The Best of Me (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.
Rated PG-13 • 2014 • 1h 57m
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, "The Best of Me" is a romantic drama whose PG-13 rating is earned for significant thematic weight, violence, and sexual content. The film follows former sweethearts Dawson and Amanda as they reunite, exploring their traumatic past which includes scenes of domestic abuse, an accidental killing, and a main character's eventual shooting death. The film contains two sex scenes, one of which includes… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Best of Me appropriate for kids?
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, "The Best of Me" is a romantic drama whose PG-13 rating is earned for significant thematic weight, violence, and sexual content. The film follows former sweethearts Dawson and Amanda as they reunite, exploring their traumatic past which… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Best of Me
What happens in The Best of Me, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Best of Me
Moderate. There are two notable sex scenes. One, in a flashback, shows the teenage main characters kissing passionately before having sex; he is shirtless but no sensitive nudity is shown. The second, between the adult characters, is more explicit, involving passionate kissing, thrusting, and brief views of a woman's bare breasts. This scene depicts an extra-marital affair. There are also several other scenes of passionate kissing throughout.
Violence and gore in The Best of Me
Moderate to strong. The film contains multiple instances of domestic violence and brawling. Dawson's father is repeatedly abusive, slapping and punching him. A surrogate father figure, Tuck, is violently beaten, with some blood shown. A major flashback sequence involves a struggle over a rifle that ends in the accidental shooting death of a cousin. Near the end, a main character is attacked and then shot dead on screen. There is also an early scene of an oil rig explosion and a car accident is discussed.
Language in The Best of Me
Moderate. The film contains brief strong language. There is one use of the "f-word" noted. Other profanity includes uses of "s--t," "b--ch," "hell," "damn," and "goddamn."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Best of Me
Mild. Characters are shown drinking beer and wine in social settings, such as at a barbecue and with dinner. In one instance, a character irresponsibly drinks from a flask before getting into his car to drive. There is also some minor cigarette smoking.
Mature themes in The Best of Me
Strong. The film is built on mature and often tragic themes. Pervasive domestic abuse is a central part of the backstory. The accidental death of a character and the resulting prison sentence for the protagonist are key plot points. The deaths of multiple characters, grief, and loss are depicted. The protagonists engage in an extra-marital affair, and a primary character's child suffers from a life-threatening medical condition, creating significant emotional distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Best of Me appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Best of Me is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, "The Best of Me" is a romantic drama whose PG-13 rating is earned for significant thematic weight, violence, and sexual content. The film follows former sweethearts Dawson and Amanda…
What age rating does The Best of Me have?
The Best of Me is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Best of Me about?
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, "The Best of Me" is a romantic drama whose PG-13 rating is earned for significant thematic weight, violence, and sexual content. The film follows former sweethearts Dawson and Amanda as they reunite, exploring their traumatic past which includes scenes of domestic abuse, an…
Is there sex or nudity in The Best of Me?
Moderate. There are two notable sex scenes. One, in a flashback, shows the teenage main characters kissing passionately before having sex; he is shirtless but no sensitive nudity is shown. The second, between the adult characters, is more explicit, involving…
How violent is The Best of Me?
Moderate to strong. The film contains multiple instances of domestic violence and brawling. Dawson's father is repeatedly abusive, slapping and punching him. A surrogate father figure, Tuck, is violently beaten, with some blood shown. A major flashback…
Is the language in The Best of Me appropriate for kids?
Moderate. The film contains brief strong language. There is one use of the "f-word" noted. Other profanity includes uses of "s--t," "b--ch," "hell," "damn," and "goddamn."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Best of Me?
Mild. Characters are shown drinking beer and wine in social settings, such as at a barbecue and with dinner. In one instance, a character irresponsibly drinks from a flask before getting into his car to drive. There is also some minor cigarette smoking.
What mature themes appear in The Best of Me?
Strong. The film is built on mature and often tragic themes. Pervasive domestic abuse is a central part of the backstory. The accidental death of a character and the resulting prison sentence for the protagonist are key plot points. The deaths of multiple…
How long is The Best of Me?
The Best of Me runs 117 minutes, directed by Michael Hoffman, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full The Best of Me 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.
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