Poster for Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein (1974) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A young neurosurgeon inherits the castle of his grandfather, the famous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. In the castle he finds a funny hunchback, a pretty lab assistant and the elderly housekeeper. Young Frankenstein believes that the work of his grandfather was delusional, but when he discovers the book where the mad doctor described his reanimation experiment, he suddenly changes his mind.

Rated PG • 1974 • 1h 46m

Age
12+

Overall: Dr. Frankenstein's grandson tries to avoid the family legacy — until he inherits the estate and becomes seduced by the science. Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle. Among the finest comedy films ever made.

Cast

Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder
Peter Boyle
Peter Boyle
Marty Feldman
Marty Feldman
Madeline Kahn
Madeline Kahn
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman
Teri Garr
Teri Garr
Kenneth Mars
Kenneth Mars
Richard Haydn
Richard Haydn
Liam Dunn
Liam Dunn
Danny Goldman
Danny Goldman
Oscar Beregi Jr.
Oscar Beregi Jr.
Arthur Malet
Arthur Malet
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Young Frankenstein appropriate for kids?

Overall: Dr. Frankenstein's grandson tries to avoid the family legacy — until he inherits the estate and becomes seduced by the science. Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle. Among the finest comedy films ever made. Read more — free account

Content severity in Young Frankenstein

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Mild 1/10
Language Mild 1/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Mild 1/10

What happens in Young Frankenstein, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. 0:18 💬 Language 1/10
  3. 0:38 ⚔ Violence & Gore 1/10
Unlock all 6 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Young Frankenstein

Comedy sexual innuendo — Elizabeth's encounter with the Monster played as parody of horror conventions. Non-explicit.

Violence and gore in Young Frankenstein

The film contains various instances of physical comedy and slapstick violence consistent with its parody of classic horror films. Brief moments include the Monster reacting wildly to fire and a villager's hand being used as a doorknocker, though these are played entirely for laughs. There is no graphic gore, even during the brain-swapping and reanimation sequences, which rely on shadows and electrical effects.

Language in Young Frankenstein

Dialogue contains infrequent mild profanity and anatomical references common in 1970s PG-rated comedies. Phrases such as 'hell' and 'damn' are used occasionally to punctuate comedic frustration. The film avoids harsh vulgarity, focusing instead on clever wordplay and double entendres.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Young Frankenstein

The film does not feature illicit drug use or significant scenes of smoking and drinking. While it takes place in a setting where one might expect social drinking, such as a laboratory or a European village, there is no emphasis on alcohol or substance consumption. The focus remains strictly on the madcap science and comedic dialogue.

Mature themes in Young Frankenstein

A film that genuinely loves the material it parodies — made with affection for Universal monster films. Gene Wilder's commitment to his character's sincerity is what makes the comedy work. 'Walk this way.'

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Young Frankenstein appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Young Frankenstein is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. Overall: Dr. Frankenstein's grandson tries to avoid the family legacy — until he inherits the estate and becomes seduced by the science. Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle. Among the finest comedy films ever made.

What age rating does Young Frankenstein have?

Young Frankenstein is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Young Frankenstein about?

Overall: Dr. Frankenstein's grandson tries to avoid the family legacy — until he inherits the estate and becomes seduced by the science. Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle. Among the finest comedy films ever made.

Is there sex or nudity in Young Frankenstein?

Comedy sexual innuendo — Elizabeth's encounter with the Monster played as parody of horror conventions. Non-explicit.

How violent is Young Frankenstein?

The film contains various instances of physical comedy and slapstick violence consistent with its parody of classic horror films. Brief moments include the Monster reacting wildly to fire and a villager's hand being used as a doorknocker, though these are…

Is the language in Young Frankenstein appropriate for kids?

Dialogue contains infrequent mild profanity and anatomical references common in 1970s PG-rated comedies. Phrases such as 'hell' and 'damn' are used occasionally to punctuate comedic frustration. The film avoids harsh vulgarity, focusing instead on clever…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Young Frankenstein?

The film does not feature illicit drug use or significant scenes of smoking and drinking. While it takes place in a setting where one might expect social drinking, such as a laboratory or a European village, there is no emphasis on alcohol or substance…

What mature themes appear in Young Frankenstein?

A film that genuinely loves the material it parodies — made with affection for Universal monster films. Gene Wilder's commitment to his character's sincerity is what makes the comedy work. 'Walk this way.'

How long is Young Frankenstein?

Young Frankenstein runs 106 minutes, directed by Mel Brooks, released in 1974.

Where can I read the full Young Frankenstein 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.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.