Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ice Cube's cult classic has strong language; sexism, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Friday
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is full of humor and memorable characters, especially praising the performances of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, but they highlight its inappropriateness for younger audiences due to extensive language, drug use, and violence. While some found it hilarious and relatable, others deemed it boring or lacking depth, suggesting it's best suited for mature teens and up.
- language issues
- drug use
- humor appeal
- character chemistry
- maturity recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's FRIDAY, and Craig (Ice Cube) has just lost his job—on his day off, too. Now he has nothing to do but hang out with his friend, a drug dealer named "Smokey" (Chris Tucker). As the day passes, they gossip about the kooky neighbors, avoid the block's menace, Deebo (Tommy "Tini" Lister Jr.), and smoke a little pot. Eventually, they must come up with $200 to pay back Smokey's boss or face his retribution. Meanwhile, Craig has developed a little crush on Debbie (Nia Long) and finds he must stand up to Deebo to protect her honor. Can Craig learn how to be a "man" without resorting to the violence that's all around him?
Is It Any Good?
Though there's plenty of lowbrow humor here, the movie doesn't have the same hyped-up, eager-to-please vibe of many other comedies. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job), Friday is fairly unique in the history of African American cinema. It's laid-back, with a refreshing lack of plot mechanics. This, plus the one-day, one-neighborhood setting, allows the characters to flourish in a more organic way. In a way, it's almost on a level with such classics as Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep (1977) and Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (1989).
That said, most of the film's humor is at the expense of other characters, and it has troubling elements of misogyny. Most of the women characters are seen as sexual objects or serve as the target of scornful punchlines. Little people are also made fun of. Friday's characters aren't meant to be role models, but, despite their slightly redeemable moments, they never fully change for the better.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drugs in the characters' lives in Friday. Did Craig learn a lesson after he smoked pot? Should he have given in when he didn't want to? Does Smokey learn any lesson about his drug use?
How did the film's violence make you feel? Was it thrilling, or did it have a harsher effect?
How did you feel about the women in the film? Did any of them seem like strong people, or were they stereotypes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 26, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : March 2, 1999
- Cast : Chris Tucker , Ice Cube , Nia Long
- Director : F. Gary Gray
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive strong language and drug use, and for a brutal fight
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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