Through the Ages (and Ratings): Timothée Chalamet
Jess on Nov. 28, 2024
(When Actors Cross Age Groups)
When actors like Timothée Chalamet take on roles across a wide spectrum of genres and age ratings, it’s easy for young fans to idolise them in one film without realising they’ve also starred in content that they might not be old enough to see, understand or enjoy. For instance, a young person might watch Wonka and be drawn to Chalamet’s performance, only to later express interest in Bones and All – a film that's far more intense and inappropriate for their age group.
Below we have created comprehensive list of films featuring Timothée Chalamet which ranks them from the most family friendly to the ones to save for when the kids are older. We provide insights into what they are about, their ratings, and moments to watch out for and talk about. By discussing these elements together, parents can help their whānau make informed choices that suit their values and comfort levels, as well as help step younger family members through the tricky parts.
Once you’ve picked a film to watch with your whānau, it’s helpful to talk with them during and after the movie. This encourages them to reflect on what they’ve seen and share their thoughts, making the experience more meaningful. Here are some questions you could ask:
For younger tamariki:
- What was your favorite part of the movie, and why did you like it?
- Were there any parts that felt too scary or confusing? How did you feel during those scenes?
- How do you think the characters felt when something bad or unexpected happened?
- If you were one of the characters, what would you have done differently?
For older tamariki or rangatahi:
- Did any of the characters’ choices surprise you? Why do you think they acted that way?
- How did the film make you feel about certain themes, like family, friendship, or dealing with tough situations?
- Do you think the movie's message or ending was clear? Was there anything that made you think more about real-life issues?
- Were any parts of the movie hard to watch, like the intense or emotional scenes? How do you think those scenes added to the story?
Not only is this a fun way to chat about the movie, but it also encourages tamariki to think critically about what they’ve just watched. Plus, it gives you insight into how they’re processing different levels of content.
Wonka (2023)
Rating: PG | Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers
What’s it about? With dreams of opening a candy shop in a city renowned for it's variety of delicious sweets, the young and ambitious Willy Wonka (Chalamet) is on the verge of changing the world with his magical chocolate. However, a group of greedy candymakers plot to stop him at all costs.
Can my child watch this? We recommend this film for tamariki who can handle a bit of adventure. There is some violence and cruelty, but most of it is portrayed in a funny way.
Moments to look out for: In one scene two characters are trapped in a rising vat of liquid chocolate with no way to escape their situation. Some younger viewers may find this scary, however the characters are shortly saved before they drown.
Little Women (2019)
Rating: G | Suitable for general audiences
What's it about? Little Women is about four sisters growing up during the Civil War, each with their own dreams and challenges, as they navigate love, family, and personal growth. The film focuses on their bonds and how they support each other while dealing with life’s ups and downs.
Can my child watch this? The films low age rating makes it a great option for family viewing, though younger children may find some emotional scenes complex. There is also a lot of talking which could make it a bit boring for younger viewers. However, the strong messages about kindness, resilience, and sisterhood are great to talk about with the whānau.
Moments to look out for: One of the characters struggles with illness and eventually passes away, which could be emotionally challenging for younger viewers. The father is away fighting in the Civil War, a detail that may prompt questions from children, and Laurie (Chalamet) has scenes where he is drunken and disorderly.
Love the Coopers (2015)
Rating: PG | Coarse language and sexual references
What’s it about? The Coopers and their extended family are gearing up for the ultimate Christmas Eve celebration, but unexpected surprises and uninvited guests quickly turn it into chaos.
Can my child watch this? This is a feel-good Christmas comedy full of family drama. While it's mostly light-hearted, it includes a few sexual references and some coarse language, making certain parts more appropriate for older tamariki.
Moments to look out for: A scene where a man and woman argue, and she reveals a scar from a past suicide attempt. While it’s played for humour, this scene might need explaining depending on your child’s age. There are a few conversations about sex, some over-the-top kissing, and coarse language.
A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
Rating: M | Sexual references
What’s it about? Gatsby (Chalamet), who comes from a wealthy family in New York City, plans a romantic weekend to introduce his girlfriend, Ashleigh (Elle Fanning), to the city's charm. But the trip soon takes an unexpected and intriguing twist.
