
Ethel & Ernest (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
This hand drawn animated film, based on the award winning graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, is an intimate and affectionate depiction of the life and times of his parents, two ordinary Londoners living through extraordinary events.
Rated NR • 2016 • 1h 34m
Ethel & Ernest is a hand-drawn animated film depicting the lives of a London couple throughout the 20th century. While largely gentle and biographical, it includes intense verbal accounts of wartime devastation and brief, suggestive humor that may pass over younger viewers. Parents should be aware of scenes involving grief, smoking, and the somber reality of the Blitz. It is generally suitable for older children and teens who can… Sign up for the full guide
Cast











Is Ethel & Ernest appropriate for kids?
Ethel & Ernest is a hand-drawn animated film depicting the lives of a London couple throughout the 20th century. While largely gentle and biographical, it includes intense verbal accounts of wartime devastation and brief, suggestive humor that may pass over younger viewers… Read more — free account
Content severity in Ethel & Ernest
What happens in Ethel & Ernest, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:22 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:40 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Ethel & Ernest
There are occasional, fleeting suggestive jokes. These include a playful comment about a new mattress, a minor reference to life drawing models, and a brief, awkward interaction where a character implies he wants his wife to have an affair. Two pigs are seen humping in a farmyard, which is played for mild comedic effect.
Violence and gore in Ethel & Ernest
Violence is infrequent and depicted in a non-graphic, illustrative style. The most intense moment involves a character describing the grim aftermath of a bombing, which is conveyed entirely through dialogue. Other scenes include brief, historical depictions of soldiers or Nazi imagery during the war years.
Language in Ethel & Ernest
Mild profanity is present, including a few uses of 'bloody', 'God', and 'Christ'. The language is consistent with the era and is not used in a malicious or aggressive way.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Ethel & Ernest
Smoking is common, with Ernest frequently shown with a cigarette, reflecting the cultural norms of the period. There are also brief scenes featuring beer consumption at social gatherings and a mention of wine.
Mature themes in Ethel & Ernest
The film explores mature themes including the aging process, the death of parents, and the emotional toll of war. The narrative emphasizes the passage of time and the reality of loss over several decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethel & Ernest appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Ethel & Ernest is best for ages 11+. It's rated NR. Ethel & Ernest is a hand-drawn animated film depicting the lives of a London couple throughout the 20th century. While largely gentle and biographical, it includes intense verbal accounts of wartime devastation and…
What age rating does Ethel & Ernest have?
Ethel & Ernest is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.
What is Ethel & Ernest about?
Ethel & Ernest is a hand-drawn animated film depicting the lives of a London couple throughout the 20th century. While largely gentle and biographical, it includes intense verbal accounts of wartime devastation and brief, suggestive humor that may pass over younger viewers. Parents should be aware of scenes involving…
Is there sex or nudity in Ethel & Ernest?
There are occasional, fleeting suggestive jokes. These include a playful comment about a new mattress, a minor reference to life drawing models, and a brief, awkward interaction where a character implies he wants his wife to have an affair. Two pigs are seen…
How violent is Ethel & Ernest?
Violence is infrequent and depicted in a non-graphic, illustrative style. The most intense moment involves a character describing the grim aftermath of a bombing, which is conveyed entirely through dialogue. Other scenes include brief, historical depictions…
Is the language in Ethel & Ernest appropriate for kids?
Mild profanity is present, including a few uses of 'bloody', 'God', and 'Christ'. The language is consistent with the era and is not used in a malicious or aggressive way.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Ethel & Ernest?
Smoking is common, with Ernest frequently shown with a cigarette, reflecting the cultural norms of the period. There are also brief scenes featuring beer consumption at social gatherings and a mention of wine.
What mature themes appear in Ethel & Ernest?
The film explores mature themes including the aging process, the death of parents, and the emotional toll of war. The narrative emphasizes the passage of time and the reality of loss over several decades.
How long is Ethel & Ernest?
Ethel & Ernest runs 94 minutes, directed by Roger Mainwood, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Ethel & Ernest 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 11-year-olds
Sign up to filter























Movies like Ethel & Ernest with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
















Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter


















More animation movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Django Unchained parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- Titanic parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
- Inglourious Basterds parent guide
- Inside Out parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- To the Wonder parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Mr. Church parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide