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Dirty Dancing

(1987, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A hip-shaking guilty pleasure.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The staffers at the exclusive summer retreat are regarded as second-class citizens. Baby and her sister disobey their parents by sneaking around with boys. Baby asks her father for money, then uses it for Penny's abortion.
  • Violence :

    Johnny and Robbie fight after Robbie criticizes Baby.
  • Sex :

    Erotic dancing, main character loses her virginity, several scenes of teens in bed. Penny gets pregnant and has a dangerous abortion, with complications afterward.
  • Language:

    Occasional sexually and religiously themed language, ranging from mild to extreme.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Dirty Dancing

Parents need to know that this 1960s-set forbidden romance is a guilty pleasure, due to several campy scenes, flashy dance sequences, and appealing performances by its main characters. Although some parents may find the dancing a little too dirty, teenage viewers will be captivated by the flashy fantasy of star-crossed summer romance. Sexual references abound here beyond the dance moves: one character has a botched abortion, the main character loses her virginity, and another talks about her plans to go all the way. An older married woman propositions younger men on staff at the resort and sleeps with one.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's sexual themes. How does each family member feel about teenage sex? As a teenager, what would you do if you were pressured to have sex?
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Dirty Dancing?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 9 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    AMAZING!

    Really good movie! other than some brief language and very sexual dancing, this movie is good for 12 and up

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Delaware
    Kids ages: 16, 19
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

    Moronic plot, disgusting lack of moral qualms, paying for the murder of an unborn being glorified, vulgar dancing, statutory rape of main character.. barffff

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Great Summer Romance (Teens+)

    Baby and Patrick Swayze dance the night away in Dirty Dancing with some AWESOME dance moves! It's fun, campy, and a must-see for teens. Parents should note that all though there are no sex scenes, there are steamy, steamy dance moves and LOTS of french kissing. There is also a scary botched abortion. Bad guys, however, get their dues. 13+

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    LOVED IT

    awesome movie! if you havent seen it you should. an awesome classic!

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    GREAT MOVIE FOR GIRLS OF ANY AGE!!!

    I LOVE WATCHING IT W/ MY GRANDMA,AND MOM SINCE ITZ KINDA A CHICK FLICK I HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE SO MANY TIMES!!! EVEN THOUGH BABY MAKES SOME BAD CHOICES SHE LEARNS FROM THEM,AND THATS THE IMPORTANT MORAL OF THIS MOVIE.REMEMBER: THERE IS SOME MATURE DIALOUGE IN THIS FILM MEANING SO,U MIGHT WANT TO SEE THIS ONE W/ YOUR KIDS IF THE AREN'T 13 OR OVER

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