Elf (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.
Rated PG • 2003 • 1h 37m
After discovering he is actually human, an optimistic man raised by Santa’s elves travels to New York City to find his biological father. The movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 6 and up due to mild rude humor, slapstick comedy, and very infrequent mild language. It is a family-friendly holiday film centered on themes of belonging and father-son relationships.
Cast
Is Elf appropriate for kids?
After discovering he is actually human, an optimistic man raised by Santa’s elves travels to New York City to find his biological father. The movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 6 and up due to mild rude humor, slapstick comedy, and very infrequent mild language. It is a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Elf
What happens in Elf, moment by moment
- 0:26 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:41 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:51 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Elf
Mild. A budding romance, a shower-singing scene (nothing shown), and light innuendo that goes over kids' heads.
Violence and gore in Elf
None of note. Slapstick pratfalls only.
Language in Elf
Mild. A handful of very mild words and insults.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Elf
Mild. Some social drinking by adults.
Mature themes in Elf
Family, belonging, and finding your father. Gentle and heartwarming with broad comedy; very accessible for younger kids.
Scary moments in Elf
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Elf yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elf appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Elf is best for ages 6+. It's rated PG. After discovering he is actually human, an optimistic man raised by Santa’s elves travels to New York City to find his biological father. The movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 6 and up due to mild rude humor…
What age rating does Elf have?
Elf is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 6+.
What is Elf about?
After discovering he is actually human, an optimistic man raised by Santa’s elves travels to New York City to find his biological father. The movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 6 and up due to mild rude humor, slapstick comedy, and very infrequent mild language. It is a family-friendly holiday film centered on…
Is there sex or nudity in Elf?
Mild. A budding romance, a shower-singing scene (nothing shown), and light innuendo that goes over kids' heads.
How violent is Elf?
None of note. Slapstick pratfalls only.
Is the language in Elf appropriate for kids?
Mild. A handful of very mild words and insults.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Elf?
Mild. Some social drinking by adults.
What mature themes appear in Elf?
Family, belonging, and finding your father. Gentle and heartwarming with broad comedy; very accessible for younger kids.
How long is Elf?
Elf runs 97 minutes, directed by Jon Favreau, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full Elf 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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