Ghostbusters II (1989) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.
Rated PG • 1989 • 1h 48m
This PG-rated sequel, Ghostbusters II, is noticeably darker and more intense than its predecessor, with its rating primarily earned through supernatural action, scary imagery, and some language. The plot involves the evil spirit of Vigo the Carpathian attempting to possess baby Oscar, which creates several moments of peril involving an infant that may be upsetting for younger viewers. Other scenes, like a brief shot of bloody severed… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Ghostbusters II appropriate for kids?
This PG-rated sequel, Ghostbusters II, is noticeably darker and more intense than its predecessor, with its rating primarily earned through supernatural action, scary imagery, and some language. The plot involves the evil spirit of Vigo the Carpathian attempting to possess baby… Read more — free account
Content severity in Ghostbusters II
What happens in Ghostbusters II, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:21 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:30 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Ghostbusters II
Sexual content is very mild. In one scene, Dana is giving her baby a bath and is seen only from the shoulders up, but when she stands up later she is wearing a towel. In another scene, Dana's nipples are briefly visible through her white shirt. There is a brief shot of baby Oscar's penis while he's in the bathtub. Peter and Dana rekindle their romance and are shown kissing and embracing.
Violence and gore in Ghostbusters II
Violence is mostly comedic and supernatural, but contains some frightening and moderately intense moments. Ghosts, including the electrified Scoleri Brothers, menace people. While exploring a subway tunnel, the Ghostbusters are briefly confronted with a ghostly image of severed heads on pikes (some blood is visible). Slime rises from a bathtub faucet and forms a gelatinous mass that attempts to grab a baby. The primary villain is a menacing figure in a painting who later becomes a physical threat.
Language in Ghostbusters II
Language is infrequent but includes some profanity that is strong for a PG film. There is one use each of "asshole" and "shit." Other words used include "hell" (about seven times), "damn" (once), and "bastard" (once). Name-calling like "scum" and "pathetic" is also present.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Ghostbusters II
Substance use is minimal. In one scene, Ray Stantz smokes a pipe in his occult bookstore. Peter and Dana are shown sharing a bottle of wine at a restaurant during a date.
Mature themes in Ghostbusters II
Thematic content is more intense than in the first film, centering on peril to a child and dark supernatural elements. A central plot point is the attempted kidnapping and possession of a baby by an evil spirit, which is a source of recurring tension. Characters are put in peril, such as nearly drowning in a river of ectoplasm. The main villain, Vigo, has a backstory involving torture and murder, which is described verbally. The idea that collective negative human emotions can fuel evil is a core theme.
Scary moments in Ghostbusters II
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Ghostbusters II 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 Ghostbusters II appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Ghostbusters II is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This PG-rated sequel, Ghostbusters II, is noticeably darker and more intense than its predecessor, with its rating primarily earned through supernatural action, scary imagery, and some language. The plot involves the…
What age rating does Ghostbusters II have?
Ghostbusters II is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Ghostbusters II about?
This PG-rated sequel, Ghostbusters II, is noticeably darker and more intense than its predecessor, with its rating primarily earned through supernatural action, scary imagery, and some language. The plot involves the evil spirit of Vigo the Carpathian attempting to possess baby Oscar, which creates several moments of…
Is there sex or nudity in Ghostbusters II?
Sexual content is very mild. In one scene, Dana is giving her baby a bath and is seen only from the shoulders up, but when she stands up later she is wearing a towel. In another scene, Dana's nipples are briefly visible through her white shirt. There is a…
How violent is Ghostbusters II?
Violence is mostly comedic and supernatural, but contains some frightening and moderately intense moments. Ghosts, including the electrified Scoleri Brothers, menace people. While exploring a subway tunnel, the Ghostbusters are briefly confronted with a…
Is the language in Ghostbusters II appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent but includes some profanity that is strong for a PG film. There is one use each of "asshole" and "shit." Other words used include "hell" (about seven times), "damn" (once), and "bastard" (once). Name-calling like "scum" and "pathetic"…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Ghostbusters II?
Substance use is minimal. In one scene, Ray Stantz smokes a pipe in his occult bookstore. Peter and Dana are shown sharing a bottle of wine at a restaurant during a date.
What mature themes appear in Ghostbusters II?
Thematic content is more intense than in the first film, centering on peril to a child and dark supernatural elements. A central plot point is the attempted kidnapping and possession of a baby by an evil spirit, which is a source of recurring tension…
How long is Ghostbusters II?
Ghostbusters II runs 108 minutes, directed by Ivan Reitman, released in 1989.
Where can I read the full Ghostbusters II parent guide?
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