Need for Speed (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The film revolves around a local street-racer who partners with a rich and arrogant business associate, only to find himself framed by his colleague and sent to prison. After he gets out, he joins a New York-to-Los Angeles race to get revenge. But when the ex-partner learns of the scheme, he puts a massive bounty on the racer's head, forcing him to run a cross-country gauntlet of illegal racers in all manner of supercharged vehicles.
Rated PG-13 • 2014 • 2h 12m
Based on the popular video game, *Need for Speed* earns its PG-13 rating with extensive scenes of reckless and illegal street racing that result in numerous destructive, and sometimes fatal, car crashes. The film is built around the revenge quest of street racer Tobey Marshall after his friend is killed in a race, a death shown in a fiery crash. Parents should be aware of a brief scene of non-sexual male nudity, some moderate profanity… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Need for Speed appropriate for kids?
Based on the popular video game, *Need for Speed* earns its PG-13 rating with extensive scenes of reckless and illegal street racing that result in numerous destructive, and sometimes fatal, car crashes. The film is built around the revenge quest of street racer Tobey Marshall… Read more — free account
Content severity in Need for Speed
What happens in Need for Speed, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:29 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Sex and nudity in Need for Speed
Content is mild. A main couple shares a few kisses. In one scene meant for comic relief, a character who has quit his office job walks out of the building, strips off all his clothes, and walks away; his bare buttocks are briefly shown from a distance.
Violence and gore in Need for Speed
The film contains frequent and destructive car violence. There are numerous high-speed races and chases with police that result in spectacular crashes, though they are largely free of blood or gore. A pivotal scene involves a character being intentionally rammed off the road, causing his car to flip, crash, and explode in a fireball, killing him. Other scenes show armed bounty hunters attacking the protagonists' car, another serious crash that injures the main characters, and a final fistfight.
Language in Need for Speed
Profanity is moderate. The film includes uses of "s--t", "bitch", "ass", "bastard", and "hell", as well as some obscene hand gestures. The language is infrequent but noticeable when it occurs.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Need for Speed
Substance use is very light. There are a few scenes where adult characters drink beer in social settings, such as in a garage or at a party. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
Mature themes in Need for Speed
Thematic content is strong. The central plot is driven by revenge, with the protagonist seeking to avenge his friend's death and clear his own name after being wrongfully imprisoned. The movie consistently glorifies illegal street racing, evading law enforcement, and other criminal acts (like stealing a military helicopter), often portrayed as heroic or necessary with minimal long-term consequences shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Need for Speed appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Need for Speed is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the popular video game, *Need for Speed* earns its PG-13 rating with extensive scenes of reckless and illegal street racing that result in numerous destructive, and sometimes fatal, car crashes. The film is…
What age rating does Need for Speed have?
Need for Speed is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Need for Speed about?
Based on the popular video game, *Need for Speed* earns its PG-13 rating with extensive scenes of reckless and illegal street racing that result in numerous destructive, and sometimes fatal, car crashes. The film is built around the revenge quest of street racer Tobey Marshall after his friend is killed in a race, a…
Is there sex or nudity in Need for Speed?
Content is mild. A main couple shares a few kisses. In one scene meant for comic relief, a character who has quit his office job walks out of the building, strips off all his clothes, and walks away; his bare buttocks are briefly shown from a distance.
How violent is Need for Speed?
The film contains frequent and destructive car violence. There are numerous high-speed races and chases with police that result in spectacular crashes, though they are largely free of blood or gore. A pivotal scene involves a character being intentionally…
Is the language in Need for Speed appropriate for kids?
Profanity is moderate. The film includes uses of "s--t", "bitch", "ass", "bastard", and "hell", as well as some obscene hand gestures. The language is infrequent but noticeable when it occurs.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Need for Speed?
Substance use is very light. There are a few scenes where adult characters drink beer in social settings, such as in a garage or at a party. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
What mature themes appear in Need for Speed?
Thematic content is strong. The central plot is driven by revenge, with the protagonist seeking to avenge his friend's death and clear his own name after being wrongfully imprisoned. The movie consistently glorifies illegal street racing, evading law…
How long is Need for Speed?
Need for Speed runs 132 minutes, directed by Scott Waugh, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full Need for Speed parent guide?
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