Can my child watch this? A Rainy Day in New York includes sexual references and explores relationships where a few characters have affairs, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Moments to look out for: Characters talk about fellatio and compare sex positions during a religious ceremony.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Rating: M | Sex scenes, drug use, nudity and offensive language
What’s it about? Two scientists discover that a ‘planet-killer’-sized asteroid is on a course to collide with the Earth in six months. But when the US government are more concerned with the upcoming midterm elections, their only option is to go on a media tour to raise awareness.
Can my child watch this? The film contains sexual material, a bit of drug use, and dangerous behaviour which makes it better suited for rangatahi. Most of the content is fleeting and satire, so is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Moments to look out for: While most of the film is a comedy, it takes a dark turn during the final 10-15 minutes when the asteroid is close to hitting Earth. There’s also a lot of swearing – 43 uses of the word f*ck to be exact!
Interstellar (2014)
Rating: M | Offensive language
What’s it about? With Earth on the brink of human extinction, farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, goes to space with a team of researchers to find a new planet for humankind.
Can my child watch this? Interstellar is a heavy movie, with some themes like space exploration, self-preservation, and human extinction that younger audiences may not understand. It’s also really long at 2hr 49m, so it's worth considering whether your child will be okay sitting through the whole thing – especially if they might not enjoy it.
Moments to look out for: When Joseph Cooper leaves for space, he is forced to leave his children behind, without certainty that he’ll see them again. Cooper’s daughter reacts strongly to this throughout the movie. These parts of the film are very emotional and could be quite scary or upsetting for young viewers.
Dune: Part One (2022)
Rating: M | Violence
What’s it about? A mythic hero’s journey, following the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), a gifted young man born into a great dynasty. He must travel to Arrakis, the most dangerous planet in the universe, to ensure the future of his family and his people. Conflict over the planet’s most precious resource will determine his destiny.
Can my child watch this? This film is better suited for older rangatahi and adults due to its complex themes of power, politics and survival, as well as intense action.
Moments to look out for: In an obscured scene it’s clear a character is beheading unnamed prisoners of war but the camera cuts away before we see any detail or victims. In another scene a character is killed by having their throat is cut. While it’s a shocking moment, we don’t see any of the detail as the camera only shows the murderer’s point of view. The film features fantasy characters that are striking, and at times scary in appearance.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Rating: M | Violence
What’s it about? Dune: Part Two continues the epic story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he seeks revenge against those who destroyed his family and aims to fulfill his destiny on the desert planet of Arrakis. He teams up with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen to fight against oppressive forces and protect the valuable spice that holds the universe together.
Can my child watch this? Like the first film, Dune: Part Two is better suited for older rangatahi and adults. While it features stunning visuals and thrilling moments, younger viewers may struggle with the intricate plot and darker elements. Both Dune (Part One) and Dune: Part Two are rated M with a content warning for violence, but Part two has much stronger content than the other.
Moments to look out for: The film opens with a grim scene of soldiers burning a pile of war victims’ bodies. Battle sequences include soldiers falling to their deaths, and violent moments where characters are killed through throat-slashing or having their heads smashed. People are manipulated into harmful actions, either through mind control or fear, and some characters take pleasure in the suffering of others. Themes of power, control, and violence are central as characters justify taking lives for their own gain. For more detailed information read here.
Men, Women and Children (2014)
Rating: M | Offensive language, sexual references and nudity
What’s it about? A group of high school teens spend too much time online, which causes issues with their parents and leads to problems with talking to others, how they see themselves, their relationships, and their health.
Can my child watch this? This film dives into heavy themes like suicide, eating disorders, and relationship struggles, along with frequent sexual references, nudity, and offensive language. It’s better suited for older rangatahi, and watching it together could open up opportunities for meaningful kōrero about some of these topics. Consider having a chat beforehand to prepare them for the content, and check in afterwards to see how they’re feeling.
Moments to look out for: A character attempts suicide by taking pills. They survive, however this scene may be distressing for some viewers. There’s a lot of discussion about sex, including masturbation, porn, and infidelity.
