Big (1988) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Big
Director: Penny Marshall
Released: 1988
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 7.2

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big—he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight. But he is still the same 13-year-old boy inside. Now he must learn how to cope with the unfamiliar world of grown-ups including getting a job and having his first romantic encounter with a woman.

Rated PG • 1988 • 1h 44m

Directed by Penny Marshall

7.2

2K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This film's PG rating reflects content that might be stronger than expected for modern family movies. "Big" is a fantasy-comedy about a boy named Josh Baskin who magically becomes an adult overnight, but its story includes mature themes, sexual situations, and strong language. Parents should be aware of a single use of the f-word, multiple uses of "bitch" and "Goddamn," and an implied sex scene where a woman is seen in her bra before… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Tom Hanks

Elizabeth Perkins

Robert Loggia

John Heard

Jared Rushton

David Moscow

Jon Lovitz

Mercedes Ruehl

Josh Clark

Kimberlee M. Davis

Oliver Block

Erika Katz

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Is Big appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Big

Sex Strong 6/10

Violence Moderate 3/10

Language Strong 7/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Big, moment by moment

0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
0:13 💬 Language 7/10

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Sex and nudity in Big

A central plotline involves a romantic and sexual relationship between the adult-looking Josh and his coworker, Susan. One scene implies they have sex: they kiss passionately, and the scene changes to her apartment where she removes her blouse (seen in a bra) and he touches her breast before they kiss again. Other content includes a misunderstanding where Josh innocently says "I get to be on top" when agreeing to sleep over, referring to a bunk bed. There are also brief verbal references to prostitutes and buying…

Violence and gore in Big

Violence is very light and mostly comedic. In one scene, a character is punched off-screen and is later shown with a bloody nose. At a low-end hotel, a gunshot is heard off-screen, which is played for laughs and to show the seediness of the area.

Language in Big

Despite its PG rating, the film contains strong language. This includes one prominent use of "f--k" by Josh's young friend, Billy. Other profanity is also present, including a few uses of "bitch," "bullshit," "asshole," "hell," "damn," and multiple instances of "Goddamn."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Big

Substance use is mild. Adults drink wine and champagne socially at parties and business functions. A few characters smoke cigarettes in the background of scenes. In one conversation, a woman makes a passing joke about needing Xanax to get through a breakup.

Mature themes in Big

The film contains scenes of notable emotional distress. After becoming an adult, Josh's mother does not recognize him and, terrified, threatens him with a large kitchen knife. While staying alone in a seedy New York City hotel, Josh becomes overwhelmed with fear and loneliness and cries uncontrollably. The film also explores themes of growing up too fast, the pressures of corporate life, and the bittersweet nature of ending a relationship.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Big appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Big is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. This film's PG rating reflects content that might be stronger than expected for modern family movies. "Big" is a fantasy-comedy about a boy named Josh Baskin who magically becomes an adult overnight, but its story…

What age rating does Big have?

Big is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Big about?

Is there sex or nudity in Big?

How violent is Big?

Is the language in Big appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Big?

What mature themes appear in Big?

How long is Big?

Big runs 104 minutes, directed by Penny Marshall, released in 1988.

Where can I read the full Big parent guide?

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