Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Mrs. Doubtfire
Director: Chris Columbus
Released: 1993
Duration: 125 min
Rating: 7.2

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job -- disguised as a British nanny. Soon he becomes not only his children's best pal but the kind of parent he should have been from the start.

Rated PG-13 • 1993 • 2h 5m

Directed by Chris Columbus

7.2

5K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

Mrs. Doubtfire's PG-13 rating is primarily for sexual references and some profanity. The film centers on a divorced father who disguises himself as an elderly female nanny to spend time with his children. The biggest point of caution for parents is the emotionally intense and realistic depiction of parental conflict, divorce, and custody battles, which may be upsetting for younger viewers or those sensitive to family discord. The film… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Robin Williams

Sally Field

Lisa Jakub

Matthew Lawrence

Mara Wilson

Pierce Brosnan

Robert Prosky

Anne Haney

Harvey Fierstein

Scott Capurro

Polly Holliday

Sydney Walker

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Is Mrs. Doubtfire appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Mrs. Doubtfire

Sex Strong 6/10

Violence Strong 5/10

Language Strong 6/10

Substances Strong 5/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Mrs. Doubtfire, moment by moment

0:04 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
0:08 💬 Language 5/10
0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10

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Sex and nudity in Mrs. Doubtfire

Contains moderate sexual innuendo and references. During a series of prank calls, Daniel makes suggestive comments. As Mrs. Doubtfire, he makes several crude jokes to deter his ex-wife's suitor, referencing STDs ("crabs") and a vibrator ("power tool"). Early in the film, Daniel's son jokes about wanting strippers for his birthday party. There is also a brief scene at a public pool where people are seen in swimsuits.

Violence and gore in Mrs. Doubtfire

Violence is infrequent, mild, and almost entirely comedic. In a slapstick scene, Mrs. Doubtfire's prosthetic breasts catch on fire over a stove before being extinguished. To get revenge, Daniel secretly adds cayenne pepper to a romantic rival's dish, causing him to choke before Daniel administers the Heimlich maneuver. In another scene, Daniel (as Mrs. Doubtfire) shouts at a mugger, who flees. A character is comically hit in the head with a piece of fruit.

Language in Mrs. Doubtfire

Moderate profanity is used throughout. The PG-13 rating is partly due to this content, which includes multiple uses of "shit," "hell," "damn" (and "goddamn"), "ass" (including "asshole"), "bastard," and "piss." The word "bitch" is used once. In one scene, a character gives another the middle finger.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mrs. Doubtfire

Characters drink alcohol in social settings, including wine at dinner and scotch at a business meeting. In a key restaurant scene, Daniel (as Mrs. Doubtfire) becomes visibly intoxicated, slurring his words and falling out of a chair. There is a comedic reference to an alcoholic's death. Background characters are briefly seen smoking.

Mature themes in Mrs. Doubtfire

The film's central themes of divorce and parental separation are portrayed with strong emotional intensity. The opening act features a loud, serious argument between Daniel and Miranda in front of their children that culminates in their decision to divorce. Scenes in family court dealing with custody are tense and emotional, particularly when a judge initially grants Daniel only supervised visits, causing significant distress for him and the children. The entire plot is driven by a father's desperation to see his…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mrs. Doubtfire appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Mrs. Doubtfire is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Mrs. Doubtfire's PG-13 rating is primarily for sexual references and some profanity. The film centers on a divorced father who disguises himself as an elderly female nanny to spend time with his children. The biggest…

What age rating does Mrs. Doubtfire have?

Mrs. Doubtfire is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Mrs. Doubtfire about?

Is there sex or nudity in Mrs. Doubtfire?

How violent is Mrs. Doubtfire?

Is the language in Mrs. Doubtfire appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mrs. Doubtfire?

What mature themes appear in Mrs. Doubtfire?

How long is Mrs. Doubtfire?

Mrs. Doubtfire runs 125 minutes, directed by Chris Columbus, released in 1993.

Where can I read the full Mrs. Doubtfire parent guide?

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