Stand by Me (R, 1986)

common sense media says

Edgy coming-of-age story not for young kids.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite its preteen stars, this should by no means be considered a children's movie. Aside from the abundance of profanity, implied and displayed violence, and sexually suggestive material, the predominance of adult-oriented themes dealing with the disillusionment of adolescence requires a mature, adult-outlook. There is plenty of sexual innuendo and alcohol and cigarette consumption by kids. A dead body is shown. Acts of violence are both alluded to and shown on film. Stories about parental physical and emotional abuse are not shown but are mentioned frequently and are integral to the story.

Positive messages: The messages are pretty bleak; it shows growing up to be an often painful process.
Positive role models: Although they are not perfect and engage in dangerous pursuits, at heart the boys are good kids and loyal friends.
Violence: A dead body is shown.
Sex: Sexual innuendo. The boys are curious about the opposite sex, and discuss girls in a crude but age-appropriate way.
Language: Very strong language.
Consumerism: References to both Winston's cigarettes, cherry PEZ, and Fruit Of The Loom underwear.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Alcohol and cigarette consumption by kids.

More on Stand by Me

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the motives that compel the characters (adolescent children) to seek refuge in reckless behavior.
  • Discuss death -- whether it be a sibling or a stranger, and its effect on family members.

What's the story?

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. The team overcomes oncoming trains, a disgusting bout with leeches, and the rival advances of a competing "gang" to collect the prize of seeing a dead body.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The movie accurately depicts the painful process of maturation that has plagued both teens and preteens for ages. In many ways, the conclusion of the quest signifies the end of innocence (or at least childhood) for the principles, as the four boys are never quite the same after making their gruesome discovery.

The film's brilliance ultimately lies in its all-embracing adherence to the immutable rules of reality. Stand by Me goes to considerable lengths to identify the issues and accurately portray the pressures that lead to the disenchantment of teens everywhere. The boys' unyielding sense of camaraderie and irrepressible spirit of youth sees them through towering adversity that is ultimately admired, and at the same time abhorred.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Rob Reiner
Cast: Jerry O'Connell, River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton
Genre: Drama
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1986
DVD release: March 22, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language

This review was written by Jelani Harper
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12
Based on 15 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

bubbleboy
teen, 15 years old
 
My favorite film of all time, period
I have seen over 500 films in my lifetime, and this has been my favorite for 3 years (yes I saw it when I was nine, get over it!) I instantly fell in love with this film, and you will too!!!!! I really can't waste anymore time writing this review, I'm getting ready to watch for the 14th time. So, see this inspirational film about friendship (if you're over 12 of course, the language is pretty harsh.)

graceh
kid, 12 years old
 
It is a great movie but has alot of bad words.

TheRhea
kid, 13 years old
 
Heartwarming.
This movie was amazing! Me and my best friend watched it together yesterday and it was hillarious! It was also very touching, and has the message of supporting your friends. In terms of language, there was f words, s words, a words, and pretty much every word you can think of, but (agreeing with an entry below) if your kid's going to be shocked by that, the'd be better off not going outside for the rest of their childhood, because that's exactly what the're going to hear. overall, it was a wonderful movie of growing up, and getting through the tough times in their life together. ps. saw it with our 7 and 8 year old siblings, not to mature for them.

yay4anime
teen, 15 years old
 
Good Messages, Bad Language
Yes, this movie is R-rated. However, the messages are very good, and it teaches the meaning of friendship, trust, and appreciation of your family. The language is strong and constant, I will say that, but if you don't like the language, watch it on TV, where they will most likely edit the strongest of words (I first saw it on TV, cause at the time, I wasn't old enough to see the uncut version). There are some very brief sexual references, and it's not something you need to worry about, unless you're really uncomfortable with it. As for violence, the only bad thing is that you see a dead body ONCE for only a few seconds (it's not horribly graphic, it may disturb some viewers, though). The main characters (the kids) smoke cigarettes a lot, but it's definitely not something you should worry about (unless you don't like that sort of stuff). Again, the messages of trust & friendship are obviously there, and it's actually rather uplifting towards the end.

cooldude1234
teen, 14 years old
 
great movie but definetely not for young kids
Stand by me is my new favorite movie because it has a great cast, it teaches you lessons of life and it has great depictions of friendship. But unfortunately your kids under 13 and 14 will have to wait because there is loads of language but mild for an r rated movie, there's a gruesome shot of the dead kid ray brower and the smoking drinking of young kids. There is also mature themes like child abuse which might upset your young ones so just wait for your kids to turn 13 or 14 for this movie

am1408
teen, 14 years old
 
A VERY GOOD MOVIE BUT NOT FOR YOUNGER KIDS
EVERYBODY SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE!

