Just Like Heaven (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Shortly after David Abbott moves into his new San Francisco digs, he has an unwelcome visitor on his hands: winsome Elizabeth Masterson, who asserts that the apartment is hers -- and promptly vanishes. When she starts appearing and disappearing at will, David thinks she's a ghost, while Elizabeth is convinced she's alive.
Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 1h 35m
Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy rated PG-13 primarily for some sexual content and mature themes. The film's central plot involves a young woman, Elizabeth, who is in a coma and whose spirit haunts her old apartment, now occupied by a widower named David. The story deals frankly with themes of grief, loss, and the intense emotional question of whether to end life support for a loved one. The PG-13 rating is also due to a scene of… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Just Like Heaven appropriate for kids?
Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy rated PG-13 primarily for some sexual content and mature themes. The film's central plot involves a young woman, Elizabeth, who is in a coma and whose spirit haunts her old apartment, now occupied by a widower named David. The story deals… Read more — free account
Content severity in Just Like Heaven
What happens in Just Like Heaven, moment by moment
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:13 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:26 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
Sex and nudity in Just Like Heaven
The film's PG-13 rating is partly for sexual content. In one scene, a neighbor in revealing workout clothes attempts to seduce David, leading to suggestive dialogue and framing. An elderly male patient's bare buttocks are briefly seen from the back through an open hospital gown. Characters kiss, and in one scene a man and woman lie in bed together, fully clothed. Passing references are made to infidelity.
Violence and gore in Just Like Heaven
Violence is brief and mostly non-graphic. A significant car crash that puts a main character in a coma is heard but not seen at the beginning of the film. In a restaurant, a man performs an emergency medical procedure on a choking person with a table knife, with a very brief and minimal sight of blood. One character punches another, resulting in a bloody lip. A character is comically threatened with a kitchen cleaver.
Language in Just Like Heaven
Language is moderate. There are a few uses of "shit" and one use of "asshole." Milder terms like "ass," "hell," and "damn" occur several times. Religious exclamations (e.g., "Oh God") are frequent. A character also makes a crude gesture (middle finger) behind someone's back.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Just Like Heaven
A main character, David, is frequently shown drinking beer at home, especially early in the film as he grieves his late wife. One scene depicts him at a bar, getting drunk to cope with his emotions. Other adults are shown drinking wine or beer in social settings. This substance use is portrayed as a coping mechanism for loss.
Mature themes in Just Like Heaven
The film's central themes are emotionally weighty. The entire plot revolves around Elizabeth being in a coma, on the brink of death. A major conflict involves her family deciding whether to honor her DNR and remove her from life support, which is discussed explicitly. David is a widower, and the film explores his grief and loneliness. These topics of death, dying, and loss, while handled within a rom-com framework, are intense and pervasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Just Like Heaven appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Just Like Heaven is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy rated PG-13 primarily for some sexual content and mature themes. The film's central plot involves a young woman, Elizabeth, who is in a coma and whose spirit haunts her old…
What age rating does Just Like Heaven have?
Just Like Heaven is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Just Like Heaven about?
Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy rated PG-13 primarily for some sexual content and mature themes. The film's central plot involves a young woman, Elizabeth, who is in a coma and whose spirit haunts her old apartment, now occupied by a widower named David. The story deals frankly with themes of grief, loss, and…
Is there sex or nudity in Just Like Heaven?
The film's PG-13 rating is partly for sexual content. In one scene, a neighbor in revealing workout clothes attempts to seduce David, leading to suggestive dialogue and framing. An elderly male patient's bare buttocks are briefly seen from the back through an…
How violent is Just Like Heaven?
Violence is brief and mostly non-graphic. A significant car crash that puts a main character in a coma is heard but not seen at the beginning of the film. In a restaurant, a man performs an emergency medical procedure on a choking person with a table knife…
Is the language in Just Like Heaven appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate. There are a few uses of "shit" and one use of "asshole." Milder terms like "ass," "hell," and "damn" occur several times. Religious exclamations (e.g., "Oh God") are frequent. A character also makes a crude gesture (middle finger) behind…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Just Like Heaven?
A main character, David, is frequently shown drinking beer at home, especially early in the film as he grieves his late wife. One scene depicts him at a bar, getting drunk to cope with his emotions. Other adults are shown drinking wine or beer in social…
What mature themes appear in Just Like Heaven?
The film's central themes are emotionally weighty. The entire plot revolves around Elizabeth being in a coma, on the brink of death. A major conflict involves her family deciding whether to honor her DNR and remove her from life support, which is discussed…
How long is Just Like Heaven?
Just Like Heaven runs 95 minutes, directed by Mark Waters, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full Just Like Heaven parent guide?
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