Poster for The Bucket List

The Bucket List (2007) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.

Rated PG-13 • 2007 • 1h 37m

7.2
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Age
13+

Rated PG-13, *The Bucket List* deals extensively with mature themes of terminal illness, death, and regret. The film follows two terminally ill men, Carter Chambers and Edward Cole, who embark on a final adventure, which leads to some perilous situations. The rating is also for language, which includes one use of the 'f--k,' several uses of 'shit,' and other profanities, as well as a sexual reference. Due to the constant focus on dying… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes
Beverly Todd
Beverly Todd
Alfonso Freeman
Alfonso Freeman
Dawn Lewis
Dawn Lewis
Rob Morrow
Rob Morrow
Brian Copeland
Brian Copeland
Rowena King
Rowena King
AB
Annton Berry Jr.
DB
Destiny Brownridge
Verda Bridges
Verda Bridges
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Is The Bucket List appropriate for kids?

Rated PG-13, *The Bucket List* deals extensively with mature themes of terminal illness, death, and regret. The film follows two terminally ill men, Carter Chambers and Edward Cole, who embark on a final adventure, which leads to some perilous situations. The rating is also for… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Bucket List

Sex Moderate 4/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in The Bucket List, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  3. 0:22 💬 Language 5/10
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Sex and nudity in The Bucket List

Content is mild and infrequent. In one scene in Hong Kong, an attractive woman propositions a main character, who declines the offer. It is briefly implied a couple has had sex when a woman emerges from a room buttoning her blouse. A married couple prepares for an intimate night, with the woman wearing a somewhat revealing dress, but they are interrupted. There are also some crass sex jokes and mentions of past relationships.

Violence and gore in The Bucket List

There is no traditional combat or fighting. However, the effects of terminal illness are shown in ways that may be upsetting. A character coughs up a significant amount of blood into a handkerchief. Another character is seen having a seizure and collapsing. In one scene, a character's catheter comes loose, resulting in a large bloodstain on his pants and shirt. These moments are brief but can be jarring.

Language in The Bucket List

Language is moderate, earning the film part of its PG-13 rating. There is one use of 'f--k'. Other profanity includes roughly a dozen uses of 'shit,' as well as 'ass,' 'bitch,' 'damn,' 'hell,' and several religious exclamations ('Goddamn,' 'Jesus Christ'). There is also one middle-finger gesture shown.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Bucket List

The main characters are diagnosed with lung cancer, and it is mentioned that one of them used to be a smoker. Characters drink wine and champagne socially at dinners and on their private jet. A major comedic plot point revolves around 'kopi luwak,' an extremely expensive coffee that Edward enjoys, the origin of which is revealed later in the film.

Mature themes in The Bucket List

The central theme is mortality. Both main characters are diagnosed with terminal cancer and grapple with their impending deaths throughout the film. There are emotionally intense discussions of regret, faith, and family estrangement. The deaths of both main characters are key plot points, and a funeral and eulogy are shown, which may be upsetting for viewers sensitive to themes of loss and grief.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bucket List appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Bucket List is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13, *The Bucket List* deals extensively with mature themes of terminal illness, death, and regret. The film follows two terminally ill men, Carter Chambers and Edward Cole, who embark on a final adventure…

What age rating does The Bucket List have?

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

What is The Bucket List about?

Rated PG-13, *The Bucket List* deals extensively with mature themes of terminal illness, death, and regret. The film follows two terminally ill men, Carter Chambers and Edward Cole, who embark on a final adventure, which leads to some perilous situations. The rating is also for language, which includes one use of the…

Is there sex or nudity in The Bucket List?

Content is mild and infrequent. In one scene in Hong Kong, an attractive woman propositions a main character, who declines the offer. It is briefly implied a couple has had sex when a woman emerges from a room buttoning her blouse. A married couple prepares…

How violent is The Bucket List?

There is no traditional combat or fighting. However, the effects of terminal illness are shown in ways that may be upsetting. A character coughs up a significant amount of blood into a handkerchief. Another character is seen having a seizure and collapsing…

Is the language in The Bucket List appropriate for kids?

Language is moderate, earning the film part of its PG-13 rating. There is one use of 'f--k'. Other profanity includes roughly a dozen uses of 'shit,' as well as 'ass,' 'bitch,' 'damn,' 'hell,' and several religious exclamations ('Goddamn,' 'Jesus Christ')…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Bucket List?

The main characters are diagnosed with lung cancer, and it is mentioned that one of them used to be a smoker. Characters drink wine and champagne socially at dinners and on their private jet. A major comedic plot point revolves around 'kopi luwak,' an…

What mature themes appear in The Bucket List?

The central theme is mortality. Both main characters are diagnosed with terminal cancer and grapple with their impending deaths throughout the film. There are emotionally intense discussions of regret, faith, and family estrangement. The deaths of both main…

How long is The Bucket List?

The Bucket List runs 97 minutes, directed by Rob Reiner, released in 2007.

Where can I read the full The Bucket List parent guide?

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