Common Sense Media Review
Edgy coming-of-age tale has underage drinking and drug use.
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Dazed and Confused
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a humorous and relatable coming-of-age story set in the 197s, characterized by excessive drug and alcohol use, as well as some problematic themes such as hazing and crude behavior. Despite its controversial elements, many viewers appreciate the entertaining plot, strong soundtrack, and the depiction of teen life, suggesting it may be suitable for older teens who can understand its context.
- humor
- coming-of-age
- excessive drug use
- strong soundtrack
- controversial themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DAZED AND CONFUSED follows the activities of a group of Texas high schoolers on the last day of the school year as they cruise around town, drink, and fall in love. Mitch (Wiley Wiggins), the bullied freshman, takes revenge on the boy who bullies him (Ben Affleck). And star quarterback Randall "Pink" Floyd (Jason London) is forced to choose between his allegiance to the team and his allegiance to his friends.
Is It Any Good?
Kids may be drawn to this risque comedy, but know that there's lots of bad behavior on display that goes consequence-free. Still, for more mature teens, Dazed and Confused can be seen as a coming-of-age time capsule that paints an unapologetically rosy picture of high school in the 1970s. Though conflict arises when characters briefly contemplate what comes after the last day of school, the film doesn't let such serious moments complicate the good time characters experience.
Dazed and Confused helped to kick off a nostalgic preoccupation with the 1970s that continued with titles like Boogie Nights, That 70s Show, Casino, etc. This isn't to say that the film is an empty ode to the era of bell-bottoms and bongs -- rather, it has spot-on depictions of suburban rites of passage. The joy that Mitch experiences from transcending social barriers that seem etched in stone is contagious. It's nice to be reminded that, on occasion, high school can be fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use that aren't depicted in Dazed and Confused. How might drugs and alcohol affect Randall and Mitch in the future?
Why do you think hazing exists? Is the practice inherently toxic, or can it bring people together? Where is the line?
How does Dazed and Confused compare to other movies about teens and high school? Which high school films feel the most realistic? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 24, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : July 1, 1998
- Cast : Jeremy London , Matthew McConaughey , Wiley Wiggins
- Director : Richard Linklater
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive, continuous teen drug and alcohol use and very strong language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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