This is a weird, random, but nonetheless funny movie. However, the inappropriate content is the main problem. There is some inappropriate brochures that play a main theme, along with one inappropriate scene. The violence is not bad...some bullying and a cow being shot (not shown). But there is some language (flipping mostly), which is repeatedly used in place of the F-word. So it's directed toward teenagers, and it's extremely random.
Napoleon Dynamite
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Napoleon Dynamite was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that the movie contains some implied sexual encounters between adults. School bullies use headlocks and punches. There are some accidents used for comic effect and an animal is killed off-screen. A character sells purportedly breast size-enhancing herbs. A strength of the movie is the friendship between Napoleon and Pedro.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the writers' answer when asked when it takes place: "Idaho." How does it seem like or not like your own experiences of adolescence? How would you list your skills? Does Napoleon seem like the kind of guy who will be able to write a movie like this just a few years later?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Napoleon Dynamite
What’s the Story?
Eponymous teen hero Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) just can't get a break. Life seems so unfair. Women only like men who've got skills, and to Napoleon that means numbchuck skills, computer hacking skills, or maybe some really sweet dance moves. Those endless arms and legs don't seem to want to cooperate well. Then there's Napoleon's uncle and his schemes to make a lot of money and go back in time to that crucial turning point in a high school football game, his best friend Pedro's campaign for class president against alpha girl Summer, and what happens when his older brother Kit's online babe shows up.
Is It Any Good?
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE's deliriously specific detail, superb use of the Idaho setting, affection for its characters, unexpected developments, and most of all its genuine sweetness keep us laughing with Napoleon, not at him. He may be clueless, but he has a great heart and we know he will be fine, not just for a satisfyingly happy ending for the movie but beyond.
Movie Details
Studio: Fox Searchlight, Director: Jared Hess
Run time: 82 minutes
Theatrical release: 06/11/2004, DVD release: 12/21/2004
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements and language
Run time: 82 minutes
Theatrical release: 06/11/2004, DVD release: 12/21/2004
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements and language
Our Members Say
See all 76 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Weird, random, funny, and inappropriate.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Quirky but safe!
This is a quirky movie that may not click with everyone...but there is no harm done in watching it. The strongest words are "frickin" and "What the flip". There are a couple of moments of sexual tension (though brief) and young kids won't get the breast enhancement subject. There is no drinking, sex, overt violence, smoking or swearing - it should get an award just for that because it's so unusual! It's about odd-ball characters who need love and respect too :).
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
i love it its halarious!!!!!!!!!!
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Loved it. Best comedy I've ever seen.
This movie is one of the best movies made by 20th century fox. Get's lots of laughs. There are some jokes that are inappropriate but will go over kids' heads.
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Very funny
This a very funny movie. Napolean tries to get people to go to prom with him. The only sexual part is where you see an ad for breast inhansment.
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Very funny
This a very funny movie. Napolean tries to get people to go to prom with him. The only sexual part is where you see an ad for breast inhansment.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Most realistic movie I've ever seen.
This is the most realistic movie I've ever seen! It is not dramatized with relationships and that sort of s**t, it is just kids interacting realistically! It is kind of awkard and random, but isn't real life that way? Long live Napoleon Dynamite! 5/5
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
so funny it hurts
THIS IS SUCH A HILARIOUS MOVIE! It is so random...but it's still good. I think that it is appropriate for kids and adults. This is one of my faves :) Go Get It!
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Really Funny and Well Written
I liked it. It has a really diverse cast, and it was really well written. It was funny. The only concern is a few sexual innuedos, but otherwise, it is perfect for the whole family! Vote for Pedro!
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
hylarious
om my gosh this movie is hilarious i luv it
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Perfect for tweens and laughing people, not recommended for nerds
I love this movie sooooo sooooo much. The only words that could be interpreted for a swear would be fricken or 'what the flip'.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Perfect for tweens and laughing people, not recommended for nerds
I love this movie sooooo sooooo much. The only words that could be interpreted for a swear would be fricken or 'what the flip'.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Be Careful But Watch It!
I LOVE THIS MOVIE! But some of it could be hard for kids under age 8; my brother kept asking me what the heck was going on; and lots of the word 'idiot' but otherwise AWESOME!
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
10 and up because the humor may be hard for the younger to understand.
This one is very funny, and it's not the sexual humor that you find in almost every movie, when there is anything related it is applying how stupid it is. But most people either hate it or love it.
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A great and hilarious movie that has good messages about being yourself and finding friends.
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
Couldn't stand it, but maybe you can.
Yeah, yeah, I know it's a cult classic, but I never saw anything special about Napoleon Dynamite. The humor and plot fall so short for me, it's not even funny (and I mean that in the most literal way possible). The saving grace in this movie, perhaps, are the characters. The way the actors delivered their lines is what made this movie remotely watchable for me. The parts that were meant to be funny were not, and after finishing, I thought: "So THAT'S what all this fuss was about?" Like I said; a cult classic. Maybe you'll like it. It gets lots of love. But not from me.
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for entire family! An all time Favorite!
Love everything about this movie! This goes to show that a movie can be made without using bad language, violence or drinking and still be one of the best movies ever!
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Hillarious for any age
HILLARIOUS! It was so funny! The movie is not innaprepreate at all. I think everyone should see it.
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
horrible
the worst movie ive ever seen it hurt so bad i felt like i was ripping out my eyes while watching
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