Poster for The Art of Getting By

The Art of Getting By (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.

Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 1h 23m

Age
13+

The Art of Getting By is a coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical high school senior who finds an unexpected connection with a popular classmate named Sally. The film explores themes of teenage isolation, academic failure, and the transition toward adulthood. Parents should be aware of frequent teen drinking, smoking, and moderate sexual references throughout. The narrative also includes a heated domestic altercation and pervasive… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Freddie Highmore
Freddie Highmore
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts
Michael Angarano
Michael Angarano
Elizabeth Reaser
Elizabeth Reaser
Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone
Sasha Spielberg
Sasha Spielberg
Marcus Carl Franklin
Marcus Carl Franklin
Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood
Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson
Sam Robards
Sam Robards
Sophie Lane Curtis
Sophie Lane Curtis
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is The Art of Getting By appropriate for kids?

The Art of Getting By is a coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical high school senior who finds an unexpected connection with a popular classmate named Sally. The film explores themes of teenage isolation, academic failure, and the transition toward adulthood. Parents should… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Art of Getting By

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

What happens in The Art of Getting By, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 💬 Language 3/10
  2. 0:18 🍷 Substances 4/10
  3. 0:28 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Unlock all 9 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Art of Getting By

The film features occasional sexual dialogue, including blunt questions about virginity and casual references to sexual history. A recurring character frequently makes crude comments about her own sex life and, in one instance, makes a suggestive gesture toward a teen. Implied sexual encounters occur between older characters.

Violence and gore in The Art of Getting By

Violence is limited to one brief, intense physical altercation between George and his stepfather that results in a minor injury. There is no other significant violence present in the film.

Language in The Art of Getting By

Moderate use of profanity is present, including several uses of 's-words' and 'b-words', along with a single clear usage of the 'f-word'. Religious exclamations are also heard periodically.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Art of Getting By

High school characters are frequently seen drinking to excess at parties, leading to instances of vomiting and physical incapacitation. Smoking is portrayed in several scenes as a social activity, and characters are shown serving alcohol to minors.

Mature themes in The Art of Getting By

The central themes revolve around nihilism, the fear of death, and the academic pressure of senior year. Characters often struggle with abandonment, the breakdown of family units, and the complexity of shifting platonic friendships into romantic relationships.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Art of Getting By appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Art of Getting By is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Art of Getting By is a coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical high school senior who finds an unexpected connection with a popular classmate named Sally. The film explores themes of teenage isolation, academic…

What age rating does The Art of Getting By have?

The Art of Getting By is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Art of Getting By about?

The Art of Getting By is a coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical high school senior who finds an unexpected connection with a popular classmate named Sally. The film explores themes of teenage isolation, academic failure, and the transition toward adulthood. Parents should be aware of frequent teen drinking…

Is there sex or nudity in The Art of Getting By?

The film features occasional sexual dialogue, including blunt questions about virginity and casual references to sexual history. A recurring character frequently makes crude comments about her own sex life and, in one instance, makes a suggestive gesture…

How violent is The Art of Getting By?

Violence is limited to one brief, intense physical altercation between George and his stepfather that results in a minor injury. There is no other significant violence present in the film.

Is the language in The Art of Getting By appropriate for kids?

Moderate use of profanity is present, including several uses of 's-words' and 'b-words', along with a single clear usage of the 'f-word'. Religious exclamations are also heard periodically.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Art of Getting By?

High school characters are frequently seen drinking to excess at parties, leading to instances of vomiting and physical incapacitation. Smoking is portrayed in several scenes as a social activity, and characters are shown serving alcohol to minors.

What mature themes appear in The Art of Getting By?

The central themes revolve around nihilism, the fear of death, and the academic pressure of senior year. Characters often struggle with abandonment, the breakdown of family units, and the complexity of shifting platonic friendships into romantic relationships.

How long is The Art of Getting By?

The Art of Getting By runs 83 minutes, directed by Gavin Wiesen, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full The Art of Getting By 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.