Jaws (1975) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to kill the beast before it strikes again.
Rated PG • 1975 • 2h 4m
A great white shark terrorises a beach town — and its police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter go out to kill it. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. The film that invented the summer blockbuster. More intense than modern PG films.
Cast
Is Jaws appropriate for kids?
A great white shark terrorises a beach town — and its police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter go out to kill it. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. The film that invented the summer blockbuster. More intense than modern PG films. Read more — free account
Content severity in Jaws
What happens in Jaws, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in Jaws
A brief nude scene in the opening — a woman skinny-dipping before the first attack.
Violence and gore in Jaws
Shark attacks — a leg sinking to the ocean floor, a man devoured, a shark bursting from water. More graphic than modern PG allows.
Language in Jaws
The film contains infrequent use of profanity, including about a dozen instances of 'hell' and 'damn,' along with a few uses of 'son of a bitch' and 'bastard.' While stronger than modern PG films, the dialogue reflects the rough maritime setting and characters. There are no racial slurs or sexually explicit terms used during the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Jaws
Adult characters are frequently seen smoking cigarettes and pipes throughout the film. In a notable bonding scene, Quint and Hooper consume large amounts of apricot brandy and beer while comparing ocean scars. While the characters become visibly tipsy and jovial, the scene is used for character development rather than to promote substance abuse.
Mature themes in Jaws
A film working on multiple levels: monster movie, study of masculinity, and critique of civic negligence (the mayor keeping the beach open). Quint's Indianapolis monologue is one of cinema's great set pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaws appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Jaws is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. A great white shark terrorises a beach town — and its police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter go out to kill it. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. The film that invented the summer blockbuster…
What age rating does Jaws have?
Jaws is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is Jaws about?
A great white shark terrorises a beach town — and its police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter go out to kill it. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. The film that invented the summer blockbuster. More intense than modern PG films.
Is there sex or nudity in Jaws?
A brief nude scene in the opening — a woman skinny-dipping before the first attack.
How violent is Jaws?
Shark attacks — a leg sinking to the ocean floor, a man devoured, a shark bursting from water. More graphic than modern PG allows.
Is the language in Jaws appropriate for kids?
The film contains infrequent use of profanity, including about a dozen instances of 'hell' and 'damn,' along with a few uses of 'son of a bitch' and 'bastard.' While stronger than modern PG films, the dialogue reflects the rough maritime setting and…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Jaws?
Adult characters are frequently seen smoking cigarettes and pipes throughout the film. In a notable bonding scene, Quint and Hooper consume large amounts of apricot brandy and beer while comparing ocean scars. While the characters become visibly tipsy and…
What mature themes appear in Jaws?
A film working on multiple levels: monster movie, study of masculinity, and critique of civic negligence (the mayor keeping the beach open). Quint's Indianapolis monologue is one of cinema's great set pieces.
How long is Jaws?
Jaws runs 124 minutes, directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 1975.
Where can I read the full Jaws 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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