Tools for this page
Print

Shaun of the Dead

  • 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 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Some funny moments, but for adults only.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A man has to kill his zombie mother and characters contemplate suicide.
  • Violence:

    Graphic, bloody gore. Humans and zombies constantly try to kill each other in various ways -- by biting, shooting, impaling, stabbing, etc.
  • Sex:

    Some sexual references and crude humor.
  • Language:

    Lots of extremely strong language.
  • Consumerism:

    Product placement for Coke and Jaguar.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Nonstop drinking and smoking -- many scenes set in a bar. Some drug references.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Shaun of the Dead was written by Common Sense Media Editors

Parents need to know that this movie is not for kids. Although it's more of a comedy than a true horror movie, there is still enough blood, guts, and gore to turn your stomach and make you avert your eyes. It's also extremely violent -- zombies and humans try to kill each other in every way possible -- biting, shooting, stabbing, impaling, etc. There is almost nonstop profanity and some crude humor. There's also a lot of smoking and drinking, and there are a few drug references. There are also some intense scenes, such as when a son is forced to kill his zombie mother and some characters consider killing themselves.

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 appeal of zombie movies. They can also talk about satire, and point out the many instances that occur in this film.
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Shaun of the Dead

What’s the Story?

Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a 29-year-old slacker who holds down a dead-end job he hates. His girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) has asked him to make something of himself, but he cannot bring himself to change. Sick of playing second fiddle to his immature roommate Ed, beer, and video games, Liz breaks up with Shaun. Shaun wants to save the relationship, but before he can, he must deal with a strange situation that has emerged -- a horde of zombies are taking over London, and they are looking for new recruits. Now Shaun must save his family and friends as chaos erupts through the city.

Is It Any Good?

A cult favorite, SHAUN OF THE DEAD pokes fun at zombie movie cliches, but it also honors these movies by following their rules. It balances laugh-out-loud funny scenes (such as when Shaun is so self-absorbed he doesn't see the zombies wandering around his neighborhood and then misses the news warnings because he is channel-surfing) with some intense, suspenseful, and yes, very gory and bloody scenes (for example, the zombies attack a man and pull various bloody organs out of his stomach).

Due to the gore, we don't recommend this movie for kids under 17. Older teens and adults who are horror fans, however, are likely to enjoy the droll British humor and homage to George Romero's zombie trilogy.

Movie Details

Studio: Rogue Pictures, Director: Edgar Wright
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: 9/23/2004, DVD release: 12/21/2004
MPAA Rating: R for zombie violence/gore and language

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Shaun of the Dead?

or

to post a review

See all 45 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    woot

    woot

  2. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Shaun of the Dead

    Great movie for romantic/comedy/horror movie lovers. Its hilarious, silly, and discusting at the same time. In my opinion, the perfect ingredients to a movie like this.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    This is comedy and satire. If you don't get it, you don't get it. If you do, it's drop dead (and reanimate) funny. There is a lot of gore and swearing, but overall the messages and actions of the characters are positive given the situations they find themselves in.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Violent but funny

    Even though this is a zombie spoof, parents need to know the violence is just the same. In one part, a man's guts are ripped out and he is torn to pieces leaving his leg with his girlfriend. Zombies look gruesome and nasty with missing limbs and the like. The language in this film is incredibly filthy and very frequent. Nothing more than your teen hears at school everyday. Characters smoke and drink constantly. If you can stomach the violence, you will laugh like crazy. This is a great spoof movie for any responsible teen to watch.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Parents need to understand that this movie is not trying to be an extreme horror movie, I actually found myself laughing through some of this . Overall this is a great movie for teens+.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Incredibly Funny Horror Comedy!!

    "Shaun" is miles better than any part of the "Scary Movie" franchise, a refreshing take on the zombie genre.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    I love this movie alot. Simon Pegg does the best when hes working with Nick Frost. This will make you laugh I promise you that. That being said there is violence in it and strong language. This is a good movie worth watching.

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Not for Children

    This movie is hilarious! I laughed so many times! 10/10

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    CHUCKILING FOREVER!

    This movie made me chukle, i never new taht they could make a extreamly scary movie and spoof it into a funny movie! So funny, a must watch!

  11. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    My 11 year old went to a friend's home and saw this movie. He was upset. He could not sleep, and he was still bothered the next day.

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

  13. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    Zombifying!!!

    I thought this film was excellent especially the end when they are playing on the PS2!!!

  14. I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 5.0

    this film is great!

    this movie is great, punclines were very funny with lots of stupid characters!

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    AWESOME!!!

    Loved this movie from beginning to end. One time I was watching this at my cousin's house and after we finished the movie, my uncle told us to be careful if we went outside because there was a drunk dude outside(considering there is a zombie in Shaun of the Dead that is accused of being a drunken guy). Anyways SEE THIS MOVIE!

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Amazing

    After watching the movie numerous times, the story has never bored me and even when I knew what was coming next, it never failed entertain. WATCH THIS FILM.

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 4.0

    good

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 4.0

    The FCC will sue if i put down my title

    That movie had the coolest ending i've ever seen. But as it goes for ur son or daughter watching this get ready for a crying scared child becausse the gore in this movie put's resident evil games to shame(ushould try it they're fun) anyways it has humore but lots of alchohal and ciggirates. Any ways im not giving it a five because i coyld'nt read the credits songs so i got ticked o well c ya.

  19. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    pretty kool

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    foursquare

    foursquare

    Is this social network too risky for your child?

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

    What parents need to know.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name