Adventures in Babysitting (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad and Sara. What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda. Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.
Rated PG-13 • 1987 • 1h 42m
This 1980s teen adventure follows babysitter Chris Parker and her three charges on a wild and dangerous night through downtown Chicago. The film's PG-13 rating is earned primarily for strong language, including two uses of the F-word in the original cut, and for sequences of peril involving children. Parents should be aware of scenes where the kids are chased by criminals, held at gunpoint, and caught in a gang fight, as well as some… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Adventures in Babysitting appropriate for kids?
This 1980s teen adventure follows babysitter Chris Parker and her three charges on a wild and dangerous night through downtown Chicago. The film's PG-13 rating is earned primarily for strong language, including two uses of the F-word in the original cut, and for sequences of… Read more — free account
Content severity in Adventures in Babysitting
What happens in Adventures in Babysitting, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:23 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Adventures in Babysitting
Contains some mild sexual innuendo and thematic elements. A man is briefly seen in a state of undress after being caught cheating, and a Playboy magazine is a recurring plot point (no explicit nudity is shown). In one scene, a teenaged boy makes an inappropriate, joking comment about rape after a character threatens harm. Another boy is seen briefly talking to a runaway teen who appears to be a prostitute.
Violence and gore in Adventures in Babysitting
Violence is frequent but largely comedic and non-graphic. A central plot involves the kids being pursued by car thieves who threaten them. A domestic dispute early in the film features a man firing a handgun, shattering a car's windshield. In a tense sequence on a train, a fight breaks out between two gangs, and a boy is stabbed in the foot with a switchblade (the injury is minor, resulting in a single stitch). There are also several instances of characters being punched or knocked out.
Language in Adventures in Babysitting
The film's language is a primary reason for its PG-13 rating and is moderate to strong. The original theatrical version includes two uses of "fuck." Other profanity includes multiple uses of "shit," "bitch," "ass," and "asshole," along with "hell," "damn," "piss," and "bastard." The homophobic slur "homo" is used as an insult. There are also numerous religious exclamations like "Jesus" and "God."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Adventures in Babysitting
Substance use is mild and incidental. Adults are seen drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages at a blues club and at a large college fraternity party. Several background characters smoke cigarettes throughout the film.
Mature themes in Adventures in Babysitting
Thematic content revolves around teens and a child in escalating peril, navigating a dangerous urban environment at night without adult supervision. The children are held captive by criminals, witness a near-fatal shooting, and find themselves in the middle of a gang conflict. Themes of infidelity are present, as both the babysitter and another adult character discover their partners are cheating. One of the most intense scenes involves 8-year-old Sara climbing on the exterior of a high-rise building, putting her…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is Adventures in Babysitting appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Adventures in Babysitting is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 1980s teen adventure follows babysitter Chris Parker and her three charges on a wild and dangerous night through downtown Chicago. The film's PG-13 rating is earned primarily for strong language, including two uses…
What age rating does Adventures in Babysitting have?
Adventures in Babysitting is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Adventures in Babysitting about?
This 1980s teen adventure follows babysitter Chris Parker and her three charges on a wild and dangerous night through downtown Chicago. The film's PG-13 rating is earned primarily for strong language, including two uses of the F-word in the original cut, and for sequences of peril involving children. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in Adventures in Babysitting?
Contains some mild sexual innuendo and thematic elements. A man is briefly seen in a state of undress after being caught cheating, and a Playboy magazine is a recurring plot point (no explicit nudity is shown). In one scene, a teenaged boy makes an…
How violent is Adventures in Babysitting?
Violence is frequent but largely comedic and non-graphic. A central plot involves the kids being pursued by car thieves who threaten them. A domestic dispute early in the film features a man firing a handgun, shattering a car's windshield. In a tense sequence…
Is the language in Adventures in Babysitting appropriate for kids?
The film's language is a primary reason for its PG-13 rating and is moderate to strong. The original theatrical version includes two uses of "fuck." Other profanity includes multiple uses of "shit," "bitch," "ass," and "asshole," along with "hell," "damn,"…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Adventures in Babysitting?
Substance use is mild and incidental. Adults are seen drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages at a blues club and at a large college fraternity party. Several background characters smoke cigarettes throughout the film.
What mature themes appear in Adventures in Babysitting?
Thematic content revolves around teens and a child in escalating peril, navigating a dangerous urban environment at night without adult supervision. The children are held captive by criminals, witness a near-fatal shooting, and find themselves in the middle…
How long is Adventures in Babysitting?
Adventures in Babysitting runs 102 minutes, directed by Chris Columbus, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full Adventures in Babysitting parent guide?
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