Poster for Nothing in Common

Nothing in Common (1986) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A successful advertising executive finds his freewheeling life crashing to a halt when his parents end their longtime marriage.

Rated PG • 1986 • 1h 58m

5.9
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

A hotshot advertising executive must care for his ailing father after his parents' divorce — while his career hits its peak. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason (in his final film). PG rating covers adult themes.

Cast

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason
Eva Marie Saint
Eva Marie Saint
Héctor Elizondo
Héctor Elizondo
Barry Corbin
Barry Corbin
Bess Armstrong
Bess Armstrong
Sela Ward
Sela Ward
CH
Cindy Harrell
John Kapelos
John Kapelos
CM
Carol Messing
Bill Applebaum
Bill Applebaum
ML
Mona Lyden
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Is Nothing in Common appropriate for kids?

A hotshot advertising executive must care for his ailing father after his parents' divorce — while his career hits its peak. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason (in his final film). PG rating covers adult themes. Read more — free account

Content severity in Nothing in Common

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Nothing in Common, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:15 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Unlock all 5 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Nothing in Common

There are no graphic sexual scenes or nudity depicted in this film. The story focuses on the emotional and professional life of an advertising executive, maintaining a PG standard for physical intimacy. Some workplace flirtation and occasional suggestive banter occur, but these elements remain subtle and secondary to the central family plot.

Violence and gore in Nothing in Common

Physical violence and gore are entirely absent from this comedic drama. The conflict is primarily verbal and emotional, stemming from the breakdown of a long-term marriage and a difficult father-son dynamic. No characters are harmed through physical altercations or violent action sequences.

Language in Nothing in Common

The film contains moderate language consistent with an 80s-era PG rating, including infrequent uses of mild profanity and anatomical terms. Most of the harsher language occurs during heated arguments between David and his father, Max. While never excessive, the dialogue reflects the realistic frustration of adult interpersonal conflict.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Nothing in Common

There is no significant use of drugs or problematic alcohol consumption shown throughout the movie. Some scenes feature social drinking in professional or restaurant settings, which is typical for a 1980s corporate environment. No characters are depicted as being under the influence in a way that serves as a primary plot point or cautionary tale.

Mature themes in Nothing in Common

A man who has avoided his difficult father his entire life forced to face him. Jackie Gleason's final performance as Max Peterson is devastating — a proud man humiliated by illness. The film is far more emotionally serious than its comedy surface suggests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nothing in Common appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Nothing in Common is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. A hotshot advertising executive must care for his ailing father after his parents' divorce — while his career hits its peak. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason (in his final film). PG rating covers adult themes.

What age rating does Nothing in Common have?

Nothing in Common is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Nothing in Common about?

A hotshot advertising executive must care for his ailing father after his parents' divorce — while his career hits its peak. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason (in his final film). PG rating covers adult themes.

Is there sex or nudity in Nothing in Common?

There are no graphic sexual scenes or nudity depicted in this film. The story focuses on the emotional and professional life of an advertising executive, maintaining a PG standard for physical intimacy. Some workplace flirtation and occasional suggestive…

How violent is Nothing in Common?

Physical violence and gore are entirely absent from this comedic drama. The conflict is primarily verbal and emotional, stemming from the breakdown of a long-term marriage and a difficult father-son dynamic. No characters are harmed through physical…

Is the language in Nothing in Common appropriate for kids?

The film contains moderate language consistent with an 80s-era PG rating, including infrequent uses of mild profanity and anatomical terms. Most of the harsher language occurs during heated arguments between David and his father, Max. While never excessive…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Nothing in Common?

There is no significant use of drugs or problematic alcohol consumption shown throughout the movie. Some scenes feature social drinking in professional or restaurant settings, which is typical for a 1980s corporate environment. No characters are depicted as…

What mature themes appear in Nothing in Common?

A man who has avoided his difficult father his entire life forced to face him. Jackie Gleason's final performance as Max Peterson is devastating — a proud man humiliated by illness. The film is far more emotionally serious than its comedy surface suggests.

How long is Nothing in Common?

Nothing in Common runs 118 minutes, directed by Garry Marshall, released in 1986.

Where can I read the full Nothing in Common parent guide?

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