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Parents' Guide to

Stand by Me

By Jelani Harper, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Edgy coming-of-age story isn't for young kids.

Movie R 1986 88 minutes
Stand by Me Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 53 parent reviews

Cheryl13
Cheryl13 Adult
May 18, 2021
age 12+

EXCELLENT movie/story

Just a "mature" version of The Sandlot (minus the dead body). Fantastic story! Well told and directed. Those complaining about language clearly aren't Stephen King fans. If you are worried about language, be a proactive parent and educate your kids on its use during the time, the bringing up of the boys in the story, and the situations in which they found themselves. There is so much happening in this story that kids no longer do - camp overnight away from home with no parental supervision, WALK from place to place, have secret hideouts... all the kids do now is sit inside and play video games. Maybe if we allowed them to experience what we did when we were younger, they'd be more willing to explore and get out of the house. It's a beautifully tragic story that warms and breaks my heart all in the same hour and a half of the film. I watched it with my daughter when she was 13. She loved the story and we had a lot of fun talking about how my childhood was different from hers. She even asked if we could go camping. The subject matter of child abuse is REAL and so prominent - it's all around you. It's important that children understand that not everyone else is as "settled" and sheltered as our kids are. They also need to know that tragedies happen. What you do with that experience is what shapes us as humans. Bottom line: If you approach this subject the right way, and not be an overreactive "oh my goodness" parent, you can actually make magic happen with your kids while watching it.

This title has:

Great messages
11 people found this helpful.
MovieXpert
MovieXpert Adult
February 24, 2020
age 13+

Awesome movie - has more swearing than you remember

We watched this with our kids 12/10 who are both very mature for their ages and we've seen movies before with a couple of SH** or one F*** in them. This move has so much more than we remember, including a "go F*** your mother" reference. I love this movie and it has some great messaging for early teens, but be ready for the swearing. The boys constantly call each other P***y as well - my kids aren't totally up on that reference yet or the use of Fag**t which you'll also hear. Sad this movie had so much language, neither of us remembered how much there was. We are pretty open about a swear word here and there but this was surprising. The movie is still awesome - but just a fair warning!

This title has:

Too much swearing
5 people found this helpful.
See all 53 parent reviews

What's the Story?

STAND BY ME (based on Stephen King's novella) revolves around four small-town 12-year-old boys who set out on a trek to find a dead body. They overcome oncoming trains, a disgusting bout with leeches, and the rival advances of a competing "gang" to collect the prize of locating the body.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (53 ):
Kids say (218 ):

The film's brilliance ultimately lies in its all-embracing realism. Stand by Me goes to considerable lengths to identify the issues and accurately portray the pressures that lead to the disenchantment of teens everywhere. In many ways, the conclusion of their quest signifies the end of innocence (or at least childhood) for the main characters, as they're never quite the same after making their gruesome discovery.

Stand by Me accurately depicts the painful process of maturation that has plagued both teens and preteens for ages.The boys' unyielding sense of camaraderie and irrepressible spirit sees them through towering adversity that's ultimately admired -- and at the same time abhorred.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the kids in Stand by Me seek refuge in reckless behavior. Is that believable? Realistic? Even though the movie is set many decades ago, do parts of it still feel relatable?

  • How does the movie depict the impact that death has -- whether on family members, friends, or strangers? What other movies tackle similar topics?

  • The movie involves young characters in lots of adult content, including language, sexual references, drinking, smoking, and more. Is that OK?

  • How do the boys in Stand by Me Movie demonstrate curiosity, teamwork, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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