The Bad Guys Age Rating / Parent Guide (Is It OK for Kids?)
The Bad Guys — Age Rating / Parent Guide (Is It OK for Kids?)
Looking for a quick, no-nonsense parent guide before movie night? This post breaks down The Bad Guys (DreamWorks animated heist movie) by age rating, what content to expect, and which ages usually enjoy it without getting overwhelmed.
At a glance
| Title | The Bad Guys (animated heist comedy) |
|---|---|
| U.S. rating | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) |
| Why it’s rated PG | Action/violence played for comedy + rude humor |
| Runtime | About 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Good “first-watch” age (typical) | Around 6–7+ for most kids; sensitive kids may prefer 8+ |
| Best for | Kids who enjoy action, chases, cartoon chaos, and “bad guys trying to be good” stories |
Watch the trailer (to gauge tone fast)
Official age rating for The Bad Guys
In the United States, The Bad Guys is rated PG. “PG” means some material may not be suitable for younger children, and parents may want to watch with them or preview first. In this case, the “PG” label is mainly about the movie’s fast action and its cheeky/rude jokes (think: bathroom humor and characters acting like smug criminals).
If you’re used to gentle animated movies with minimal peril, this one is more like a kid-friendly “Ocean’s”-style caper: robberies, police chases, crashes, gadgets, and lots of “we’re in trouble” energy.
Parent guide: what’s in the movie?
1) Violence & action
Expect frequent cartoon action: chase scenes, fights that look like slapstick, vehicles crashing, explosions, and characters getting bonked around without realistic injuries. The tone stays comedic and “animated,” not graphic.
Still, there are moments with higher intensity: characters get cornered, threatened, and there are a few confrontations that may feel louder or more stressful than the average preschool movie.
2) Language & rude humor
The humor leans “cool” and a bit snarky. You may hear mild words and insults, plus classic kid-movie gross-out jokes (butt/fart-style humor). It’s not a heavy-swearing movie, but it is a “PG attitude” movie: characters talk like criminals, tease each other, and push boundaries.
3) Scary / intense moments
If your child is sensitive, the biggest issue usually isn’t the jokes—it’s the pace. The movie moves quickly and piles on danger: alarms blaring, fast chases, close calls, and a few scenes where characters look trapped or betrayed.
4) Crime, “role model” questions, and what kids copy
The main characters are literally thieves at the start, and the story uses the “bad guys” fantasy: slick disguises, big heists, and outsmarting adults. Some kids love that; some parents worry it glamorizes stealing.
The movie’s main message pushes toward change, empathy, and choosing to do better, but it does spend a lot of time making crime look fun. If your kid tends to copy behavior, you may want to watch together and talk through the difference between “movie cool” and “real-life consequences.”
5) Positive themes (the stuff worth talking about)
- Stereotypes: the idea that labels can trap people (or characters), and you’re allowed to grow past them.
- Identity & choices: you can choose who you become, even if you’ve messed up.
- Friendship: the crew bickers, but they also show loyalty and teamwork.
A visual break: official character post
Is The Bad Guys OK for kids? Best ages by group
Ages 4–5 (preschool / young kindergarten)
For many kids in this range, the movie can feel too intense (fast chases, lots of shouting, “in trouble” scenes). Some will love it, but if your child is easily spooked or struggles with peril, this may be better saved for later.
Ages 6–7 (sweet spot for many families)
This is the range where The Bad Guys often clicks: kids understand the jokes, can follow the heist story, and enjoy the action without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll still want to be aware of the rude humor and the “crime is cool” vibe.
Ages 8–10
Most kids here handle it easily. They’re also more likely to get the bigger message about stereotypes and redemption, not just the car chases.
Preteens (11–12) and up
Usually totally fine content-wise, though some older kids may find it “kiddie” unless they enjoy animated action comedies.
Quick verdict
- Generally OK: most kids around 6–7+
- Consider waiting: sensitive kids, kids who dislike peril, or kids who copy “bad behavior” themes closely
- Watch together: if you want to steer the conversation toward “choices have consequences”
Parent tips (fast)
- Preview the trailer first: it’s a very accurate “tone check.”
- Call out the difference between charm and choices: “They look cool, but stealing hurts people.”
- Ask one simple question after: “What made someone change?” It pulls kids toward the redemption theme.
- If your kid is anxious: watch earlier in the day, keep the volume reasonable, and sit together for the big chase sequences.
Another quick tone check (alternate trailer)
FAQs
Is The Bad Guys scary?
It’s not horror-scary, but it can be intense for sensitive kids because of frequent chases, close calls, and “we’re about to get caught” scenes.
Does The Bad Guys have swearing?
Expect mild language and rude jokes rather than heavy profanity. The bigger “parent factor” is the snarky tone and bathroom humor.
Is there anything sexual?
It’s not a romance-focused movie. Any attraction vibes are light, brief, and not explicit.
What’s the best age to watch The Bad Guys?
For many families, around 6–7+ is the sweet spot. If your child is sensitive to peril, consider waiting until around 8+.