Back to School (1986) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.
Rated PG-13 • 1986 • 1h 36m
Overall: A self-made millionaire enrolls in college alongside his son to inspire him — and becomes more popular than expected. Rodney Dangerfield at his peak. The PG-13 covers crude humour and language.
Cast
Is Back to School appropriate for kids?
Overall: A self-made millionaire enrolls in college alongside his son to inspire him — and becomes more popular than expected. Rodney Dangerfield at his peak. The PG-13 covers crude humour and language. Read more — free account
Content severity in Back to School
What happens in Back to School, moment by moment
- 0:08 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:42 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Back to School
There is no actual sexual activity or nudity depicted in this film. The humor relies on verbal double entendres and suggestiveness consistent with its 1980s PG-13 rating, but the content remains non-explicit. The film avoids sexual situations in favor of slapstick and witty banter.
Violence and gore in Back to School
The movie contains no physical violence, gore, or threatening action sequences. The conflict is entirely social and academic, centering on the protagonist's transition into university life. Any physical comedy is mild and slapstick in nature, such as during the diving competition.
Language in Back to School
The film features moderate language, including several uses of 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'hell.' Much of the dialogue consists of Rodney Dangerfield's trademark rapid-fire one-liners, which often include crude insults and colorful colloquialisms. While frequent, the profanity is generally used for comedic punctuation rather than aggression.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Back to School
Abundant college party sequences depict students and adults consuming alcohol, primarily beer, in a social setting. There are scenes showing large parties where drinking is the central activity, though consequences such as hangovers are played for laughs. One character is also frequently shown smoking cigars throughout the film.
Mature themes in Back to School
A father who loves his son so much he makes himself ridiculous for him. Dangerfield's Thornton Melon is one of the great fish-out-of-water characters. The Triple Lindy dive. A film that delivers pure comedy pleasure without pretension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back to School appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Back to School is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Overall: A self-made millionaire enrolls in college alongside his son to inspire him — and becomes more popular than expected. Rodney Dangerfield at his peak. The PG-13 covers crude humour and language.
What age rating does Back to School have?
Back to School is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Back to School about?
Overall: A self-made millionaire enrolls in college alongside his son to inspire him — and becomes more popular than expected. Rodney Dangerfield at his peak. The PG-13 covers crude humour and language.
Is there sex or nudity in Back to School?
There is no actual sexual activity or nudity depicted in this film. The humor relies on verbal double entendres and suggestiveness consistent with its 1980s PG-13 rating, but the content remains non-explicit. The film avoids sexual situations in favor of…
How violent is Back to School?
The movie contains no physical violence, gore, or threatening action sequences. The conflict is entirely social and academic, centering on the protagonist's transition into university life. Any physical comedy is mild and slapstick in nature, such as during…
Is the language in Back to School appropriate for kids?
The film features moderate language, including several uses of 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'hell.' Much of the dialogue consists of Rodney Dangerfield's trademark rapid-fire one-liners, which often include crude insults and colorful colloquialisms. While frequent, the…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Back to School?
Abundant college party sequences depict students and adults consuming alcohol, primarily beer, in a social setting. There are scenes showing large parties where drinking is the central activity, though consequences such as hangovers are played for laughs. One…
What mature themes appear in Back to School?
A father who loves his son so much he makes himself ridiculous for him. Dangerfield's Thornton Melon is one of the great fish-out-of-water characters. The Triple Lindy dive. A film that delivers pure comedy pleasure without pretension.
How long is Back to School?
Back to School runs 96 minutes, directed by Alan Metter, released in 1986.
Where can I read the full Back to School 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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