I agree with thepedens--language is far worse than "mild" as the Common Sense Review termed it. I watched this movie with my two 10-year-olds, chose it after reading the review and then sat praying they would not get some of the language. The language is NOT OK for 10, or even 11. This should be at least PG-13. There was also a scene where Gordy had to give a sperm donation. While they didn't show anything, I fast-forwarded, as I really, really didn't feel like explaining what THAT meant.
Tools for this page
The Right Stuff
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Educational, exciting action, great acting.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Right Stuff
Parents need to know that this movie -- which was previously rated R in 1983 and was later re-rated -- is very long and some of the astronauts' conduct, including locker room-type banter, may be unsuitable for younger kids. For older kids, the movie offers a human perspective on what is arguably America's greatest technological feat -- space flight. It also addresses themes of loyalty and the value of cooperation through a gripping story and spectacular visuals that have aged well. Peppered with laughs, it also features an Academy Award-winning score.
Read our full review by Randy White
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the competitiveness of the astronaut program and how the families coped. How would you deal with such dangerous work? Discuss the way that Yaeger was shut out of the program. Why are college degrees so important? Is it possible to be successful without one? What about how Gus was treated after his capsule sank in the ocean? Do you believe that it was an accident? Families can also discuss how the media portrays space exploration in general. Is it always exciting?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
Should really be PG-13 for cursing. Maybe even R.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Terrific movie, but...
There's an awful lot of language in this movie that I was hoping to watch with my entire family. There were lots of f bombs, plenty of s---, bast----, hell and godd---.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Long telling of compelling subject
Breaking the sound barrier and the Mercury Seven astronauts are a very interesting story, but this is a long and sometimes inscrutable movie. The language is harsh for a PG movie (F-words are sprinkled throughout) and there is a Sally Rand dancing scene that makes no sense and introduces quick shots of a bare behind and breasts. Not lewd, but out of step with the rest of the movie.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
This movie should be rated R still
This is a great movie but the amount of language is way too strong for PG. I saw it at school and we had to skip some parts because of all of the language and stuff
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
