Honestly, if you ask someone to describe Forrest Gump, they’ll probably mention a box of chocolates, some muddy running shoes, or Tom Hanks sitting on a bench. It feels like one of those cozy, "watch with the whole family" movies. But if you’re actually looking up what is Forrest Gump rated, you might be surprised to see that "PG-13" tag staring back at you.
It’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
On one hand, it’s a sweet story about a guy who just loves his mama and his girl. On the other, it’s a gritty trek through the most chaotic decades of American history. If you're planning a movie night with the kids, you might want to pause. The rating isn't just a suggestion; it’s there because Robert Zemeckis didn't shy away from some pretty heavy stuff.
What is Forrest Gump rated? Breaking down the MPAA decision
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) officially slapped Forrest Gump with a PG-13 rating. Specifically, the board cited "drug content, some sensuality, and war violence."
That’s the official line.
But what does that actually look like when you’re sitting on the couch? It means the movie sits in that weird middle ground. It’s too mature for the Toy Story crowd but not quite as graphic as something like Saving Private Ryan. When it hit theaters back in 1994, PG-13 was the sweet spot for blockbusters—it allowed for realism without losing the massive family-adjacent audience.
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The Vietnam War: Not just "movie" violence
The "war violence" mentioned in the rating isn't your typical cartoonish action. When Forrest heads to Vietnam, the film gets dark. We see soldiers getting hit by napalm. There’s blood. There are screams. The scene where Forrest carries Bubba through the jungle is heartbreaking and visceral.
Then you have Lieutenant Dan.
Gary Sinise’s performance is legendary, but his character’s journey is rough. We see the immediate, bloody aftermath of his legs being blown off. Later, we see him struggling with severe depression, alcoholism, and the "sensuality" the MPAA mentioned—mostly involving a messy night with some women in a New York hotel room that ends with him falling out of his wheelchair. It’s heavy. It’s real.
The "Jenny" Factor: Drugs and trauma
If Forrest represents the innocent side of the 20th century, Jenny represents the scars. This is where the "drug content" and "sensuality" mostly live.
Her storyline includes:
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- Implied childhood sexual abuse (the "touching" from her father).
- Deep dives into the 70s drug culture, including scenes where it's implied she's using heroin or snorting cocaine.
- A terrifying scene where she almost jumps off a balcony while high/suicidal.
- Various abusive relationships where she is physically struck by men.
Basically, while Forrest is playing Ping-Pong, Jenny is living through a much darker version of reality. For a younger kid, explaining why Jenny is so sad or why she’s "sick" at the end of the movie can be a tough conversation to have on the fly.
Why the rating still matters in 2026
You might think, "Oh, it's an old movie, ratings were different back then." Actually, Forrest Gump has aged into its rating even more.
Some of the language used—including racial slurs and derogatory terms for Forrest’s disability—reflects the time periods the movie portrays (the 50s through the 80s). While it's historically accurate for the setting, it can be jarring for modern ears. Parents today often find themselves needing to provide a lot of "context" that maybe wasn't as emphasized in 1994.
Language and "the F-word"
Interestingly, the movie only uses the "F-bomb" once in a clear, audible way (during an anti-war rally speech that gets cut off). However, it’s peppered with other profanities and "crude" terms. The MPAA usually allows one "non-sexual" use of the F-word in a PG-13 movie, and Forrest Gump hits that limit perfectly.
International Ratings: Is it the same everywhere?
Interestingly, the world doesn't always agree on Forrest.
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- United Kingdom: The BBFC gave it a 12.
- Canada: Most provinces went with a PG rating, though Alberta later reclassified it with warnings for "substance abuse."
- Australia: Rated M (Recommended for mature audiences).
Is it okay for your kids?
So, what’s the verdict? If you’re asking what is Forrest Gump rated because you’re wondering if a 9-year-old can handle it, the answer is: maybe, but be ready to talk.
The movie is essentially a history lesson wrapped in a fable. It’s brilliant. It’s moving. But it also deals with the death of parents, the death of best friends, the horrors of war, and the slow decline of a loved one due to illness.
Most experts and "parent guides" like Common Sense Media suggest that 12 or 13 is the "sweet spot." At that age, kids have enough historical context to understand the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement, and enough emotional maturity to handle Jenny’s tragic arc.
Actionable insights for your next viewing
If you're going to watch it with someone younger, keep these three things in mind:
- The "Skip" Button: The scenes in Vietnam and Jenny's "party" years are the most intense. If the kids are really young, you might want to breeze through those.
- Context is King: Use the movie as a jumping-off point to talk about the 1960s. It makes the "bad parts" feel more like history and less like random trauma.
- Focus on the Themes: Talk about Forrest’s resilience. The rating is PG-13, but the heart of the movie is 100% wholesome.
Ultimately, Forrest Gump is a masterpiece that earned its rating by being honest about how messy life can be. It’s not just a movie about a guy who runs; it’s a movie about surviving the world. Just make sure your audience is ready for the "messy" parts before you hit play.
To get the most out of your rewatch, try looking up a "historical cameo" list beforehand. Identifying real-life figures like George Wallace or John Lennon as they appear on screen makes the PG-13 journey through history a lot more engaging.