Common Sense Media Review
Entertaining modeling spoof has sex, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Zoolander
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film offers a lot of laughs and is enjoyable for older teens and adults, it has numerous adult themes including sexuality, profanity, and drug references that make it unsuitable for younger viewers. Overall, many find it hilarious but strongly recommend caution regarding its content for children under 14.
- adult themes
- not for kids
- very funny
- suitable for teens
- controversy over content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 56 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious, albeit absurd comedy featuring memorable quotes and a satirical take on the fashion industry. While many find it genuinely funny and a cult classic, some reviews caution about its inappropriate content and suggest it's not suitable for younger audiences due to sexual references and uncomfortable themes.
- hilarious
- absurd
- inappropriate content
- memorable quotes
- cult classic
- not suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ZOOLANDER, when the new Malaysian prime minister (Woodrow Asai) promises to raise the minimum wage for his country's workers, cabals of fashion industry insiders know there's only one choice: Kill the prime minister––and use a male model to do it. "We need a beautiful, self-absorbed simpleton who can be manipulated and molded, like Jell-O," intones a woman veiled by shadow. Enter Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller), a veteran male model who names his expressions (Blue Steel, Le Tigre, etc.) but manages to look the same doing all of them and has always wanted to make a living "being really, really, really, ridiculously good-looking." When Derek loses a prestigious fashion award to up-and-comer Hansel (Owen Wilson) and his three best model friends die after having a gasoline fight (don't ask), Derek quits modeling, only to come back to international espionage, an orgy, and a date with destiny.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining satire delights with silly jokes that you can't help but giggle at, and viewers will find lots to enjoy. If you think Zoolander's premise sounds ridiculous, it is. But it's a good ridiculous, like Austin Powers: Man of Mystery or Dodgeball. Watch it for the scene in which Derek and Hansel street battle, male model-style, with a runway.
There's also some inspired casting: David Duchovny as a conspiracy-theory devotee and long-time hand model, and Will Ferrell as the over-the-top villain Mugatu, designer of the Derelicte fashion line. There are pop culture references galore and cameos by everyone from Paris Hilton to Donatella Versace to David Bowie. Many of the references could fly over the heads of younger viewers, but anyone can sit back and enjoy the antics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of Zoolander's more serious themes, like bulimia, literacy, and sweatshop labor. Do you like seeing serious subjects brought up in silly movies? How does that affect their impact?
What do you think the movie is saying about models and how our culture treats them? Are any of the characters intended to be role models?
Who's the intended audience of this movie? Why do so many people love silly comedies? Why do different types of humor appeal to different people?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 2, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : March 12, 2002
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Owen Wilson , Will Ferrell , Christine Taylor
- Director : Ben Stiller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Competition , Friendship
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual situations, comic violence
- Last updated : December 8, 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