You probably remember the first one. It was that rare R-rated comedy that actually felt like it was speaking to people who haven't slept more than four hours in a decade. Then came the sequel. Known officially as A Bad Moms Christmas (though everyone just calls it Bad Moms 2), it hit theaters in 2017 with a lot of noise and a very different vibe. If you’re looking at the bad moms 2 rating to decide if it’s worth a rewatch—or if you can sneak it on while the kids are in the other room—the numbers don't tell the whole story.
Honestly, the critics were pretty brutal. But since when do critics understand the catharsis of watching Kathryn Hahn wax a stripper's legs?
The Numbers Nobody Can Agree On
Let's look at the scoreboard because it’s a mess. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at a pretty dismal 32%. That’s a massive drop from the 60% the original pulled off. Critics basically called it a "slapdash" holiday cash-in. They complained about the thin plot and the fact that it felt rushed.
Well, it was rushed. STX Entertainment fast-tracked this thing in under a year to hit that Christmas window.
But then you look at the audience. The CinemaScore was a B. Not amazing, but not a disaster. On IMDb, it holds a steady 6.0/10. It’s the definition of a "your mileage may vary" movie. If you want high art, you’re in the wrong theater. If you want to see Christine Baranski be the most passive-aggressive grandmother in cinematic history, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Why the R-Rating is No Joke
If you are a parent wondering about the bad moms 2 rating for a family movie night: Stop. Just don’t.
✨ Don't miss: Falling in Love: The Story Behind Miami Sound Machine’s Glossy Pop Masterpiece
The Motion Picture Association gave it an R rating for crude sexual content, language throughout, and some drug use. They weren't being dramatic. We are talking about 85 instances of "coarse" language. The F-word is used like a comma.
- Sexual Content: It’s heavy. There’s a plot point involving an erotic dancer played by Justin Hartley. It’s played for laughs, but it is definitely "adult" humor.
- Substance Use: The moms spend a significant amount of time drinking. There is also a scene involving marijuana.
- The Vibe: It's a movie about moms behaving badly. It’s in the title.
Basically, this is a movie for after the kids go to bed. Or, more accurately, it’s a movie for when you’ve sent the kids to their grandma’s and you have a bottle of wine that needs finishing.
The "Grandma" Factor: Adding Complexity to the Chaos
What the bad moms 2 rating doesn't capture is the brilliance of the casting. They didn't just bring back Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn. They brought in the heavy hitters:
- Christine Baranski as Ruth (Amy’s perfectionist nightmare of a mother).
- Cheryl Hines as Sandy (Kiki’s smothering, border-line stalker mother).
- Susan Sarandon as Isis (Carla’s "shows up once every ten years to ask for money" mother).
This changed the dynamic. The first movie was about rebellion against the "Perfect Mom" social standard. The second one is about the generational trauma of our own mothers. It’s darker. It’s meaner. Some people hated that. Others? They felt seen.
Box Office vs. Quality
Does a lower rating mean it failed? Not really. The budget was about $28 million, and it pulled in over $130 million worldwide. People showed up. Even if they didn't like it as much as the first one, the demand for stories about women losing their minds during the holidays is clearly high.
It’s interesting to note that in Australia and New Zealand, the film was literally titled Bad Moms 2. Here in the States, branding it as a Christmas movie probably helped its longevity. It has now become one of those "guilty pleasure" movies that pops up on cable every December.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Watch
If you’re planning to dive into A Bad Moms Christmas, here is how to actually enjoy it without letting the low critic scores ruin your night:
- Lower the bar for "plot": This isn't Inception. The story is just a clothesline to hang jokes on. Accept that now.
- Watch for the chemistry: The magic isn't in the script; it's in the way Hahn, Bell, and Kunis play off each other. They genuinely seem like they’re having fun.
- Expect the "Smaltz": Unlike the first one, which stayed pretty sharp, this one takes a hard turn into sentimental "I love you, Mom" territory at the end. It’s cheesy. Just roll with it.
- Check the "Parents Guide": If you’re sensitive to vulgarity, this is your warning. It is significantly raunchier than most mainstream holiday comedies.
The bad moms 2 rating reflects a movie that tried to do too much too fast, but for a specific audience, it still hits the spot. It’s loud, it’s foul-mouthed, and it’s deeply cynical about the "magic" of Christmas. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to hear when you’re the one stuck wrapping all the presents at 2 AM.
Instead of relying on the Tomatometer, consider your own stress levels. If you’re currently hiding in the bathroom from your own family, this movie will probably feel like a five-star masterpiece.
To get the most out of your viewing experience, check the specific content advisories on sites like Common Sense Media or ParentPreviews if you're worried about specific triggers, as the "R" rating covers a wide range of irreverent behavior that might not sit well with everyone.