Poster for Mater and the Ghostlight

Mater and the Ghostlight (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck from Cars, spends a day in Radiator Springs playing scary pranks on his fellow townsfolk. That night at Flo's V8 Café, the Sheriff tells the story of the legend of the Ghostlight, and as everyone races home Mater is left alone primed for a good old-fashioned scare.

Rated G • 2006 • 7m

6.3
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
5+

This G-rated short film from the "Cars" universe earns its rating from mildly scary scenes and thematic elements that could frighten very young children. The story follows the tow truck Mater as he pulls a series of pranks on the residents of Radiator Springs, who then team up to get him back with a spooky tale about the legendary "Ghostlight." The ensuing sequence involves some suspense, jump scares, and character peril played for… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Larry the Cable Guy
Larry the Cable Guy
Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson
Bonnie Hunt
Bonnie Hunt
Paul Newman
Paul Newman
Michael Wallis
Michael Wallis
Cheech Marin
Cheech Marin
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Katherine Helmond
Katherine Helmond
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Is Mater and the Ghostlight appropriate for kids?

This G-rated short film from the "Cars" universe earns its rating from mildly scary scenes and thematic elements that could frighten very young children. The story follows the tow truck Mater as he pulls a series of pranks on the residents of Radiator Springs, who then team up… Read more — free account

Content severity in Mater and the Ghostlight

Sex None 0/10
Violence Mild 2/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in Mater and the Ghostlight, moment by moment

  1. 0:01 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
  2. 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  3. 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 7 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Mater and the Ghostlight

None. There is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Mater and the Ghostlight

Violence is very mild, cartoonish, and played for laughs. Mater performs several jump-scare pranks on his friends, such as jumping out from behind a stack of tires. Later, Mater drives frantically around town while he believes he is being chased, but no one is injured and no damage occurs.

Language in Mater and the Ghostlight

None. There is no profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mater and the Ghostlight

None. There is no depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.

Mature themes in Mater and the Ghostlight

The primary themes are pranks, karma, and confronting fear. The central segment involves characters telling a spooky ghost story, which creates a suspenseful mood. The theme of fear is explored through Mater's genuine panic, although the entire situation is ultimately revealed to be a harmless prank.

Scary moments in Mater and the Ghostlight

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Mater and the Ghostlight 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 Mater and the Ghostlight appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Mater and the Ghostlight is best for ages 5+. It's rated G. This G-rated short film from the "Cars" universe earns its rating from mildly scary scenes and thematic elements that could frighten very young children. The story follows the tow truck Mater as he pulls a series of…

What age rating does Mater and the Ghostlight have?

Mater and the Ghostlight is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 5+.

What is Mater and the Ghostlight about?

This G-rated short film from the "Cars" universe earns its rating from mildly scary scenes and thematic elements that could frighten very young children. The story follows the tow truck Mater as he pulls a series of pranks on the residents of Radiator Springs, who then team up to get him back with a spooky tale about…

Is there sex or nudity in Mater and the Ghostlight?

None. There is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Mater and the Ghostlight?

Violence is very mild, cartoonish, and played for laughs. Mater performs several jump-scare pranks on his friends, such as jumping out from behind a stack of tires. Later, Mater drives frantically around town while he believes he is being chased, but no one…

Is the language in Mater and the Ghostlight appropriate for kids?

None. There is no profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mater and the Ghostlight?

None. There is no depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.

What mature themes appear in Mater and the Ghostlight?

The primary themes are pranks, karma, and confronting fear. The central segment involves characters telling a spooky ghost story, which creates a suspenseful mood. The theme of fear is explored through Mater's genuine panic, although the entire situation is…

How long is Mater and the Ghostlight?

Mater and the Ghostlight runs 7 minutes, directed by John Lasseter, released in 2006.

Where can I read the full Mater and the Ghostlight parent guide?

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