It (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In a small town in Maine, seven children known as The Losers Club come face to face with life problems, bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a clown called Pennywise.
Rated R • 2017 • 2h 15m
A group of childhood outcasts in small-town Maine face a shape-shifting entity that preys on their fears, most often appearing as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The R rating is for graphic violence (including a child's arm torn off), strong language, and sustained horror. Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise is one of cinema's great screen monsters. Effective horror for older teens — not for younger children despite the coming-of-age framing.
Cast
Is It appropriate for kids?
A group of childhood outcasts in small-town Maine face a shape-shifting entity that preys on their fears, most often appearing as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The R rating is for graphic violence (including a child's arm torn off), strong language, and sustained horror. Bill… Read more — free account
Content severity in It
What happens in It, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 6/10
- 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in It
An abusive situation involving a teenage girl is depicted. A scene of sexual coercion. Brief and uncomfortable rather than explicit.
Violence and gore in It
A child's arm torn off at the film's opening — shown graphically. Children attacked by Pennywise in visceral detail. A slide show of missing children. A character's face slashed. The violence against children is deliberately disturbing and sustained throughout.
Language in It
Constant strong language — the Losers Club swear enthusiastically and inventively throughout.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in It
While the film focuses on a group of young adolescents, there is no significant depiction of drug abuse or underage drinking. Some minor background elements include adults smoking cigarettes or carrying beverages, but these instances are incidental to the 1980s period setting. The narrative remains centered on the supernatural conflict and group dynamics rather than substance-related issues.
Mature themes in It
Childhood trauma and how it shapes us. Abusive homes — several characters have genuinely terrible parents. Bullying and its lasting psychological damage. The film's argument that confronting your fears diminishes them. A group of outsiders forming their own family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests It is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. A group of childhood outcasts in small-town Maine face a shape-shifting entity that preys on their fears, most often appearing as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The R rating is for graphic violence (including a child's…
What age rating does It have?
It is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.
What is It about?
A group of childhood outcasts in small-town Maine face a shape-shifting entity that preys on their fears, most often appearing as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The R rating is for graphic violence (including a child's arm torn off), strong language, and sustained horror. Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise is one of cinema's…
Is there sex or nudity in It?
An abusive situation involving a teenage girl is depicted. A scene of sexual coercion. Brief and uncomfortable rather than explicit.
How violent is It?
A child's arm torn off at the film's opening — shown graphically. Children attacked by Pennywise in visceral detail. A slide show of missing children. A character's face slashed. The violence against children is deliberately disturbing and sustained…
Is the language in It appropriate for kids?
Constant strong language — the Losers Club swear enthusiastically and inventively throughout.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in It?
While the film focuses on a group of young adolescents, there is no significant depiction of drug abuse or underage drinking. Some minor background elements include adults smoking cigarettes or carrying beverages, but these instances are incidental to the…
What mature themes appear in It?
Childhood trauma and how it shapes us. Abusive homes — several characters have genuinely terrible parents. Bullying and its lasting psychological damage. The film's argument that confronting your fears diminishes them. A group of outsiders forming their own…
How long is It?
It runs 135 minutes, directed by Andy Muschietti, released in 2017.
Where can I read the full It 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.
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