Age Rating of A Christmas Story (1983): Parents Guide (7 Big Things)

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There’s an HBO Max sequel on the way (A Christmas Story Christmas) so your family might be asking if they can see this one. The nostalgia is there for the Gen X parents. But should they? What is the true age rating of A Christmas Story (1983)? Can your kids watch this one? We’re coving the 7 big things parents need to know about the age rating of A Christmas Story in this parents guide.

age rating of a Christmas Story parents guide movie poster.

About A Christmas Story

It’s the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa Clause more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle.

As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Clause, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical, and sweetly nostalgic holiday film.

age rating of a Christmas Story ralphie winking at teacher.

Age Rating of A Christmas Story: Parents Guide (7 Big Things)

We know it plays for 24 hours every year so there’s a good chance your family has seen it.

But in case you haven’t- but want to see the sequel on HBO Max with the kids- check out this parents guide.

Can your kids watch this one? What is the age rating of A Christmas Story (1983)?

This parent’s guide will help you decide if your family can handle the seven big issues with movies and shows: mature topics, gore, violence, language, sex, romance, and nudity. We’ll also give the age rating of A Christmas Story and age-appropriate recommendations.

age rating of a Christmas Story house

Language

Famously, there’s a bit of almost language in A Christmas Story.

One of the plot points revolves around a kid saying the F-bomb- and learning it from his dad.

While it is censored to “fudge” the intent is there- but so are the consequences that come from saying it.

Your kids will hear:

  • h@ll
  • d@mn (and variants)
  • son of a b!tch
  • @ss (and variants)
age rating of a Christmas Story parents guide. boy with soap in his mouth.

Age Rating of A Christmas Story: Is It Safe For Kids When It Comes To Sex, Romance, and Nudity?

There is no overt sex, romance or nudity in A Christmas Story.

There is a sexy leg lamp that gets noticed by everyone, including Ralphie who comments on the”soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.”

Violence and Gore: Is A Christmas Story (1983) Too Scary For Kids Under 10?

A Christmas Story isn’t a scary movie, so your younger kids should be good to go here.

There are some fistfights between kids that result in bloody noses.

age rating of a Christmas Story red rider bb gun

Is A Christmas Story Ok For Kids: Mature Topics

There is a disturbing conversation with a department store Santa that could “ruin the magic” for younger kids.

Children are punished physically by their parents.

School-aged characters are bullied and participate in bullying.

The Chinese restaurant scene includes racist stereotypes about Asian people and diversity is relegated to black people being background characters or bad guys.

The main character fantasizes about owning a gun for Christmas and shooting the bad guys with it. Depending on how your family feels about gun culture, this may be something you prefer they aren’t exposed to.

age rating of a Christmas Story glowing sex

Age Rating of A Christmas Story: What Ages Can Really Watch This One?

A Christmas Story (1983) is rated PG for mild violence, language, and bullying.

Please note: this is rated PG before there was a PG-13 option.

Parents Guide: Is A Christmas Story Appropriate For Kids Under 10?

We think most kids 8 and up can handle A Christmas Story with parental guidance.

There are certainly some issues with a movie made in the early 80s and set in the 40s that would not align with the circumstances in the 2020s.

But overall, it’s a feel-good family movie that should be appropriate to add to your Christmas movie watch list.

age rating of a Christmas Story parents guide bunny costume

Where To Stream The Christmas Movies You Love

More Parents Guides

Want More Age Rating Recommendations?

Get the parents guides for movies and tv shows here

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