The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career.
Rated PG-13 • 2006 • 1h 57m
The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring but emotionally intense biographical drama about Chris Gardner's struggle with homelessness while raising his young son. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for some language, including a few uses of the f-word. There is little violence and no sexual content, but the film's core deals with mature and often heartbreaking themes of poverty, parental desperation, and financial hardship. Scenes… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Pursuit of Happyness appropriate for kids?
The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring but emotionally intense biographical drama about Chris Gardner's struggle with homelessness while raising his young son. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for some language, including a few uses of the f-word. There is little violence… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Pursuit of Happyness
What happens in The Pursuit of Happyness, moment by moment
- 0:08 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:10 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Pursuit of Happyness
Sexual content is not a feature of the film. In one non-sexual scene, Chris's wife is briefly seen in her bra during an argument in their bedroom. In another scene, their young son is shown in his underwear while his father gives him a bath.
Violence and gore in The Pursuit of Happyness
Violence is minimal and not graphic. In one scene, the protagonist is hit by a car while crossing the street; he is thrown onto the hood but gets up with only minor injuries. In another sequence, he is chased by an angry taxi driver after being unable to pay the fare, creating a sense of peril. A brief scene shows him donating blood for money, with a needle and a bag filling with blood visible.
Language in The Pursuit of Happyness
The film contains some profanity, which is the main reason for its PG-13 rating. There are a few uses of "fuck," one of which is spoken by the young child character (who is immediately corrected by his father), and another is partially visible as graffiti on a wall. Other language includes uses of "shit," "asshole," "damn," and "hell," typically used to express the extreme stress of the characters' situations.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Pursuit of Happyness
Substance use is very mild. The protagonist's wife is shown smoking cigarettes in a few scenes, usually reflecting her stress. There is no depiction of alcohol or drug use.
Mature themes in The Pursuit of Happyness
The film is built around intense and mature themes of poverty, homelessness, and parental desperation. Key scenes show Chris and his son being evicted, sleeping in a public restroom, and racing against others to secure a spot in a crowded homeless shelter each night. The emotional strain on the father and the confusion and resilience of the child are central to the film and may be very upsetting for some viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Pursuit of Happyness appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Pursuit of Happyness is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring but emotionally intense biographical drama about Chris Gardner's struggle with homelessness while raising his young son. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for some language…
What age rating does The Pursuit of Happyness have?
The Pursuit of Happyness is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Pursuit of Happyness about?
The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring but emotionally intense biographical drama about Chris Gardner's struggle with homelessness while raising his young son. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for some language, including a few uses of the f-word. There is little violence and no sexual content, but the film's…
Is there sex or nudity in The Pursuit of Happyness?
Sexual content is not a feature of the film. In one non-sexual scene, Chris's wife is briefly seen in her bra during an argument in their bedroom. In another scene, their young son is shown in his underwear while his father gives him a bath.
How violent is The Pursuit of Happyness?
Violence is minimal and not graphic. In one scene, the protagonist is hit by a car while crossing the street; he is thrown onto the hood but gets up with only minor injuries. In another sequence, he is chased by an angry taxi driver after being unable to pay…
Is the language in The Pursuit of Happyness appropriate for kids?
The film contains some profanity, which is the main reason for its PG-13 rating. There are a few uses of "fuck," one of which is spoken by the young child character (who is immediately corrected by his father), and another is partially visible as graffiti on…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Pursuit of Happyness?
Substance use is very mild. The protagonist's wife is shown smoking cigarettes in a few scenes, usually reflecting her stress. There is no depiction of alcohol or drug use.
What mature themes appear in The Pursuit of Happyness?
The film is built around intense and mature themes of poverty, homelessness, and parental desperation. Key scenes show Chris and his son being evicted, sleeping in a public restroom, and racing against others to secure a spot in a crowded homeless shelter…
How long is The Pursuit of Happyness?
The Pursuit of Happyness runs 117 minutes, directed by Gabriele Muccino, released in 2006.
Where can I read the full The Pursuit of Happyness parent guide?
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