Poster for Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In Verona, bad blood between the Montague and Capulet families leads to much bitterness. Despite the hostility, Romeo Montague manages an invitation to a masked ball at the estate of the Capulets and meets Juliet, their daughter. The two are instantly smitten but dismayed to learn that their families are enemies. Romeo and Juliet figure out a way to pursue their romance, but Romeo is banished for his part in the slaying of Juliet's cousin, Tybalt.

Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 1h 58m

6.7
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
13+

This 2013 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy earns its PG-13 rating for thematic elements of suicide and some stylized sword violence. The film follows the doomed romance of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose love is thwarted by their families' bitter feud. Parents should be aware of several non-graphic but fatal stabbings, and the story's climax features the double suicide of its teenage protagonists, one by poison and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld
Douglas Booth
Douglas Booth
Tomas Arana
Tomas Arana
Christian Cooke
Christian Cooke
Damian Lewis
Damian Lewis
Natascha McElhone
Natascha McElhone
Lesley Manville
Lesley Manville
Laura Morante
Laura Morante
Kodi Smit-McPhee
Kodi Smit-McPhee
Ed Westwick
Ed Westwick
Tom Wisdom
Tom Wisdom
Leon Vitali
Leon Vitali
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Romeo & Juliet appropriate for kids?

This 2013 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy earns its PG-13 rating for thematic elements of suicide and some stylized sword violence. The film follows the doomed romance of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose love is thwarted by their families' bitter feud… Read more — free account

Content severity in Romeo & Juliet

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language None 0/10
Substances Intense 8/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Romeo & Juliet, moment by moment

  1. 0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:26 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
  3. 0:31 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 14 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Romeo & Juliet

Content is mild. Romeo and Juliet share several passionate kisses throughout the film. Following their secret marriage, they are shown in bed together in a non-explicit love scene; they are covered by sheets, and there is no nudity. The focus is on romance and passion rather than explicit sexual activity.

Violence and gore in Romeo & Juliet

There are several instances of sword fighting, which are a core part of the plot. These fights lead to the deaths of three major characters (Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris), all of whom are stabbed on-screen. While the deaths are clear, they are not depicted with graphic blood or gore. A character is also threatened with being disowned.

Language in Romeo & Juliet

None. The dialogue is based on Shakespeare's text, and while it contains thematic intensity, there is no modern profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Romeo & Juliet

Substance use is central to the plot but is not recreational. Friar Laurence provides Juliet with a sleeping potion to fake her death. Later, believing her truly dead, Romeo buys a vial of poison from an apothecary, which he uses to kill himself. Characters also drink wine at a feast.

Mature themes in Romeo & Juliet

The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central themes are tragic love, suicide, and the consequences of hate and violence. The suicides of the two young leads are depicted and are emotionally powerful. Other themes include grief, family conflict, and defiance of parental authority.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Romeo & Juliet appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Romeo & Juliet is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 2013 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy earns its PG-13 rating for thematic elements of suicide and some stylized sword violence. The film follows the doomed romance of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet…

What age rating does Romeo & Juliet have?

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

What is Romeo & Juliet about?

This 2013 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy earns its PG-13 rating for thematic elements of suicide and some stylized sword violence. The film follows the doomed romance of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose love is thwarted by their families' bitter feud. Parents should be aware of several non-graphic…

Is there sex or nudity in Romeo & Juliet?

Content is mild. Romeo and Juliet share several passionate kisses throughout the film. Following their secret marriage, they are shown in bed together in a non-explicit love scene; they are covered by sheets, and there is no nudity. The focus is on romance…

How violent is Romeo & Juliet?

There are several instances of sword fighting, which are a core part of the plot. These fights lead to the deaths of three major characters (Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris), all of whom are stabbed on-screen. While the deaths are clear, they are not depicted…

Is the language in Romeo & Juliet appropriate for kids?

None. The dialogue is based on Shakespeare's text, and while it contains thematic intensity, there is no modern profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Romeo & Juliet?

Substance use is central to the plot but is not recreational. Friar Laurence provides Juliet with a sleeping potion to fake her death. Later, believing her truly dead, Romeo buys a vial of poison from an apothecary, which he uses to kill himself. Characters…

What mature themes appear in Romeo & Juliet?

The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central themes are tragic love, suicide, and the consequences of hate and violence. The suicides of the two young leads are depicted and are emotionally powerful. Other themes include grief, family conflict…

How long is Romeo & Juliet?

Romeo & Juliet runs 118 minutes, directed by Carlo Carlei, released in 2013.

Where can I read the full Romeo & Juliet parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.