Good Will Hunting (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
Rated R • 1997 • 2h 7m
Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the story of a genius janitor from South Boston and the therapist who reaches him. The R rating is primarily for pervasive strong language (this is a film about working-class Boston men) and some violence. One of the most emotionally rewarding films on this list — the therapy scenes between Will and Sean are among the best in cinema. Appropriate for teens 14 and up.
Cast
Is Good Will Hunting appropriate for kids?
Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the story of a genius janitor from South Boston and the therapist who reaches him. The R rating is primarily for pervasive strong language (this is a film about working-class Boston men) and some violence. One of the most emotionally rewarding… Read more — free account
Content severity in Good Will Hunting
What happens in Good Will Hunting, moment by moment
- 0:05 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:20 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Good Will Hunting
Mild. A developing romantic relationship with brief, non-graphic intimacy. Some crude sexual humour from the male characters.
Violence and gore in Good Will Hunting
A bar fight at the film's opening. Will's history of physical abuse in foster care is discussed and shown in brief flashback. Not graphic.
Language in Good Will Hunting
Constant, pervasive strong language in the Boston working-class vernacular — the f-word is ubiquitous. This is the primary reason for the R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Good Will Hunting
Bar drinking throughout — South Boston pub culture. Not depicted as a problem in itself.
Mature themes in Good Will Hunting
Childhood abuse and its long aftermath. The way trauma produces self-sabotage in adulthood. Class and the politics of genius — who gets to have opportunities and who doesn't. A therapist's own grief and the way it enables him to reach a damaged young man. It's not your fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Will Hunting appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Good Will Hunting is best for ages 14+. It's rated R. Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the story of a genius janitor from South Boston and the therapist who reaches him. The R rating is primarily for pervasive strong language (this is a film about working-class Boston men)…
What age rating does Good Will Hunting have?
Good Will Hunting is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Good Will Hunting about?
Matt Damon and Robin Williams in the story of a genius janitor from South Boston and the therapist who reaches him. The R rating is primarily for pervasive strong language (this is a film about working-class Boston men) and some violence. One of the most emotionally rewarding films on this list — the therapy scenes…
Is there sex or nudity in Good Will Hunting?
Mild. A developing romantic relationship with brief, non-graphic intimacy. Some crude sexual humour from the male characters.
How violent is Good Will Hunting?
A bar fight at the film's opening. Will's history of physical abuse in foster care is discussed and shown in brief flashback. Not graphic.
Is the language in Good Will Hunting appropriate for kids?
Constant, pervasive strong language in the Boston working-class vernacular — the f-word is ubiquitous. This is the primary reason for the R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Good Will Hunting?
Bar drinking throughout — South Boston pub culture. Not depicted as a problem in itself.
What mature themes appear in Good Will Hunting?
Childhood abuse and its long aftermath. The way trauma produces self-sabotage in adulthood. Class and the politics of genius — who gets to have opportunities and who doesn't. A therapist's own grief and the way it enables him to reach a damaged young man…
How long is Good Will Hunting?
Good Will Hunting runs 126 minutes, directed by Gus Van Sant, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Good Will Hunting 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.
Movies like Good Will Hunting with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More drama 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
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide