American Animals (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Lexington, Kentucky, 2004. Four young men attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in the history of the United States.
Rated R • 2018 • 1h 57m
Told through a unique blend of dramatization and real-life interviews, 'American Animals' chronicles the story of four college students who attempt an audacious art heist. The film's R rating is primarily due to pervasive strong language, with well over 150 uses of the 'f-word'. It also contains moderate drug and alcohol use in a college setting, and a single, bungled act of violence where a librarian is tased and restrained. The tone… Sign up for the full guide
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Is American Animals appropriate for kids?
Told through a unique blend of dramatization and real-life interviews, 'American Animals' chronicles the story of four college students who attempt an audacious art heist. The film's R rating is primarily due to pervasive strong language, with well over 150 uses of the 'f-word'… Read more — free account
Content severity in American Animals
What happens in American Animals, moment by moment
- 0:15 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:35 💬 Language 7/10
Sex and nudity in American Animals
Sexual content is brief and generally mild. In one scene, a couple kisses passionately. There is a non-sexual moment where a character stands up in a bath and the top of his pubic hair is fleetingly visible. During a scene in Amsterdam, characters briefly see scantily-clad women in red-light district windows. A group of men also engage in a crude chant at one point.
Violence and gore in American Animals
The film contains a single, pivotal sequence of violence that is more intense and disturbing than graphic. During the heist, the young men attack a female librarian, using a stun gun on her and then forcefully restraining her with zip ties and tape; the scene is chaotic and distressing. Other incidents include a character being hit by a car with no injury, a brief bar fight where a punch is thrown, and a tense moment where a gun is pulled on someone but not fired.
Language in American Animals
Pervasive and strong language is the primary reason for the film's R rating. The F-word is used frequently and casually throughout, with IMDb reporting nearly 180 uses. Other profanity such as 's--t' is also present but less frequent. The language becomes particularly intense during arguments and the stressful heist sequence.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in American Animals
There is moderate depiction of substance use consistent with a college setting. The main characters are frequently shown drinking alcohol at parties and bars. They are also shown smoking marijuana on a few occasions, both socially and to cope with stress after the heist.
Mature themes in American Animals
The film explores mature themes of disillusionment, misguided ambition, and the line between fantasy and reality. The central theme is the severe and lasting consequences of a single criminal act, explored through the characters' spiraling stress, guilt, and paranoia. The documentary interviews with the real men powerfully underscore the theme of profound, lifelong regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Animals appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests American Animals is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Told through a unique blend of dramatization and real-life interviews, 'American Animals' chronicles the story of four college students who attempt an audacious art heist. The film's R rating is primarily due to…
What age rating does American Animals have?
American Animals is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is American Animals about?
Told through a unique blend of dramatization and real-life interviews, 'American Animals' chronicles the story of four college students who attempt an audacious art heist. The film's R rating is primarily due to pervasive strong language, with well over 150 uses of the 'f-word'. It also contains moderate drug and…
Is there sex or nudity in American Animals?
Sexual content is brief and generally mild. In one scene, a couple kisses passionately. There is a non-sexual moment where a character stands up in a bath and the top of his pubic hair is fleetingly visible. During a scene in Amsterdam, characters briefly see…
How violent is American Animals?
The film contains a single, pivotal sequence of violence that is more intense and disturbing than graphic. During the heist, the young men attack a female librarian, using a stun gun on her and then forcefully restraining her with zip ties and tape; the scene…
Is the language in American Animals appropriate for kids?
Pervasive and strong language is the primary reason for the film's R rating. The F-word is used frequently and casually throughout, with IMDb reporting nearly 180 uses. Other profanity such as 's--t' is also present but less frequent. The language becomes…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in American Animals?
There is moderate depiction of substance use consistent with a college setting. The main characters are frequently shown drinking alcohol at parties and bars. They are also shown smoking marijuana on a few occasions, both socially and to cope with stress…
What mature themes appear in American Animals?
The film explores mature themes of disillusionment, misguided ambition, and the line between fantasy and reality. The central theme is the severe and lasting consequences of a single criminal act, explored through the characters' spiraling stress, guilt, and…
How long is American Animals?
American Animals runs 117 minutes, directed by Bart Layton, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full American Animals parent guide?
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