Forrest Gump (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.
Rated PG-13 • 1994 • 2h 22m
Forrest Gump follows the sweeping life story of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ, but its PG-13 rating is earned for significant mature content that parents should be aware of. The film's primary concerns are a harrowing and bloody Vietnam War sequence, depictions of drug addiction including a brief scene of cocaine use, and some sensuality that includes brief non-explicit nudity. The story also explores heavy thematic material, such… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Forrest Gump appropriate for kids?
Forrest Gump follows the sweeping life story of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ, but its PG-13 rating is earned for significant mature content that parents should be aware of. The film's primary concerns are a harrowing and bloody Vietnam War sequence, depictions of drug… Read more — free account
Content severity in Forrest Gump
What happens in Forrest Gump, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
Sex and nudity in Forrest Gump
Contains some sensuality and brief nudity. In one scene, a character performs on stage naked, with her buttocks visible but her front covered by a guitar. A Playboy magazine is briefly shown with a visible breast. Sex is implied between two main characters who are seen kissing on a bed before the scene ends. In an early scene, sounds of a woman and man having sex are heard from outside a bedroom.
Violence and gore in Forrest Gump
Violence is moderate overall but features an intense and bloody war sequence. During the Vietnam chapter, there is a sustained ambush scene with loud gunfire, explosions, and soldiers being shot with visible, bloody wounds. Key characters are severely injured, leading to a death and a double amputation (not shown on screen). Other scenes include bullying where a child is hit with a rock, a man slapping a woman, brief fistfights, and archival news footage of a real-life shooting.
Language in Forrest Gump
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The dialogue includes one use of the f-word (in the phrase "Viet-fuckin'-nam"), multiple uses of "shit," "goddamn," "ass," and "son of a bitch." There is also a single use of a racial slur during a historical news clip.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Forrest Gump
Depictions of drug and alcohol abuse are a significant part of a character's storyline. One character becomes a severe alcoholic to cope with trauma, and is surrounded by liquor bottles. Later, another character is shown using drugs, including a brief moment of snorting cocaine, and drug paraphernalia like needles and pills are visible in her apartment. Several characters smoke cigarettes.
Mature themes in Forrest Gump
The film explores many strong and emotionally intense themes. Central themes include the trauma of war and its aftermath (PTSD), grief and loss, and terminal illness (both cancer and an incurable virus implied to be AIDS). The past sexual abuse of a child by her father is strongly implied but not shown. One character becomes suicidal and is seen on a high ledge contemplating jumping. Bullying and prejudice against those with disabilities are recurring elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forrest Gump appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Forrest Gump is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Forrest Gump follows the sweeping life story of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ, but its PG-13 rating is earned for significant mature content that parents should be aware of. The film's primary concerns are a…
What age rating does Forrest Gump have?
Forrest Gump is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Forrest Gump about?
Forrest Gump follows the sweeping life story of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ, but its PG-13 rating is earned for significant mature content that parents should be aware of. The film's primary concerns are a harrowing and bloody Vietnam War sequence, depictions of drug addiction including a brief scene of cocaine…
Is there sex or nudity in Forrest Gump?
Contains some sensuality and brief nudity. In one scene, a character performs on stage naked, with her buttocks visible but her front covered by a guitar. A Playboy magazine is briefly shown with a visible breast. Sex is implied between two main characters…
How violent is Forrest Gump?
Violence is moderate overall but features an intense and bloody war sequence. During the Vietnam chapter, there is a sustained ambush scene with loud gunfire, explosions, and soldiers being shot with visible, bloody wounds. Key characters are severely…
Is the language in Forrest Gump appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The dialogue includes one use of the f-word (in the phrase "Viet-fuckin'-nam"), multiple uses of "shit," "goddamn," "ass," and "son of a bitch." There is also a single use of a racial slur during a historical news clip.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Forrest Gump?
Depictions of drug and alcohol abuse are a significant part of a character's storyline. One character becomes a severe alcoholic to cope with trauma, and is surrounded by liquor bottles. Later, another character is shown using drugs, including a brief moment…
What mature themes appear in Forrest Gump?
The film explores many strong and emotionally intense themes. Central themes include the trauma of war and its aftermath (PTSD), grief and loss, and terminal illness (both cancer and an incurable virus implied to be AIDS). The past sexual abuse of a child by…
How long is Forrest Gump?
Forrest Gump runs 142 minutes, directed by Robert Zemeckis, released in 1994.
Where can I read the full Forrest Gump parent guide?
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