Batman Returns (1992) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
Rated PG-13 • 1992 • 2h 6m
Director Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns' earns its PG-13 rating with a famously dark, gothic tone and content that pushes the boundaries of the rating. The film contains significant stylized violence, including a character being electrocuted to a charred skeleton, another falling to her death, and bloody moments like The Penguin biting a man's nose. What most sets it apart is the pervasive, strong sexual innuendo, particularly from The… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Batman Returns appropriate for kids?
Director Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns' earns its PG-13 rating with a famously dark, gothic tone and content that pushes the boundaries of the rating. The film contains significant stylized violence, including a character being electrocuted to a charred skeleton, another falling… Read more — free account
Content severity in Batman Returns
What happens in Batman Returns, moment by moment
- 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:17 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in Batman Returns
Contains strong and frequent sexual innuendo, which is a major part of the dialogue for both The Penguin and Catwoman. The Penguin makes numerous crude remarks (e.g., "I'd like to fill her void," and "Just the pussy I've been looking for"). Catwoman's dialogue is also suggestive (e.g., answering "So no hard feelings?" with "Actually, semi-hard."). Catwoman's costume is a skin-tight latex suit. In one scene, she straddles an injured Batman and licks his face. There is passionate kissing between Bruce and Selina…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Batman Returns
The violence is stylized but often macabre and intense. Several on-screen deaths occur: a character is pushed from a building and shown falling to her death, and another is electrocuted, with their charred, skeletal remains briefly shown. The Penguin bites a man's nose, drawing blood which he then has on his mouth. Catwoman claws a man's face, also drawing blood. Characters are set on fire, shot, and beaten in action sequences. Batman places a bomb on an enemy who then explodes off-screen. The Penguin's death is…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Batman Returns
The profanity is moderate for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes two uses of "shit," one use of "bitch" (used by Catwoman), "son of a bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "hell." The Penguin's line, "Just the pussy I've been looking for," serves as both strong sexual innuendo and a use of a coarse word.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Batman Returns
Substance use is minor and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol, such as martinis and champagne, in social settings like a formal ball. In an early scene, Oswald Cobblepot's father smokes a cigarette with a cigarette holder.
Mature themes in Batman Returns
The film is defined by its strong, dark, and mature themes. The opening scene depicts the horrified parents of the deformed infant Oswald Cobblepot abandoning him in a sewer, a pivotal and disturbing event. Themes of revenge, murder, political corruption, and psychological trauma are central to the plot, particularly Selina Kyle's mental breakdown and transformation. The overall tone is melancholic and oppressive, with a focus on characters who feel like outcasts from society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Batman Returns appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Batman Returns is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Director Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns' earns its PG-13 rating with a famously dark, gothic tone and content that pushes the boundaries of the rating. The film contains significant stylized violence, including a…
What age rating does Batman Returns have?
Batman Returns is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Batman Returns about?
Director Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns' earns its PG-13 rating with a famously dark, gothic tone and content that pushes the boundaries of the rating. The film contains significant stylized violence, including a character being electrocuted to a charred skeleton, another falling to her death, and bloody moments like…
Is there sex or nudity in Batman Returns?
Contains strong and frequent sexual innuendo, which is a major part of the dialogue for both The Penguin and Catwoman. The Penguin makes numerous crude remarks (e.g., "I'd like to fill her void," and "Just the pussy I've been looking for"). Catwoman's…
How violent is Batman Returns?
The violence is stylized but often macabre and intense. Several on-screen deaths occur: a character is pushed from a building and shown falling to her death, and another is electrocuted, with their charred, skeletal remains briefly shown. The Penguin bites a…
Is the language in Batman Returns appropriate for kids?
The profanity is moderate for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes two uses of "shit," one use of "bitch" (used by Catwoman), "son of a bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "hell." The Penguin's line, "Just the pussy I've been looking for," serves as both strong…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Batman Returns?
Substance use is minor and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol, such as martinis and champagne, in social settings like a formal ball. In an early scene, Oswald Cobblepot's father smokes a cigarette with a cigarette holder.
What mature themes appear in Batman Returns?
The film is defined by its strong, dark, and mature themes. The opening scene depicts the horrified parents of the deformed infant Oswald Cobblepot abandoning him in a sewer, a pivotal and disturbing event. Themes of revenge, murder, political corruption, and…
How long is Batman Returns?
Batman Returns runs 126 minutes, directed by Tim Burton, released in 1992.
Where can I read the full Batman Returns parent guide?
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