Common Sense Media Review
'90s classic has violence, cursing, sexual references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Ghost
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a beloved classic that successfully blends romance, comedy, and supernatural elements, featuring standout performances, particularly from Whoopi Goldberg. However, reviews caution about its graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes that may not be suitable for younger children, despite many viewers recommending it for teens and above.
- classic appeal
- strong performances
- mature themes
- graphic content
- recommended for teens
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Sam (Patrick Swayze) is killed by a mugger, he's left in some kind of limbo here on earth, able to witness events but unable to communicate with the living. He turns to Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), a wacky spiritual advisor, to help track down his killer and protect his distraught girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore). Through Oda Mae, Sam is able to talk to Molly and they even have one last physical encounter through Oda Mae's body. Sam and Oda Mae manage to discover the killer, who turns out to be Sam's embezzling coworker and former best friend, Carl. In a wild climax, Sam kills Carl, who's then carried away by nasty demons. With Molly watching, Sam ascends in a beautiful, white light.
Is It Any Good?
Ghost is melodramatic and spiritually simplistic, but the combination of comedy, thrills, and mushy romance will be irresistible to some. While it doesn't explain why bad things happen to good people, it tries to reassure us that good people can find divine justice. Filled with ersatz spirituality, the movie presents a syrupy vision of the afterlife; the good guys ascend to heaven in a beam of light and bad guys are carried to hell by demons.
In the first 40 minutes, the movie plays like a melodrama, chock-a-block with unrestrained passion, gruesome murder, and plenty of suspense. With the introduction of Whoopi Goldberg as a storefront spiritual advisor, the movie radically changes direction to become a comedy. The romance also becomes a major factor. Some teens may enjoy seeing how love can conquer all -- even murder.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's formula. Why do the good guys tend to win in big Hollywood movies? If the movie had a more ambiguous ending, would it be as popular? Can you think of movies or other stories that didn't conclude happily?
What are some other examples of movies centered on the afterlife? How is this movie similar and different?
There are some violent deaths in this movie. Did the violence seem necessary to what was happening in the movie, or did it seem gratuitous?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 13, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : April 24, 2001
- Cast : Demi Moore , Patrick Swayze , Whoopi Goldberg
- Director : Jerry Zucker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Mature Themes
- Last updated : March 9, 2026
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