Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dumb, raunchy comedy is a tired spoof attempt.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Meet the Spartans
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a divisive parody, with some viewers finding it hilarious and overly crude, while others deem it tasteless, boring, and crammed with stale jokes. Many reviews highlight its reliance on pop culture references and sexual innuendos, with a notable split between those who appreciate its humor and those who find it completely unwatchable.
- divided opinions
- crude humor
- pop culture references
- tasteless comedy
- not worth watching
- some found funny
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
From the directing team behind Date Movie and Epic Movie comes yet another spoof, this time of the "swords and sandals" genre. Using the stylized, over-the-top 300 as its "inspiration," this spastic, goofy comedy is set in Grecian times. The not-so-mighty King Leonidas (Sean Maguire) faces the threat of an attack from Xerxes (Ken Davitian) and his Persian army. His captain (Kevin Sorbo, spoofing himself) manages to round up a ragtag army who'll gladly step into a "battlefield" that requires them to "step up," hurl insults, and break dance, all in the name of Sparta. Good thing they're not required to do much else, since they don't appear to be too handy with the weapons.
Is It Any Good?
This dismally unfunny comedy is mindless and riddled with gross-out humor. It's also chock full of pop culture references that will date themselves almost instantly and tons of offensive jokes, stereotypes, and cartoonish violence. Skip it and watch a worthy spoof like Airplane! or Spaceballs instead.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Hollywood keeps churning out movies like Meet the Spartans. What makes them appealing to certain viewers?
What part of the humor works (or doesn't)? Do you think anyone will find any of it funny decades from now, when half of the references will have been forgotten?
Does any of the stuff in this movie go too far? Are there better examples of spoofs?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 25, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : June 2, 2008
- Cast : Carmen Electra , Ken Davitian , Sean Maguire
- Directors : Aaron Seltzer , Jason Friedberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude and sexual content throughout, language and some comic violence.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate