Poster for Benny & Joon

Benny & Joon (1993) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A mentally ill young woman finds her love in an eccentric man who models himself after Buster Keaton.

Rated PG • 1993 • 1h 38m

7.0
800+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

A young woman with a mental illness lives with her overprotective brother — until a quirky, Buster Keaton-obsessed eccentric enters their lives. Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn. PG rating is appropriate.

Cast

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp
Mary Stuart Masterson
Mary Stuart Masterson
Aidan Quinn
Aidan Quinn
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore
Oliver Platt
Oliver Platt
CCH Pounder
CCH Pounder
Dan Hedaya
Dan Hedaya
Joe Grifasi
Joe Grifasi
William H. Macy
William H. Macy
Liane Curtis
Liane Curtis
Eileen Ryan
Eileen Ryan
Lynette Walden
Lynette Walden
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Is Benny & Joon appropriate for kids?

A young woman with a mental illness lives with her overprotective brother — until a quirky, Buster Keaton-obsessed eccentric enters their lives. Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn. PG rating is appropriate. Read more — free account

Content severity in Benny & Joon

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Benny & Joon, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:38 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 1:12 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Unlock all 4 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Benny & Joon

There are no sex scenes or nudity depicted in this film. Romantic interactions are limited to a few brief, affectionate kisses and some mild, suggestive tension between the lead characters. The overall tone of the romance is innocent and focuses primarily on emotional connection.

Violence and gore in Benny & Joon

Physical violence is non-existent, and there is no blood or gore shown. Conflict is handled through dialogue and character development rather than physical confrontation. One scene involves a character being restrained in a hospital environment, which is more emotionally distressing than physically violent.

Language in Benny & Joon

The film contains infrequent use of mild profanity and some name-calling that is consistent with its PG rating. Words such as "hell," "damn," and "bastard" are spoken, but they are not used in an aggressive or excessive manner. The dialogue remains largely wholesome and accessible for a general audience.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Benny & Joon

There is no significant drug use or alcohol consumption portrayed in the movie. Characters do not engage in recreational drinking, and there are no scenes set in bars or environments centered around substance use. The focus remains strictly on the characters' eccentricities and interpersonal relationships.

Mature themes in Benny & Joon

A film about mental illness that treats its subject with dignity rather than pity. Johnny Depp's Sam — performing Keaton and Chaplin routines — is one of his most purely charming performances. The question of who can care for Joon and how is handled honestly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benny & Joon appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Benny & Joon is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. A young woman with a mental illness lives with her overprotective brother — until a quirky, Buster Keaton-obsessed eccentric enters their lives. Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn. PG rating is appropriate.

What age rating does Benny & Joon have?

Benny & Joon is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Benny & Joon about?

A young woman with a mental illness lives with her overprotective brother — until a quirky, Buster Keaton-obsessed eccentric enters their lives. Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn. PG rating is appropriate.

Is there sex or nudity in Benny & Joon?

There are no sex scenes or nudity depicted in this film. Romantic interactions are limited to a few brief, affectionate kisses and some mild, suggestive tension between the lead characters. The overall tone of the romance is innocent and focuses primarily on…

How violent is Benny & Joon?

Physical violence is non-existent, and there is no blood or gore shown. Conflict is handled through dialogue and character development rather than physical confrontation. One scene involves a character being restrained in a hospital environment, which is more…

Is the language in Benny & Joon appropriate for kids?

The film contains infrequent use of mild profanity and some name-calling that is consistent with its PG rating. Words such as "hell," "damn," and "bastard" are spoken, but they are not used in an aggressive or excessive manner. The dialogue remains largely…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Benny & Joon?

There is no significant drug use or alcohol consumption portrayed in the movie. Characters do not engage in recreational drinking, and there are no scenes set in bars or environments centered around substance use. The focus remains strictly on the characters'…

What mature themes appear in Benny & Joon?

A film about mental illness that treats its subject with dignity rather than pity. Johnny Depp's Sam — performing Keaton and Chaplin routines — is one of his most purely charming performances. The question of who can care for Joon and how is handled honestly.

How long is Benny & Joon?

Benny & Joon runs 98 minutes, directed by Jeremiah Chechik, released in 1993.

Where can I read the full Benny & Joon parent guide?

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