Poster for Runaway Bride

Runaway Bride (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Having already left three grooms at the altar, Maggie Carpenter is branded "the runaway bride" by jaded New York journalist Ike Graham. But, after his facts are called into question, Ike races to Maggie's hometown to save his reputation and report on her upcoming fourth trip down the aisle – during which he's convinced she'll run again. Though he's there on a muckraking mission, Ike can't help but fall for this breathtaking heartbreaker.

Rated PG • 1999 • 1h 56m

6.1
2K+
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Age
10+

This PG-rated romantic comedy earns its rating for some mild language and suggestive dialogue. The story follows Maggie Carpenter, a woman branded "the Runaway Bride" for her habit of fleeing weddings, and Ike Graham, the journalist covering her next attempt. Content includes infrequent profanity (one "asshole," some uses of "hell"), social drinking, and a few suggestive remarks, including a crude joke from an elderly character. A… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts
Richard Gere
Richard Gere
Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack
Héctor Elizondo
Héctor Elizondo
Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Christopher Meloni
Christopher Meloni
Donal Logue
Donal Logue
Reg Rogers
Reg Rogers
Yul Vazquez
Yul Vazquez
Jane Morris
Jane Morris
Lisa Roberts Gillan
Lisa Roberts Gillan
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Is Runaway Bride appropriate for kids?

This PG-rated romantic comedy earns its rating for some mild language and suggestive dialogue. The story follows Maggie Carpenter, a woman branded "the Runaway Bride" for her habit of fleeing weddings, and Ike Graham, the journalist covering her next attempt. Content includes… Read more — free account

Content severity in Runaway Bride

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Runaway Bride, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  2. 0:25 🍷 Substances 3/10
  3. 0:35 💬 Language 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Runaway Bride

Sexual content is very mild. There are some romantic kisses between the main characters. An elderly character makes a crude joke using the term "one-eyed snake," and another character briefly holds up a vague, blurry photo supposedly of a topless woman. During a party scene, some women are seen in bikinis. There is no nudity or sexual activity depicted.

Violence and gore in Runaway Bride

Violence is minimal and brief. In a single scene, a character (Bob) punches another (Ike) in the face out of jealousy after an unexpected kiss. The moment is not graphic or bloody. In another scene, a character jumps onto a moving truck to get away, which is played for comedic effect and constitutes very mild peril.

Language in Runaway Bride

Language is infrequent and mild. The film contains a single use of "asshole" and a couple uses of "hell." Beyond these instances, profanity is not a feature of the movie.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Runaway Bride

Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol (beer, wine) socially in bars and at parties. Maggie's father is depicted as a functioning alcoholic, often seen with a drink or a flask during the day, though his condition is treated as a background character trait rather than a primary plot point.

Mature themes in Runaway Bride

The central theme is self-discovery, as Maggie struggles with her identity and a deep-seated fear of commitment that causes her to flee her weddings. The film touches on public shaming, the emotional distress of being left at the altar, and familial dysfunction, including a parent's alcoholism. These themes are handled within a romantic comedy framework and lead to moments of emotional turmoil, particularly when Maggie runs from her fourth wedding.

Scary moments in Runaway Bride

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Runaway Bride yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Runaway Bride appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Runaway Bride is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This PG-rated romantic comedy earns its rating for some mild language and suggestive dialogue. The story follows Maggie Carpenter, a woman branded "the Runaway Bride" for her habit of fleeing weddings, and Ike Graham…

What age rating does Runaway Bride have?

Runaway Bride is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Runaway Bride about?

This PG-rated romantic comedy earns its rating for some mild language and suggestive dialogue. The story follows Maggie Carpenter, a woman branded "the Runaway Bride" for her habit of fleeing weddings, and Ike Graham, the journalist covering her next attempt. Content includes infrequent profanity (one "asshole," some…

Is there sex or nudity in Runaway Bride?

Sexual content is very mild. There are some romantic kisses between the main characters. An elderly character makes a crude joke using the term "one-eyed snake," and another character briefly holds up a vague, blurry photo supposedly of a topless woman…

How violent is Runaway Bride?

Violence is minimal and brief. In a single scene, a character (Bob) punches another (Ike) in the face out of jealousy after an unexpected kiss. The moment is not graphic or bloody. In another scene, a character jumps onto a moving truck to get away, which is…

Is the language in Runaway Bride appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent and mild. The film contains a single use of "asshole" and a couple uses of "hell." Beyond these instances, profanity is not a feature of the movie.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Runaway Bride?

Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol (beer, wine) socially in bars and at parties. Maggie's father is depicted as a functioning alcoholic, often seen with a drink or a flask during the day, though his condition is treated as a background…

What mature themes appear in Runaway Bride?

The central theme is self-discovery, as Maggie struggles with her identity and a deep-seated fear of commitment that causes her to flee her weddings. The film touches on public shaming, the emotional distress of being left at the altar, and familial…

How long is Runaway Bride?

Runaway Bride runs 116 minutes, directed by Garry Marshall, released in 1999.

Where can I read the full Runaway Bride parent guide?

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