Poster for Coyote Ugly

Coyote Ugly (2000) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Graced with a velvet voice, 21-year-old Violet Sanford heads to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter only to find her aspirations sidelined by the accolades and notoriety she receives at her "day" job as a barmaid at Coyote Ugly. The "Coyotes" as they are affectionately called tantalize customers and the media alike with their outrageous antics, making Coyote Ugly the watering hole for guys on the prowl.

Rated PG-13 • 2000 • 1h 40m

6.3
2K+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
13+

Coyote Ugly is rated PG-13 primarily for its pervasive sensuality. The plot follows a young songwriter who takes a job at a New York City bar where the female bartenders are famous for dancing provocatively on the bar top. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes involving women in revealing outfits (crop tops, bras, tight pants) engaging in suggestive dancing, sometimes while pouring water or alcohol on themselves. The film also… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Piper Perabo
Piper Perabo
Maria Bello
Maria Bello
Bridget Moynahan
Bridget Moynahan
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks
Izabella Miko
Izabella Miko
John Goodman
John Goodman
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes
Adam Garcia
Adam Garcia
Sarah Jane Morris
Sarah Jane Morris
Melanie Lynskey
Melanie Lynskey
Kaitlin Olson
Kaitlin Olson
Susan Yeagley
Susan Yeagley
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Coyote Ugly appropriate for kids?

Coyote Ugly is rated PG-13 primarily for its pervasive sensuality. The plot follows a young songwriter who takes a job at a New York City bar where the female bartenders are famous for dancing provocatively on the bar top. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes involving… Read more — free account

Content severity in Coyote Ugly

Sex Strong 7/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Coyote Ugly, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:16 ♥ Sex & Nudity 6/10
  3. 0:24 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Unlock all 11 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Coyote Ugly

Strong sensuality is central to the film. The bartenders, known as 'Coyotes,' frequently dance provocatively on the bar top wearing revealing clothing like crop tops, leather pants, and occasionally bras. These performances involve suggestive movements, and the women often pour pitchers of water or alcohol over their bodies. One scene implies sex between the main characters, showing them kissing passionately and undressing to their underwear before the scene cuts. There is no nudity in the PG-13 theatrical…

Read more — free account

Violence and gore in Coyote Ugly

Violence is infrequent and moderate. One scene features a bar fight where punches are thrown, a man is pushed into a jukebox, and another man is shown with a bloody lip. In another scene, a main character breaks up a fight. A character is briefly harassed at the bar before a fight is broken up. A key dramatic moment involves a character's father being hit by a car; the impact is quick and not graphic, but he is later seen injured in the hospital.

Language in Coyote Ugly

Language is mild and used sparingly. The dialogue includes occasional use of words like 'bitch,' 'ass,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' There are no uses of the 'f-word'.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Coyote Ugly

The film is set almost entirely in and around a working bar, so alcohol is pervasive. Characters are frequently seen drinking, serving drinks, and surrounded by alcohol. The bartenders' acts often involve pouring liquor, sometimes directly from the bottle into a patron's mouth. While drinking is constant, it is generally portrayed in a party atmosphere with few direct negative consequences shown beyond general rowdiness.

Mature themes in Coyote Ugly

Thematic content is moderate. The central theme is about overcoming fear (specifically stage fright) to pursue one's dreams. Other themes include family conflict and reconciliation, particularly between Violet and her disapproving father. There are moments of emotional distress, such as when Violet's apartment is burglarized early in the film, and a more intense sequence where her father is hospitalized after a serious accident.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coyote Ugly appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Coyote Ugly is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Coyote Ugly is rated PG-13 primarily for its pervasive sensuality. The plot follows a young songwriter who takes a job at a New York City bar where the female bartenders are famous for dancing provocatively on the bar…

What age rating does Coyote Ugly have?

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

What is Coyote Ugly about?

Coyote Ugly is rated PG-13 primarily for its pervasive sensuality. The plot follows a young songwriter who takes a job at a New York City bar where the female bartenders are famous for dancing provocatively on the bar top. Parents should be aware of frequent scenes involving women in revealing outfits (crop tops…

Is there sex or nudity in Coyote Ugly?

Strong sensuality is central to the film. The bartenders, known as 'Coyotes,' frequently dance provocatively on the bar top wearing revealing clothing like crop tops, leather pants, and occasionally bras. These performances involve suggestive movements, and…

How violent is Coyote Ugly?

Violence is infrequent and moderate. One scene features a bar fight where punches are thrown, a man is pushed into a jukebox, and another man is shown with a bloody lip. In another scene, a main character breaks up a fight. A character is briefly harassed at…

Is the language in Coyote Ugly appropriate for kids?

Language is mild and used sparingly. The dialogue includes occasional use of words like 'bitch,' 'ass,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' There are no uses of the 'f-word'.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Coyote Ugly?

The film is set almost entirely in and around a working bar, so alcohol is pervasive. Characters are frequently seen drinking, serving drinks, and surrounded by alcohol. The bartenders' acts often involve pouring liquor, sometimes directly from the bottle…

What mature themes appear in Coyote Ugly?

Thematic content is moderate. The central theme is about overcoming fear (specifically stage fright) to pursue one's dreams. Other themes include family conflict and reconciliation, particularly between Violet and her disapproving father. There are moments of…

How long is Coyote Ugly?

Coyote Ugly runs 100 minutes, directed by David McNally, released in 2000.

Where can I read the full Coyote Ugly 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.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.