Poster for Ghosts

Ghosts (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the town of Normal Valley, an eccentric magician named Maestro entertains the local children every day in his spooky mansion. One stormy night, the town's mayor leads a group of angry citizens to the mansion in an attempt to run Maestro out of town.

Rated NR • 1997 • 39m

8.0
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

The unrated short film "Ghosts" is an extended musical showcase best suited for older children and teens who enjoy Halloween-style scares. The story, in which the eccentric Maestro is confronted by angry townsfolk, contains no profanity, sexual content, or substance use. Its parental concerns are entirely centered on frightening imagery, including frequent spooky ghouls, dancing skeletons, and body transformations. Several scenes… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
PD
Pat Dade
AS
Amy Smallman
EM
Edwina Moore
Yasiin Bey
Yasiin Bey
SS
Seth Smith
KC
Kendall Cunningham
LR
Loren Randolph
HE
Heather Ehlers
MB
Michael Balderrama
TB
Troy Burgess
NP
Nicole Pantenburg
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Is Ghosts appropriate for kids?

The unrated short film "Ghosts" is an extended musical showcase best suited for older children and teens who enjoy Halloween-style scares. The story, in which the eccentric Maestro is confronted by angry townsfolk, contains no profanity, sexual content, or substance use. Its… Read more — free account

Content severity in Ghosts

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Ghosts, moment by moment

  1. 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  3. 0:11 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Ghosts

None. The film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Ghosts

Moderate spooky and fantastical violence is present throughout. The Maestro performs several acts of cartoonish body horror on himself: he stretches his face to reveal a skull, becomes a dancing skeleton, and smashes his head on the floor before magically reforming. He also possesses the Mayor, causing his body to contort unnaturally. The film's aesthetic is built on ghosts, ghouls, and skeletons, but there is no blood or realistic injury.

Language in Ghosts

None. No profanity is used.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Ghosts

None. No characters are shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

Mature themes in Ghosts

The primary theme is prejudice and fear of the unknown. The Mayor leads a mob to banish the Maestro, calling him a "freak" simply for being different and entertaining children with things they deem strange. The film's resolution sees the townspeople overcoming their fear and accepting the Maestro.

Scary moments in Ghosts

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Ghosts 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghosts appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Ghosts is best for ages 10+. It's rated NR. The unrated short film "Ghosts" is an extended musical showcase best suited for older children and teens who enjoy Halloween-style scares. The story, in which the eccentric Maestro is confronted by angry townsfolk…

What age rating does Ghosts have?

Ghosts is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Ghosts about?

The unrated short film "Ghosts" is an extended musical showcase best suited for older children and teens who enjoy Halloween-style scares. The story, in which the eccentric Maestro is confronted by angry townsfolk, contains no profanity, sexual content, or substance use. Its parental concerns are entirely centered on…

Is there sex or nudity in Ghosts?

None. The film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Ghosts?

Moderate spooky and fantastical violence is present throughout. The Maestro performs several acts of cartoonish body horror on himself: he stretches his face to reveal a skull, becomes a dancing skeleton, and smashes his head on the floor before magically…

Is the language in Ghosts appropriate for kids?

None. No profanity is used.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Ghosts?

None. No characters are shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

What mature themes appear in Ghosts?

The primary theme is prejudice and fear of the unknown. The Mayor leads a mob to banish the Maestro, calling him a "freak" simply for being different and entertaining children with things they deem strange. The film's resolution sees the townspeople…

How long is Ghosts?

Ghosts runs 39 minutes, directed by Stan Winston, released in 1997.

Where can I read the full Ghosts parent guide?

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