The French Dispatch (2024)
Rating: M | Offensive language, nudity, drug use and sexual references
What’s it about? A tribute to journalists unfolds in a fictional 20th-century French city, where the outpost of an American newspaper comes alive through a series of tales featured in The French Dispatch Magazine.
Can my child watch this? The French Dispatch is quirky and colourful, which might make it seem like a good pick for children, however it is fast paced, with a number of storylines that can make it hard to follow – it also has some nudity, offensive language and sexual references, making it better suited for older rangatahi.
Moments to look out for: There’s a fair bit of nudity including when a female character is fully nude, and when a female is topless while sitting in bed. There are also some sexual references like when a character says that someone “inappropriately f*cked me against a wall.”
Call Me by Your Name (2018)
Rating: RP13 | Sex scenes (see our blog for more information about RP ratings)
What’s it about? In Northern Italy, 17-year-old Elio (Chalamet) develops feelings for Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old academic assistant staying with his family over summer.
Can my child watch this? Call Me by Your Name explores themes of first love, identity, and sexuality, which can resonate deeply with rangatahi navigating similar experiences. While its intimate moments, including sex scenes, might make some young viewers prefer watching it alone, it’s also a film that can spark meaningful conversations about relationships and emotions if you choose to watch it together. Keep in mind that if your child is under 13, a parent or caregiver must accompany them to view this RP13-rated movie.
Moments to look out for: The infamous peach scene – when one of the characters gets intimate with a peach, ejaculates inside it, and then another character proceeds to eat it afterwards. This particular moment may feel uncomfortable or raise questions, so be prepared to discuss it if needed.
One & Two (2015)
Rating: R13 | Drug use, sex scenes and offensive language
What’s it about? In a dystopian world, siblings Eva and Zac (Chalamet) possess strange abilities that could change their lives forever. As they begin to uncover the truth about their powers and the world around them, their bond is tested in unexpected ways.
Can my child watch this? This thriller/fantasy is more suitable for older rangatahi due to drug use, sex scenes, and offensive language.
Moments to look out for: The film features drug-related themes, with characters using substances, but these moments are part of the broader emotional and narrative context. However, the content isn't overly graphic or glamorised.
The King (2019)
Rating: R13 | Strong violence and offensive language
What’s it about? After his brother’s death, young Henry V ascends to the throne of England in the 15th century, where he faces betrayal, warfare, and the challenges of leadership.
Can my child watch this? Violence is the strongest element in The King and makes it unsuitable for tamariki. While the R13 rating allows for young rangatahi, some moments such as beheadings, mistreatment of children, and battlefield injuries are graphic and confronting. Parents should consider whether their child can handle these themes before viewing.
Moments to look out for: A character is beheaded – this is shown briefly on screen but little actual detail is shown. Children are killed or severely mistreated. In one scene, a child is impaled with a sword. One child is forced to carry the head of another’s decapitated head.
Lady Bird (2017)
Rating: R13 | Drug use, sex scenes and offensive language
What’s it about? With senior year nearing the end, Lady Bird must navigate the ups and downs in her relationships while trying to become popular and get accepted into a top college.
Can my child watch this? Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film that’s best suited for rangatahi aged 13 and older. It’s relatable for teens navigating rebellion, relationships, and the pressures of growing up. While the main character, Lady Bird, makes some questionable choices, the film shows the consequences of her actions, with a comedic tone that lightens the more serious moments.
Moments to look out for: A character has sex for the first time. While there’s no nudity, the scene realistically captures the awkwardness of the moment as the character straddles their partner, and things don’t go smoothly. A character drinks heavily and ends up in hospital, a character jumps out of a moving car and there is some swearing throughout the film.
Hostiles (2017)
Rating: R13 | Violence, offensive language and content that may disturb
What’s it about? After decades of battling the Cheyenne, Army Captain Joseph is tasked with an unexpected mission: escorting their ailing leader to safety.
Can my child watch this? Hostiles tackles themes of violence, loss, and reconciliation. While it is rated R13, some themes may be challenging for rangatahi. The film contains violence and references to rape, which some viewers might find distressing. It's important to discuss these themes beforehand and be ready to provide support or answer questions afterwards.
