The lights dim, the rhythmic stomping starts, and Hugh Jackman’s silhouette appears against a canvas of shadows. It’s infectious. You’ve probably seen the clips or heard "This Is Me" blasted at every talent show for the last few years. But if you’re planning a family movie night, the technicalities matter. What rating is The Greatest Showman, and more importantly, is it actually okay for your specific kids?
The short answer: The Greatest Showman is rated PG. But "PG" is a broad bucket. In the world of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), PG stands for "Parental Guidance Suggested." It’s that middle ground between the squeaky-clean G and the "maybe-too-edgy" PG-13. For this film, the rating exists because of "thematic elements including a brawl." Honestly, that description is a bit of a simplification of what’s actually on screen.
Why the PG rating actually exists
When you dig into the specifics of why the MPAA landed on PG, it isn't just because of one singular moment. It’s a vibe.
The "brawl" they mention is a scene where local protesters—people who hate the circus and the "oddities"—clash with the performers. There’s punching, some shoving, and a general sense of chaos. It’s not a Quentin Tarantino bloodbath, obviously. It feels more like a staged, rhythmic scuffle, but for a very young child, the anger in the scene might be a little jarring.
Beyond the "Brawl"
There are other things that the rating board looks at. You’ve got a massive fire that burns down a building, which creates some real tension. Characters are shown trapped inside, and there’s a frantic rescue mission. It’s high-stakes stuff.
✨ Don't miss: Why October London Make Me Wanna Is the Soul Revival We Actually Needed
Then there’s the emotional weight. P.T. Barnum’s childhood is pretty rough. You see his father get sick and pass away, leaving him as an orphan on the streets. He has to steal bread to survive. For a 5-year-old, seeing a kid struggle like that can be more upsetting than a choreographed fistfight.
- Violence: Mostly fistfights and the fire sequence.
- Language: Very mild. You might hear a "damn" or "God," but it’s exceptionally clean compared to most modern musicals.
- Alcohol: There’s quite a bit of social drinking. Champagne flows at the high-society parties, and there’s a whole song ("The Other Side") set in a bar where shots are slammed down.
Is it too scary for young kids?
Age is just a number, right? Well, sort of. Most parents find that kids aged 7 and up handle the movie without any issues.
If you have a child under 5, they might get a little wiggly during the non-musical scenes. The plot involves bank loans, class struggles, and marital tension—not exactly toddler catnip. Also, some of the performers in the circus are styled to look "unusual" to fit the 19th-century freak show aesthetic. While the movie’s whole message is about celebrating these differences, a very young child might find the initial "reveal" of certain characters a bit spooky.
The "scandals" in the movie are also worth mentioning. There’s a plot point where a famous singer (Jenny Lind) kisses Barnum on stage. It’s a big "oh no" moment for his marriage. It’s handled with a lot of restraint, but you might find yourself explaining why Barnum’s wife is so upset later on.
🔗 Read more: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
The stuff Google won't tell you: The historical gap
If you’re watching this for a history lesson, stop. Just stop.
The movie is a "fanciful reinvention," which is a fancy way of saying they changed almost everything. The real P.T. Barnum was a much more complicated (and often controversial) figure than the charming Hugh Jackman version. The PG rating keeps things "family-friendly," which means the movie glosses over the more exploitative parts of the historical circus.
For example, the movie presents the circus as a big, happy family from day one. In reality, the ethics of 19th-century shows were murky at best. If you have older kids, the PG rating is a great jumping-off point to talk about how history gets polished for the big screen.
Practical breakdown for parents
If you're still on the fence, here's the "too long; didn't read" version of the content:
💡 You might also like: Is Lincoln Lawyer Coming Back? Mickey Haller's Next Move Explained
The Romance: Very tame. Lots of longing looks, some hand-holding, and a few kisses. The most "suggestive" it gets is Zendaya and Zac Efron flying through the air on ropes together.
The Fear Factor: The fire is the big one. It’s loud, there’s smoke, and characters end up in the hospital with bandages. If your kid is sensitive to "peril," maybe pre-watch that part.
The Themes: This is where the movie shines. It deals with racism (the Phillip and Anne storyline), classism, and self-acceptance. It’s a "teachable moment" goldmine.
Actionable Next Steps
If you've decided to go for it, make the most of it. Don't just let the credits roll and move on.
- Check out the soundtrack first: If your kids already love the songs, they’ll be much more engaged during the slower, talky parts of the movie.
- Talk about the protesters: Ask your kids why the people in the movie were so mean to the circus performers. It’s an easy way to talk about bullying and prejudice without it feeling like a lecture.
- Fact-check together: After the movie, look up the real General Tom Thumb or the real Jenny Lind. Seeing the difference between the movie and reality is a great lesson in media literacy.
Ultimately, what rating is The Greatest Showman? It's a PG that earns its keep through emotional intensity and a few "brawls," but it remains one of the safest, most uplifting family picks of the last decade.