Cloverfield (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Five young New Yorkers throw their friend a going-away party the night that a monster the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city. Told from the point of view of their video camera, the film is a document of their attempt to survive the most surreal, horrifying event of their lives.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 25m
Told entirely through a camcorder, "Cloverfield" documents a group of young New Yorkers, including Rob and Hud, trying to survive as a giant monster attacks the city. The film's PG-13 rating is for intense and sustained sequences of monster violence, terror, and disturbing images. Parents should be aware of constant life-threatening peril, chaotic destruction, several shocking character deaths, and some bloody injuries, including an… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Cloverfield appropriate for kids?
Told entirely through a camcorder, "Cloverfield" documents a group of young New Yorkers, including Rob and Hud, trying to survive as a giant monster attacks the city. The film's PG-13 rating is for intense and sustained sequences of monster violence, terror, and disturbing… Read more — free account
Content severity in Cloverfield
What happens in Cloverfield, moment by moment
- 0:02 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:07 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:10 💬 Language 4/10
Sex and nudity in Cloverfield
A brief opening scene implies a one-night stand between two characters; a woman is seen from the back in bed, and a man is shown shirtless. At a party, the cameraman briefly zooms in on a woman's cleavage. The sexual content is very mild and not a focus of the film.
Violence and gore in Cloverfield
Strong and frequent monster violence and peril define the film. The giant creature causes widespread destruction, toppling buildings and destroying the Brooklyn Bridge, killing a main character. Smaller, aggressive parasites attack the group in a dark subway, biting one character. Disturbing injuries include a woman found impaled on rebar (which is then pulled out), and another character bleeding from the eyes before her body swells and explodes (splattering blood against a tent). A main character is graphically…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Cloverfield
Language is moderately strong and reflects the terror of the situation. There are over 30 uses of "shit," several uses of "asshole," "bitch," and "hell," plus exclamations like "Oh my God." At least one use of "fucking" is audible during a moment of intense panic.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cloverfield
Substance use is mild. During the opening party scene, which lasts for about 15 minutes, numerous characters are seen drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages.
Mature themes in Cloverfield
The film contains pervasive and intense themes of terror, survival, and loss. Characters are in constant, life-threatening danger from an unknown force, leading to a palpable sense of hopelessness and panic. Several main characters die suddenly and shockingly. The entire film is an exercise in sustained tension and fear, culminating in the main characters recording their final goodbyes as they face certain death. The found-footage format makes these traumatic events feel immediate and personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloverfield appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Cloverfield is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Told entirely through a camcorder, "Cloverfield" documents a group of young New Yorkers, including Rob and Hud, trying to survive as a giant monster attacks the city. The film's PG-13 rating is for intense and sustained…
What age rating does Cloverfield have?
Cloverfield is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Cloverfield about?
Told entirely through a camcorder, "Cloverfield" documents a group of young New Yorkers, including Rob and Hud, trying to survive as a giant monster attacks the city. The film's PG-13 rating is for intense and sustained sequences of monster violence, terror, and disturbing images. Parents should be aware of constant…
Is there sex or nudity in Cloverfield?
A brief opening scene implies a one-night stand between two characters; a woman is seen from the back in bed, and a man is shown shirtless. At a party, the cameraman briefly zooms in on a woman's cleavage. The sexual content is very mild and not a focus of…
How violent is Cloverfield?
Strong and frequent monster violence and peril define the film. The giant creature causes widespread destruction, toppling buildings and destroying the Brooklyn Bridge, killing a main character. Smaller, aggressive parasites attack the group in a dark subway…
Is the language in Cloverfield appropriate for kids?
Language is moderately strong and reflects the terror of the situation. There are over 30 uses of "shit," several uses of "asshole," "bitch," and "hell," plus exclamations like "Oh my God." At least one use of "fucking" is audible during a moment of intense…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cloverfield?
Substance use is mild. During the opening party scene, which lasts for about 15 minutes, numerous characters are seen drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages.
What mature themes appear in Cloverfield?
The film contains pervasive and intense themes of terror, survival, and loss. Characters are in constant, life-threatening danger from an unknown force, leading to a palpable sense of hopelessness and panic. Several main characters die suddenly and…
How long is Cloverfield?
Cloverfield runs 85 minutes, directed by Matt Reeves, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full Cloverfield 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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