adaptation of the Dickens classic earns its PG rating for its surprisingly intense and frightening imagery. The film's primary content concerns are its scary sequences involving ghosts, peril, and mature themes of death and regret, which may be too much for young children. Ebenezer Scrooge's…
Is there sex or nudity in A Christmas Carol?
None.
How violent is A Christmas Carol?
Violence is infrequent and consists of perilous chase sequences and slapstick falls. In one sequence, a miniaturized Scrooge is chased by a carriage pulled by menacing, red-eyed horses. The two allegorical children, Ignorance and Want, are depicted as feral…
Is the language in A Christmas Carol appropriate for kids?
Language is not a concern. The term 'ass' is used once in a non-profane, period-appropriate context referring to the law.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in A Christmas Carol?
Substance use is very mild. One character is briefly shown taking snuff. Adults drink ale and wine socially at holiday parties.
What mature themes appear in A Christmas Carol?
The film is built on mature themes and contains numerous frightening and intense scenes that are the primary reason for its PG rating. The ghosts are depicted in a scary manner: Marley's ghost is tormented with a dislocating jaw, the Ghost of Christmas…
How long is A Christmas Carol?
A Christmas Carol runs 96 minutes, directed by Robert Zemeckis, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full A Christmas Carol parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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