Moments to look out for: The film includes discussions and references to rape, which, although not shown on screen, could be upsetting for some. There are also scenes of strong violence, such as characters being shot with visible blood spurts, that some viewers might find disturbing.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Rating: RP16 | Drug use, sex scenes and offensive language (read our blog for more information about RP ratings)
What’s it about? Father David Sheff (Steve Carrell) faces heartbreaking challenges as his son, Nic Sheff (Chalamet) battles a crystal meth addiction. Determined to help him, David works tirelessly to support Nic on his journey to recovery.
Can my child watch this? Beautiful Boy portrays the reality of crystal meth addiction, showing the devastating impact it has on individuals and their families. Its explicit scenes make it best suited for rangatahi aged 16 and older. Since it’s rated RP16, younger viewers can only watch it with a parent or guardian. The film’s depiction of addiction and its consequences could lead to meaningful conversations about substance abuse and its effects. If you do decide to watch together, be sure to prepare them for its content and take time to debrief afterwards.
Moments to look out for: The depiction of drug use is explicit, including a scene where characters inject drugs into their arms. There’s also a moment involving an overdose that shows the emotional toll addiction takes on loved ones. These scenes may be distressing for some viewers.
Entergalactic (2022)
Rating: 16 | Drug use
What’s it about? Ambitious artist Jabari navigates the challenges of balancing love and career after moving into his dream Manhattan apartment and falling for his charming next-door neighbour.
Can my child watch this? This film has frequent drug use with no serious consequences depicted apart from hangovers, and some sex scenes, making it more suitable for older rangatahi. The animation style might soften the impact of these themes for some viewers.
Moments to look out for: Characters use a number of drugs including psychadelic mushrooms and gummies, marijuana, and alcohol.
Hot Summer Nights (2017)
Rating: R16 | Violence, sexual references, offensive language and drug use
What’s it about? Daniel’s (Chalamet) desire for profit through illegal drug dealing strains his personal relationships and leads to chaotic and violent consequences.
Can my child watch this? Violence, drug use, and sexual references make it more suitable for older rangatahi. Daniel's reckless behaviour and the fallout from his actions might be challenging for younger viewers. Drug use could be seen as glamourised as the main character appears more confident after taking them, however he does face consequences for his actions.
Moments to look out for: There are several scenes of drug use, including characters dealing and using substances like cocaine and marijuana. Violence is depicted, including fights and heated confrontations. Sexual references and language are also strong throughout the film.
Bones and All (2022)
Rating: R16 | Bloody violence and content that may disturb
What’s it about? Maren (Taylor Russell) and Lee (Chalamet), two young cannibals, embark on a liberating road trip across America. Together they search for their identities while learning how to survive on the margins of society.
Can my child watch this? This film is for rangatahi ages 16 and over as the bloody violence and disturbing content is likely to stick with younger audiences. Be ready to talk about these intense themes and how they may have made your rangatahi feel.
Moments to look out for: There are several scenes of cannibalism. Characters kneel over dead bodies, biting and ripping into their flesh. A character slits a man’s throat after masturbating him. Another character violently attacks a man with a crowbar and his face becomes bloodied. A character chews through her friend’s finger, ripping the skin and spraying blood everywhere. Characters mention suicide and self-harm several times.
The Adderall Diaries (2016)
Rating: R16 | Sex scenes, suicide themes, drug use and offensive language
What’s it about? After growing up in an abusive household, Stephen writes an autobiography reflecting on his painful memories while also working on a memoir for a software guru. However, when his father challenges the contents of Stephen's book, everything begins to unravel.
Can my child watch this? The Adderall Diaries explores heavy themes like abuse, addiction, and suicide, making it more suitable for rangatahi aged 16 and over. The film contains explicit content, including sex scenes, drug use, and offensive language.
Moments to look out for: A character self-harms by cutting their wrists. You see the wound and lots of blood as they lie on the ground, which could be distressing. The film also deals with themes of addiction, suicide, and family trauma, so be ready to talk through these challenging topics if they come up.
Make sure to visit our blog again soon to get the run down on whether your child can watch Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming film A Complete Unknown.
And watch this space for more “Through the Ages” blogs where we guide you through age appropriateness for different franchises, actors and directors.
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