Poster for Parenthood

Parenthood (1989) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The story of the Buckman family and friends, attempting to bring up their children. They suffer/enjoy all the events that occur: estranged relatives, the 'black sheep' of the family, the eccentrics, the skeletons in the closet, and the rebellious teenagers.

Rated PG-13 • 1989 • 2h 4m

6.7
600+
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Age
13+

Overall: Four adult siblings navigate the challenges of raising their own children — each with a different approach and different struggles. Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest (Oscar), Jason Robards. PG-13 rating is appropriate.

Cast

Steve Martin
Steve Martin
Mary Steenburgen
Mary Steenburgen
Dianne Wiest
Dianne Wiest
Jason Robards
Jason Robards
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis
Tom Hulce
Tom Hulce
Martha Plimpton
Martha Plimpton
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves
Harley Jane Kozak
Harley Jane Kozak
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix
Dennis Dugan
Dennis Dugan
Eileen Ryan
Eileen Ryan
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Is Parenthood appropriate for kids?

Overall: Four adult siblings navigate the challenges of raising their own children — each with a different approach and different struggles. Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest (Oscar), Jason Robards. PG-13 rating is appropriate. Read more — free account

Content severity in Parenthood

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Parenthood, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:15 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:42 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Parenthood

A married couple is shown in a brief, non-explicit sexual encounter while in their car. The humor is slightly coarse, notably when a young child discovers a vibrator and mistakingly thinks it is a toy. These moments are played for comedy within the context of the stresses of adult relationships.

Violence and gore in Parenthood

There is no physical violence or gore present in the film. The conflict is entirely emotional and verbal, centering on family disagreements and the frustrations of parenting. Given the film's focus on domestic drama, no action sequences or injuries occur.

Language in Parenthood

The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including several uses of the s-word and other profanities. Some dialogue includes anatomical references and crude humor related to reproduction and adolescence. The intensity of the language is generally tied to moments of high stress among the adult characters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Parenthood

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or notable depictions of smoking throughout the movie. While adults may be seen in social settings where alcohol is present, such as family dinners, there is no focus on intoxication or substance abuse. The film maintains a focus on the realistic everyday lives of middle-class families.

Mature themes in Parenthood

A film that takes seriously every kind of parent — the anxious, the checked-out, the permissive, the overwhelming. Dianne Wiest's single mother is the film's emotional heart. 'Life is a rollercoaster.' Ron Howard's most emotionally rich film.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parenthood appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Parenthood is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Overall: Four adult siblings navigate the challenges of raising their own children — each with a different approach and different struggles. Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest (Oscar), Jason Robards. PG-13…

What age rating does Parenthood have?

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

What is Parenthood about?

Overall: Four adult siblings navigate the challenges of raising their own children — each with a different approach and different struggles. Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest (Oscar), Jason Robards. PG-13 rating is appropriate.

Is there sex or nudity in Parenthood?

A married couple is shown in a brief, non-explicit sexual encounter while in their car. The humor is slightly coarse, notably when a young child discovers a vibrator and mistakingly thinks it is a toy. These moments are played for comedy within the context of…

How violent is Parenthood?

There is no physical violence or gore present in the film. The conflict is entirely emotional and verbal, centering on family disagreements and the frustrations of parenting. Given the film's focus on domestic drama, no action sequences or injuries occur.

Is the language in Parenthood appropriate for kids?

The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including several uses of the s-word and other profanities. Some dialogue includes anatomical references and crude humor related to reproduction and adolescence. The intensity of the…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Parenthood?

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or notable depictions of smoking throughout the movie. While adults may be seen in social settings where alcohol is present, such as family dinners, there is no focus on intoxication or substance abuse. The film…

What mature themes appear in Parenthood?

A film that takes seriously every kind of parent — the anxious, the checked-out, the permissive, the overwhelming. Dianne Wiest's single mother is the film's emotional heart. 'Life is a rollercoaster.' Ron Howard's most emotionally rich film.

How long is Parenthood?

Parenthood runs 124 minutes, directed by Ron Howard, released in 1989.

Where can I read the full Parenthood parent guide?

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