Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Billy Coleman works hard and saves his earnings for two years to achieve his dream of buying two red-bone coonhound pups. He develops a new trust in life as he faces overwhelming challenges in adventure and tragedy roaming the river bottoms of Cherokee country with his dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann.
Rated G • 1974 • 1h 37m
Set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression, this film follows a young boy who works hard to buy and train two hunting dogs. Despite its G rating, the movie includes moderate violence involving animal attacks and a fatal accident involving a child, as well as the emotionally heavy deaths of both hounds. It is recommended for ages 9 and up due to its profound themes of grief and loss.
Cast
Is Where the Red Fern Grows appropriate for kids?
Set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression, this film follows a young boy who works hard to buy and train two hunting dogs. Despite its G rating, the movie includes moderate violence involving animal attacks and a fatal accident involving a child, as well as the emotionally… Read more — free account
Content severity in Where the Red Fern Grows
What happens in Where the Red Fern Grows, moment by moment
- 0:50 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 1:08 🔥 Mature Themes 9/10
- 1:23 🔥 Mature Themes 9/10
Sex and nudity in Where the Red Fern Grows
None.
Violence and gore in Where the Red Fern Grows
Moderate. A hunting accident kills a boy (off-screen), an animal attack, and — at the climax — the deaths of both beloved dogs. Emotionally devastating though not graphic.
Language in Where the Red Fern Grows
None of note.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Where the Red Fern Grows
None of note.
Mature themes in Where the Red Fern Grows
Love, loyalty, faith, and profound grief — the deaths of the two dogs make this one of the great childhood tear-jerkers. Tender and moving, but genuinely sad; worth a parent's heads-up.
Scary moments in Where the Red Fern Grows
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Where the Red Fern Grows yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Where the Red Fern Grows appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Where the Red Fern Grows is best for ages 9+. It's rated G. Set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression, this film follows a young boy who works hard to buy and train two hunting dogs. Despite its G rating, the movie includes moderate violence involving animal attacks and a…
What age rating does Where the Red Fern Grows have?
Where the Red Fern Grows is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.
What is Where the Red Fern Grows about?
Set in the Ozarks during the Great Depression, this film follows a young boy who works hard to buy and train two hunting dogs. Despite its G rating, the movie includes moderate violence involving animal attacks and a fatal accident involving a child, as well as the emotionally heavy deaths of both hounds. It is…
Is there sex or nudity in Where the Red Fern Grows?
None.
How violent is Where the Red Fern Grows?
Moderate. A hunting accident kills a boy (off-screen), an animal attack, and — at the climax — the deaths of both beloved dogs. Emotionally devastating though not graphic.
Is the language in Where the Red Fern Grows appropriate for kids?
None of note.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Where the Red Fern Grows?
None of note.
What mature themes appear in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Love, loyalty, faith, and profound grief — the deaths of the two dogs make this one of the great childhood tear-jerkers. Tender and moving, but genuinely sad; worth a parent's heads-up.
How long is Where the Red Fern Grows?
Where the Red Fern Grows runs 97 minutes, directed by Norman Tokar, released in 1974.
Where can I read the full Where the Red Fern Grows 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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