T-Rod
teen, 16 years old
 
OH . MY . GOD . Pardon my French
There are many things I look forward to as a parent-but don't think I don't cherish my childhood, bc I do!. Like...okay, not many things. But one especially: After tending to and putting up with the young ones for a whole day, and they finally go to bed. I'll turn all the lights off...except that one, dim lamp by my bed. Turn it on, and read, or watch TV,or...I don't know. Just try to imagine how good the peace and quiet will be after the chaos of the previous 17 hours. I mean that just sounds heavenly! But one thing I never thought I'd be happy about was that one stage where your kids can't wait till they grow up and make their own rules. Stay up late, eat ice cream before 8:00 p.m., and watch whatever movies they want to. Ha, ha, ha...the innocence of youth. But when they DO hit that stage, depending on how mature they are and how old they are, I will LOVE to pop this DVD in and watch this all-time classic with them. Stand By Me is based on the short story "The Body" by Stephen King. "The Master of Horror." It has morals of cherishing your childhood, the value of friendship, and the adventures of growing up. But, unfortunately, it is also filled with a certain four letter word(f*ck) and a bunch more. It also shows a mutilated dead body and a gun is fired by youths(nobody is harmed). Other minor negative choices are shown to be negative or go without consequences. But all-in-all it is an amazingly deep(as I say "Morgan Freeman Deep") story about four troubled youths going on an adventure to do one last thing together...as friends...As a team. I HIGHLY recommend it.

johnwayneduke
teen, 15 years old
 
the best
One of my favorite movies my first R rated movie also. when i saw it first when I was 8 or 9 and the sexy stuff I did not notice. heavy swearing and that the kids smoke and drink and carry a hand gun is something I did notice. but now as i notice it really is tame sex otherwise great movie

kristijones67
parent of 12 year old
 
edgy is good.
edgy is good. the world is edgy. I'd rather my daughter watch this than the disney princess crap. If your children are going to be shocked by the f-word maybe you should keep them sheltered for as long as you can. talk to your kids. ~k

harrypotter98
kid, 13 years old
 
Parent Should see first
I loved this film as it shows good messages of friendship and growing up. It does include slight sexual refrences and they use very strong language almost fluently so it is more ideal for teens who are mature enough and will not copy any bad language. The characters do smoke quite often and it is a very deep thinking film. Although a dead body is shown it is only for seconds and it is not very grusome at all ( i can't stand grusome things but i found this fine ). Parents should see first.

Ilovemedia
kid, 12 years old
 
It was a good movie my sister saw it even though she was not supposed to the sexual induendo will fly over little kids heads.You just have to watch out for the very strong language . Great movie all and all though

BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
 
A truly thought provoking film
If you can look pass the constantly coarse language said by everyone in this movie, this is a wonderful coming-of-age tale where you get to know each kid, and their characteristics grow and their wills are tested at the climax. A must-see for anyone, teenagers at the youngest.

heather101
kid, 12 years old
 
Say its story 20 years later or somthing looks sweet!
To bad its rated R i saw a story on it of the sunday morning news and it looked good! Maybe to innapropite for kids untill late mid teens!

Skyrock5
teen, 16 years old
 
Stand By Me - A classic.
Total edge-of-your seat drama, so realistic and thought-provoking. This is one of the good ones, so treasure it once you've seen it. It really sends you into a spiral of "I-wish-he-knew-better" and "Treat-him-well" thoughts, and really down to earth drama. It has its comdedic moments, even though they are short-lived. I rate it for 13 years and on because the quest to find the dead body may be interpreted for something that it's not. Its not childish, its not a game, and its not because of influences. Its because of curiosity and the age of innocence. But, one thing that first-time viewers should note is it's set in 1959, so any kids that get bored easily when it comes to these dates should be patient: its not boring, or out-of-date, in fact, its timeless. They just don't make movies like this anymore.

j97tv
teen, 17 years old
 
Stand By Me Review
Rating: IFFY 14+ for strong pervasive language, sexual references, and alcahol/tobacco consumption--- all by children.

magz1027
kid, 11 years old
 
Really Good
It was my first R rated movie and I really liked it. I don't think it's appropriate for younger kids because of the language. There's also mild violence because there is a dead body and when Gordie's going to shoot the teenagers.

ganstaboy30
parent of 15 year old
 
good for kids that like story and drama
stand by me has kids smoking a lot of times and foul language coming out of there mouth

Macrazzle
teen, 14 years old
 
fine for 15 and up no for 1-11 Iffy for 12-14
I love this movie! It was great, it says the F all the time in this movie. They talk about boobs and sex. It's about some kids who have a terrible backround and mean dads. They go on an adventure looking for a dead body. It's a touching story but very iffy for ages under 15.

fangningsheng
teen, 14 years old
 
Good
A good yet slightly disturbing movie. I would rate it R for language and some disturbing violent content involving children and teens

Safemancam001
teen, 14 years old
 
Rated R, but okay for teens.
This was an amazing movie. Lots of drama with a touch of comedy mixed in.

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