Eight Legged Freaks (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Eight Legged Freaks
Director: Ellory Elkayem
Released: 2002
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 5.8

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The residents of a rural mining town discover that an unfortunate chemical spill has caused hundreds of little spiders to mutate overnight to the size of SUVs. It's then up to mining engineer Chris McCormack and Sheriff Sam Parker to mobilize an eclectic group of townspeople, including the Sheriff's young son, Mike, her daughter, Ashley, and paranoid radio announcer Harlan, into battle against the bloodthirsty eight-legged beasts.

Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 39m

Directed by Ellory Elkayem

5.8

1K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

Eight Legged Freaks is a horror-comedy a-la 1950s creature features, and its PG-13 rating is for sustained sci-fi violence, creature-based scares, and some language. The plot follows mining engineer Chris McCormack and Sheriff Sam Parker as they defend their town from giant, mutated spiders. The violence is frequent, with spiders attacking, killing, and wrapping people in cocoons, but the gore is stylized with green goo rather than… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

David Arquette

Kari Wührer

Doug E. Doug

Scarlett Johansson

Rick Overton

Matt Czuchry

Riley Smith

Leon Rippy

Randi Klein

Terey Summers

Scott Terra

Eileen Ryan

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Is Eight Legged Freaks appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Eight Legged Freaks

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Strong 7/10

Language Moderate 3/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Eight Legged Freaks, moment by moment

0:07 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:26 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
0:32 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10

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Sex and nudity in Eight Legged Freaks

Sexual content is very mild. A teenage girl, Ashley, is briefly seen in a towel, and some cleavage is visible. There are a few lines of minor innuendo, including comments about another character's buttocks and a passing reference to strippers, but there is no sexual activity or nudity.

Violence and gore in Eight Legged Freaks

Violence is moderate and frequent, though highly stylized and campy. The film is centered on giant spiders attacking humans and animals. People are bitten, dragged away, and wrapped in web cocoons. Several on-screen and many more implied deaths occur. The violence features plentiful green spider goo instead of realistic blood. Characters use shotguns, forklifts, and chainsaws to fight the creatures, and the climax features a massive gas explosion that destroys the spider nest.

Language in Eight Legged Freaks

Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "bastard." Other profanity includes infrequent uses of "ass," "hell," and "damn."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Eight Legged Freaks

Substance use is light. Some adult characters are shown drinking beer in social settings. An elderly character smokes cigarettes, and a lit cigarette becomes a major plot point during the climax.

Mature themes in Eight Legged Freaks

The film's primary themes involve survival horror and a community banding together to fight a common threat. There are multiple scenes involving characters dying, including being eaten or cocooned by spiders, which can be intense. The plot also touches on corporate greed, as the town's mayor prioritizes his own gain over the safety of the citizens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eight Legged Freaks appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Eight Legged Freaks is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Eight Legged Freaks is a horror-comedy a-la 1950s creature features, and its PG-13 rating is for sustained sci-fi violence, creature-based scares, and some language. The plot follows mining engineer Chris McCormack and…

What age rating does Eight Legged Freaks have?

Eight Legged Freaks is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Eight Legged Freaks about?

Is there sex or nudity in Eight Legged Freaks?

How violent is Eight Legged Freaks?

Is the language in Eight Legged Freaks appropriate for kids?

Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "bastard." Other profanity includes infrequent uses of "ass," "hell," and "damn."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Eight Legged Freaks?

Substance use is light. Some adult characters are shown drinking beer in social settings. An elderly character smokes cigarettes, and a lit cigarette becomes a major plot point during the climax.

What mature themes appear in Eight Legged Freaks?

How long is Eight Legged Freaks?

Eight Legged Freaks runs 99 minutes, directed by Ellory Elkayem, released in 2002.

Where can I read the full Eight Legged Freaks parent guide?

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