Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cult teen coming-of-age horror has bloody violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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Ginger Snaps
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a blend of horror and humor that offers a relatable metaphor for puberty, often highlighting the chaotic emotions that come with growing up. While it contains strong language, gory scenes, and some mature themes, many reviewers find it suitable and recommend it, especially for teenagers, citing its deeper message about the struggles of adolescence.
- relatable themes
- strong language
- good for teens
- gory content
- emotional depth
- humor elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In GINGER SNAPS, teen sisters Ginger (Emily Perkins) and Brigitte (Katharine Isabelle) are outcasts at their school, but they don't care because they have each other in their own morbid little world. But when Ginger is attacked by a mysterious creature on the eve of her first period, her body starts to change in extreme ways. While Ginger struggles to harness her new power for anything other than destruction, Brigitte is left to pick up the pieces and try to save her sister and everyone around them.
Is It Any Good?
Released in 2000, this enjoyably schlocky teen horror movie seems relatively low-key but has become a cult classic. Complex female leads and themes of hormonal change, fitting in, and, of course, werewolves make Ginger Snaps a unique and poignant choice amid a sea of much blander options. The effects are definitely dated—the werewolves themselves are unlikely to scare anybody these days with their rubbery, almost comical looks. But the sense of fear comes more from the unknown and the uncontrollable and the questions raised about power and loyalty. Dark humor walks hand in hand with bloody violence, and though there are mature themes and plenty of talking points, the movie is likely to appeal to mid-teens and above who might connect with the characters and outcast vibe without getting too scared by the horror aspects themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of change in Ginger Snaps. What changes do each of the girls go through? How does the movie equate puberty with werewolves? Did you notice the metaphor, and do you think it works? Why, or why not?
Discuss the movie's violence. Do you think it was the right level, or was there too much? What are some of the moments that stood out as particularly scary or gory for you? Would the movie have the same impact without the violence?
Do you think you'd stay loyal to your friend or family member if they turned monstrous? Would you revel in newfound power at the expense of others, like Ginger does?
The movie centers two female leads. How do they compare to other women in horror films? Do they fall into any stereotypes? Are they portrayed as smart and strong, as victims, or both?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 13, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : September 13, 2001
- Cast : Emily Perkins , Katharine Isabelle , Mimi Rogers
- Director : John Fawcett
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Copperheart Entertainment
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Monsters ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : extremely graphic violence, strong language, sexual situations
- Last updated : May 6, 2026
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