Footloose (1984) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When teenager Ren and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock after discovering he's living in a place where music and dancing are illegal.
Rated PG • 1984 • 1h 47m
A teenager moves to a small town where a preacher has banned rock music and dancing, and fights for the right to dance at prom. Kevin Bacon's star-making role. The PG rating is appropriate — a warm, energetic film with some teen drama.
Cast
Is Footloose appropriate for kids?
A teenager moves to a small town where a preacher has banned rock music and dancing, and fights for the right to dance at prom. Kevin Bacon's star-making role. The PG rating is appropriate — a warm, energetic film with some teen drama. Read more — free account
Content severity in Footloose
What happens in Footloose, moment by moment
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 2/10
- 0:45 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Footloose
The film focuses on teen romance and budding relationships through a lens appropriate for older children. There is some suggestiveness and a brief non-explicit situation involving a couple in a car, but no nudity is shown. The romantic elements primarily focus on dancing, hand-holding, and mild flirtation.
Violence and gore in Footloose
The most intense sequence involves a tractor game of 'chicken' where the vehicles head toward each other at high speed. There are also several scenes of teen fighting, including a scrap at a drive-in and a larger physical scuffle toward the end. These moments are choreographed for drama rather than graphic impact, fitting the movie's energetic tone.
Language in Footloose
Dialogue contains mild language consistent with a 1980s PG rating. Viewers will hear some infrequent profanity and insults exchanged between rival teenagers and authority figures. The language is generally realistic for a high school setting without becoming pervasive or overly harsh.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Footloose
The film accurately depicts the rebellious nature of small-town youth through scenes of teen drinking at a dance and various parties. There are also instances of cigarette smoking among the young adult characters. These depictions are contextual to the plot and are not shown in a positive light by the adult characters.
Mature themes in Footloose
A community's response to grief through prohibition — the ban on dancing follows a car accident. Religious authority and its limits. A newcomer's outsider perspective challenging established norms. The film takes both sides more seriously than its reputation suggests.
Scary moments in Footloose
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Footloose 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 Footloose appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Footloose is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. A teenager moves to a small town where a preacher has banned rock music and dancing, and fights for the right to dance at prom. Kevin Bacon's star-making role. The PG rating is appropriate — a warm, energetic film with…
What age rating does Footloose have?
Footloose is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Footloose about?
A teenager moves to a small town where a preacher has banned rock music and dancing, and fights for the right to dance at prom. Kevin Bacon's star-making role. The PG rating is appropriate — a warm, energetic film with some teen drama.
Is there sex or nudity in Footloose?
The film focuses on teen romance and budding relationships through a lens appropriate for older children. There is some suggestiveness and a brief non-explicit situation involving a couple in a car, but no nudity is shown. The romantic elements primarily…
How violent is Footloose?
The most intense sequence involves a tractor game of 'chicken' where the vehicles head toward each other at high speed. There are also several scenes of teen fighting, including a scrap at a drive-in and a larger physical scuffle toward the end. These moments…
Is the language in Footloose appropriate for kids?
Dialogue contains mild language consistent with a 1980s PG rating. Viewers will hear some infrequent profanity and insults exchanged between rival teenagers and authority figures. The language is generally realistic for a high school setting without becoming…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Footloose?
The film accurately depicts the rebellious nature of small-town youth through scenes of teen drinking at a dance and various parties. There are also instances of cigarette smoking among the young adult characters. These depictions are contextual to the plot…
What mature themes appear in Footloose?
A community's response to grief through prohibition — the ban on dancing follows a car accident. Religious authority and its limits. A newcomer's outsider perspective challenging established norms. The film takes both sides more seriously than its reputation…
How long is Footloose?
Footloose runs 107 minutes, directed by Herbert Ross, released in 1984.
Where can I read the full Footloose parent guide?
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