The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
After a carnival troupe saves his life, a man agrees to help its immortal leader collect five souls and win a bet with the devil.
Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 2h 3m
Terry Gilliam's visually inventive fantasy, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," earns its PG-13 rating for its mature themes, bizarre imagery, and some violence. The story centers on an ancient showman, Dr. Parnassus, who makes a bet with the Devil (Mr. Nick) for the soul of his teenage daughter, Valentina. Parents should be aware of several non-graphic hangings, brawling, an attempted sexual assault, and some profanity including… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus appropriate for kids?
Terry Gilliam's visually inventive fantasy, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," earns its PG-13 rating for its mature themes, bizarre imagery, and some violence. The story centers on an ancient showman, Dr. Parnassus, who makes a bet with the Devil (Mr. Nick) for the soul of… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
What happens in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:09 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:17 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Contains some mild sensuality and a brief, unsettling moment of threat. A teenage character talks about being the "age of consent." A scene between Valentina and Tony in the Imaginarium has romantic and sensual undertones, and another scene implies a one-night stand (a woman is shown in her bra the next morning). In an early scene, a drunk man attempts to assault Valentina before she fights him off.
Violence and gore in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Violence is moderate, often stylized and taking place within the surreal Imaginarium. Several hangings are depicted, though without graphic detail or struggle; a character is discovered hanging but alive, and another is lynched by a mob at the end. An adult character (Tony) is shown punching another character who has taken the form of a child. Other scenes include a fistfight resulting in a bloody nose, an explosion, and gangsters being dispatched in a fantastical trap.
Language in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The IMDb guide notes approximately 11 uses of "shit," along with uses of "asshole," "bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "hell." There are also some uses of religious exclamations like "Jesus Christ."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Alcohol and tobacco use are present. Doctor Parnassus is portrayed as an alcoholic who is frequently drunk. His 15-year-old daughter, Valentina, is also shown drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in several scenes. Mr. Nick is frequently seen smoking cigars.
Mature themes in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
The film is built on strong, mature themes. The central plot involves a man bargaining his daughter's soul to the Devil in exchange for youth and immortality, exploring temptation, damnation, and regret. A major subplot reveals a character is a con man who profits from trafficking organs stolen from children. Themes of addiction (alcoholism), despair, and the consequences of one's choices are pervasive and dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Terry Gilliam's visually inventive fantasy, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," earns its PG-13 rating for its mature themes, bizarre imagery, and some violence. The story centers on an ancient showman, Dr…
What age rating does The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus have?
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus about?
Terry Gilliam's visually inventive fantasy, "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," earns its PG-13 rating for its mature themes, bizarre imagery, and some violence. The story centers on an ancient showman, Dr. Parnassus, who makes a bet with the Devil (Mr. Nick) for the soul of his teenage daughter, Valentina. Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
Contains some mild sensuality and a brief, unsettling moment of threat. A teenage character talks about being the "age of consent." A scene between Valentina and Tony in the Imaginarium has romantic and sensual undertones, and another scene implies a…
How violent is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
Violence is moderate, often stylized and taking place within the surreal Imaginarium. Several hangings are depicted, though without graphic detail or struggle; a character is discovered hanging but alive, and another is lynched by a mob at the end. An adult…
Is the language in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The IMDb guide notes approximately 11 uses of "shit," along with uses of "asshole," "bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "hell." There are also some uses of religious exclamations like "Jesus Christ."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
Alcohol and tobacco use are present. Doctor Parnassus is portrayed as an alcoholic who is frequently drunk. His 15-year-old daughter, Valentina, is also shown drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in several scenes. Mr. Nick is frequently seen smoking…
What mature themes appear in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
The film is built on strong, mature themes. The central plot involves a man bargaining his daughter's soul to the Devil in exchange for youth and immortality, exploring temptation, damnation, and regret. A major subplot reveals a character is a con man who…
How long is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus runs 123 minutes, directed by Terry Gilliam, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More adventure movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Inception parent guide
- The Avengers parent guide
- Avatar parent guide
- Deadpool parent guide
- Avengers: Infinity War parent guide
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone parent guide
- Guardians of the Galaxy parent guide
- Iron Man parent guide
- Avengers: Endgame parent guide
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring parent guide
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- The Layover parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- When a Stranger Calls parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- The Black Dahlia parent guide