Parents' Guide to

Caddyshack

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Classic '80s comedy; not for kids.

Movie R 1980 130 minutes
Caddyshack Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 10 parent reviews

Accurate P.
Accurate P. Parent of 15-year-old
August 17, 2022
age 12+

PG-13 for sexual content and nudity

Literally the only reason this movie is rated R is because of the sex scene that shows a woman's breasts for about 10-15 seconds. I know this because the movie only uses the F-word once (and not in a sexual context) and there are only like one or two references to drugs. I watched it when I was 11. Your kid will be fine.

This title has:

Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
Kate C.
Kate C. Adult
November 13, 2021
age 14+

Damaging portrayals of women and sexuality

I still found this movie funny as hell. But -- beyond the sex scenes and nudity -- the portrayal of women here is damaging, unless your kids already know how to watch movies from this period with a critical eye. Of the 3 female characters, one is a foil for her rich husband, and the other 2 exist and find joy only in having sex with multiple generally unappealing men. It's pretty classic 70s/80s fare, which is all the more reason to call this out and not normalize it.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In CADDYSHACK, Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) and Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) lead the charge in unmasking the seedy underbelly of the elitist, Bushwood Country Club. When nefarious club president Judge Elihu Smails (Ted Knight) schemes to convert the golf course into a property development, Webb (a man with a lifestyle and demeanor even Hugh Heffner would envy) and Czervik (an unwelcomed, uncouth member of the club) challenge Smails to an all or nothing golf tournament. Smails' "secret weapon" (screwy groundskeeper Carl Spackler [Bill Murray]) provides much of the movie's comic relief, as he attempts to take-out a crafty gopher.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (39):

At the time of its release, no film had ever pushed the envelope of crude humor like Caddyshack. Having emerged from Saturday Night Live with incredible success, legends Bill Murray and Chevy Chase were in their comedic prime. Their ability to riff one-liners and develop side-splitting characters made Caddyshack one of the most quotable films of all time.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the vulgar and offensive nature of some of the characters. Parents will most likely highlight the negative repercussions of many of the characters' decisions, since there are few positive noteworthy actions.

  • Why does Bill Murray's character recklessly drink and smoke marijuana? How does Ted Knight's elitist nature isolate him from others?

Movie Details

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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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