Common Sense Media Review
Tarantino masterpiece is entertaining, yet violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pulp Fiction
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 73 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a masterpiece with exceptional dialogue and groundbreaking storytelling, yet it includes graphic violence, pervasive profanity, and disturbing content that make it unsuitable for children. While some reviewers argue it is an essential watch for older teens and adults due to its cultural significance, many warn about its mature themes and recommend it strictly for adult audiences only.
- masterpiece quality
- graphic violence
- excessive profanity
- not for kids
- cultural significance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 212 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a remarkable masterpiece characterized by clever storytelling, memorable dialogue, and a unique non-linear plot structure that intertwines multiple crime-related narratives. However, it is heavily criticized for its graphic violence, extensive use of profanity, and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences and more appropriate for those at least 16 years old or older due to its disturbing content.
- masterpiece story
- graphic violence
- heavy profanity
- mature themes
- non-linear narrative
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
PULP FICTION combines four intertwining storylines in a nonlinear fashion, featuring an all-star cast of characters who are connected in seemingly random ways. They include professional assassins Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vince (John Travolta); their powerful drug-dealing boss, Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames); Wallace's wife, Mia (Uma Thurman); aging boxer Butch (Bruce Willis); and a host of others. The characters all encounter one another throughout the film, resulting in a chain of events that changes the course of their lives.
Is It Any Good?
This movie boasts groundbreaking direction, cinematography, and screenwriting, plus a killer soundtrack and extraordinary performances (particularly by Thurman, Travolta, and Jackson). Pulp Fiction had an immeasurable impact on both mainstream and independent filmmaking in the 1990s. But despite the film's innovation and success, its extreme violence, language, and sexual content make it inappropriate for all but the most mature teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Pulp Fiction's popularity, despite its mature content. Do you think the film's sex, violence, drug use, and language contribute to its success? Can you think of any reasons for the film to depict so much violence and cruelty?
Which storyline of the film do you find the most interesting? Do the interconnected stories bring out any bigger themes?
Do you think this film has aged well? How does it portray female and Black characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 14, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : May 19, 1998
- Cast : Bruce Willis , John Travolta , Samuel L. Jackson , Uma Thurman
- Director : Quentin Tarantino
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 154 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language and some sexuality.
- Last updated : November 6, 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