The Outsiders (1983) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1960s Tulsa, class divisions ignite a violent rivalry between the working-class Greasers and the privileged Socs. When a deadly encounter forces two Greasers, Ponyboy and Johnny, to flee, their struggle for survival and redemption exposes the fragile innocence and enduring bonds of youth on the wrong side of town.
Rated PG-13 • 1983 • 1h 31m
Set in 1960s Oklahoma, this drama follows a group of working-class teenagers known as Greasers as they navigate a violent rivalry with a wealthy gang. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate violence, including a fatal stabbing and a shooting, as well as frequent depictions of underage smoking and drinking. Given the heavy themes of grief and gang conflict, it is best suited for viewers aged 13 and older.
Cast
Is The Outsiders appropriate for kids?
Set in 1960s Oklahoma, this drama follows a group of working-class teenagers known as Greasers as they navigate a violent rivalry with a wealthy gang. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate violence, including a fatal stabbing and a shooting, as well as frequent depictions of… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Outsiders
What happens in The Outsiders, moment by moment
- 0:29 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:37 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:42 💬 Language 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Outsiders
Sexual content is mild and limited to brief instances of flirting and social posturing between gang members and girls from rival groups. There is no nudity or explicit activity, though some dialogue includes suggestive comments typical of 1960s teenage bravado. The focus remains on the emotional bonds of the boys rather than romantic subplots.
Violence and gore in The Outsiders
Moderate. Gang fights, a fatal stabbing, a shooting death, and a fire with injuries; some blood and real loss.
Language in The Outsiders
The film features moderate profanity, including frequent uses of words like 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bastard.' Occasional slurs and derogatory terms are used during heated confrontations between the Socs and the Greasers to emphasize class conflict. The intensity of the language reflects the gritty, realistic tone of the street-level drama.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Outsiders
The depiction of substance use is moderate and period-appropriate, with nearly all teen characters shown smoking cigarettes frequently throughout the movie. Some scenes depict underage drinking at parties or during social gatherings, often used to show the characters' attempts at maturity or rebellion. No illicit drug use is portrayed, though the casual nature of the tobacco use is a constant presence.
Mature themes in The Outsiders
Class division, loyalty, violence, and the deaths of young friends. A landmark teen drama about grief and belonging; the deaths and themes place it firmly with teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Outsiders appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Outsiders is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Set in 1960s Oklahoma, this drama follows a group of working-class teenagers known as Greasers as they navigate a violent rivalry with a wealthy gang. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate violence, including a fatal…
What age rating does The Outsiders have?
The Outsiders is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Outsiders about?
Set in 1960s Oklahoma, this drama follows a group of working-class teenagers known as Greasers as they navigate a violent rivalry with a wealthy gang. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate violence, including a fatal stabbing and a shooting, as well as frequent depictions of underage smoking and drinking. Given the…
Is there sex or nudity in The Outsiders?
Sexual content is mild and limited to brief instances of flirting and social posturing between gang members and girls from rival groups. There is no nudity or explicit activity, though some dialogue includes suggestive comments typical of 1960s teenage…
How violent is The Outsiders?
Moderate. Gang fights, a fatal stabbing, a shooting death, and a fire with injuries; some blood and real loss.
Is the language in The Outsiders appropriate for kids?
The film features moderate profanity, including frequent uses of words like 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bastard.' Occasional slurs and derogatory terms are used during heated confrontations between the Socs and the Greasers to emphasize class conflict. The intensity…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Outsiders?
The depiction of substance use is moderate and period-appropriate, with nearly all teen characters shown smoking cigarettes frequently throughout the movie. Some scenes depict underage drinking at parties or during social gatherings, often used to show the…
What mature themes appear in The Outsiders?
Class division, loyalty, violence, and the deaths of young friends. A landmark teen drama about grief and belonging; the deaths and themes place it firmly with teens.
How long is The Outsiders?
The Outsiders runs 91 minutes, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released in 1983.
Where can I read the full The Outsiders 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 Outsiders with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More crime movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- The Dark Knight parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Pulp Fiction parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Django Unchained parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- Titanic parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- The Layover parent guide
- Boiling Point parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide