G-Rated Films: Safe With a Side of Devastation
Jess on Jan. 28, 2025
Ever walked into a G-rated movie expecting sunshine and rainbows, only to leave emotionally wrecked? Same.
Last week, I decided to check out Flow, which follows Cat, a lone animal who teams up with other species on a boat after a catastrophic flood wipes out their home.
I checked the rating: G. “Perfect,” I thought. “A chill, feel-good watch for a Thursday afternoon. It’s animated, it’s about animals, it has no dialogue… and, I’m 28 years old… what could go wrong?”
Well, while it was a beautiful film, Flow turned out to be a real gut-punch. Without spoiling anything, the animals get injured, and come dangerously close to death multiple times. I could not hold back the tears (they were flowing, if you will).
It got me thinking: even in G-rated films, how do we prepare for those emotional curveballs?
What does “G” actually mean?
In Aotearoa, G means a film, series or game is suitable for general audiences. People of all ages can view them – there is no language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters. Yet that doesn’t mean something will be completely devoid of challenging themes or emotional moments. When it comes to letting children watch films on their own, G generally means go – but it always pays to be aware of what’s coming up before they press play. Take classics such as The Lion King, Chicken Run, and Monsters, Inc. – all G-rated films that mix light-hearted fun with a little (or a lot) of devastation. Mufasa’s death in The Lion King is a perfect example of a pivotal moment that hits hard, no matter your age – I can’t be the only one still scarred by that scene.
That’s why for young tamariki, it’s important to know, and if you think it’s necessary, tell them about the parts they might find challenging in advance.
So, how can we navigate these situations?
Even with a G rating, certain themes or moments in films might still be upsetting, whether it’s your tamariki or you (me) reaching for the tissues. Everyone has different lines as to what they can handle, and it’s okay to feel all the emotions, but it’s good to know your child's limits so you can make the best choices for your whānau.
If you’re considering Flow or another film for whānau movie night, take a moment to read up on it using our Find a Rating tool. Here we provide content breakdowns, which go beyond basic content warnings and age ratings, offering deeper insights into themes that they may want to be aware of before choosing content, providing a level of understanding that ratings and warnings can’t fully capture.
If your tamariki is still caught off guard, talking through the film afterwards can help them unpack their emotions and deepen their understanding of the story. Here are a few good questions to ask after watching a movie like Flow:
- What was your favourite part of the story?
- Was there a moment that surprised or upset you? Why?
- What do you think the film was trying to teach us?
- Did you notice anything about how the characters helped each other?
- How did the movie make you feel at the end? Why?
Understanding the emotional depth of a film and being there to talk things through can make all the difference in how your tamariki processes it and will help you know what to be aware of next time you choose a film.
Final thoughts and further reading:
Most G-rated content is safe to watch, but it’s worth taking a moment to check before pressing play – especially with animations and documentaries angled towards adults. Films can delve into a wide range of emotions, and it’s not always clear how land just from the G rating or content warnings.
That’s why when it comes to choosing content, our Find a Rating tool is your best friend. It goes beyond the age rating, offering spoiler-free insights into key moments you may want to be aware of. Whether you're picking a G-rated movie for the whānau or an R18 for yourself, taking a moment to read up on its content can ensure a more informed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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