Why Is Scream 6 Rated R? - What Parents Should Know Before Letting Their Kids Watch

The "Scream" franchise has always offered a unique blend of horror and satire. It's also always leaned into its R rating, and that's true for the most recent addition to the franchise, "Scream 6." Now that the movie is on Paramount+ as well as other digital platforms, it's easier than ever for kids and teens to watch it, which may have parents asking why is "Scream 6" rated R.

It's understandable why younger kids would want to see it. It's a major franchise starring Jenna Ortega, the new current it-girl. But parents need to make sure their youngsters can handle what happens on screen. This is a slasher movie, first and foremost, so there are a lot of deaths, many of which are particularly brutal. If you've seen the movie, you know what happens during the ladder scene. Many reviewers even referred to "Scream 6" as the bloodiest "Scream" yet, with Mama's Geeky writing, "Scream VI delivers some of the most brutal kills to ever grace the screen. Just when you think things are as far as they will get, Ghostface pushes the envelope just a bit further."

There are slashings and shotgun blasts aplenty, but the violence isn't the only thing parents need to consider.

The question for parents is whether "Scream 6" is okay for kids under the age of 17 to watch. If they're fans of horror movies and have seen other bloody affairs like the new "Halloween" movies, perhaps they'd be okay as far as the violence. However, there are other factors to consider. Seeing how "Scream 6" is rated R, there's ample language, including dozens of uses of "f***." There are plenty of other crude words, which is to be expected when a serial killer is hunting you. 

There are also sexual jokes. One character is known for having quite a bit of sex, although no nudity is ever seen. There are moments when noises can be heard behind a wall. There's also a potentially triggering moment during a party scene where a boy tries to get an intoxicated girl back to his room. He's unsuccessful, but it may be triggering for some.

"Scream 6" also contains mature themes about trauma and dealing with the aftereffects of something horrific. Younger children may not be able to appreciate such themes fully. As a parent, you know your children best, so it's up to you to decide whether "Scream 6" is something they can handle. For kids who are used to these kinds of horror movies, "Scream 6" may be okay for 14- or 15-year-olds. Even adults may need to watch certain scenes with their hands covering their eyes, so just make sure your kids make good decisions.