Why Is Ted Rated R? Here's What Parents Should Know Before Letting Their Kids Watch
One might suspect that a movie featuring a talking teddy bear would be appropriate for children, and in most cases that would be the right assumption. That's definitely not the case for 2012's "Ted." Starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Seth McFarlane, "Ted" is about John Bennet (Wahlberg) and his living stuffed animal, Ted (McFarlane).
The story begins when a young and lonely John makes a wish upon a star for a friend, which makes his toy spring to life. The friendship that John and Ted form stands the test of time, though some believe that Ted is a negative influence on John's life. More often than not, John and Ted get into all sorts of trouble, which is usually Ted's fault. Although John tries his very best to be a responsible adult and romantic partner to Lori Collins (Kunis), she isn't the biggest fan of how often Ted and John hang out.
As one might be able to tell, "Ted" is not for kids, and it has an R rating. According to Parent Previews, Ted isn't appropriate because of extensive drug use, incredibly course language, and crude sexual content. Surprisingly though, Wahlberg set one major boundary with MacFarlane regarding his jokes.
Another rating website says Ted is alright for 17 year olds although user submissions are all over
"Ted" is rated R, and viewers should be a bit more on the mature side, despite the general subject matter of the jokes. Common Sense Media notes in its review that audience members should be at least 17, and even though "Ted" is filled with vulgar humor, there is a positive message hidden underneath the crudeness. This site also gives "Ted" a 17+ rating for copious amounts of foul language, heavy sexual content, and innuendo. There are also many scenes where the main characters drink, smoke, and do other substances.
User submissions paint a slightly different picture, with the aggregate age being placed around 15, though there is a tremendous range in scores. User Nbull thinks "Ted" is acceptable for children at the age of 11, and they wrote that the movie is fun and sweet but has fowl language. On the flip side, user Lizzy333 said the movie isn't for minors.
"I watched this for the first time last night, previewing it for an 11-year-old boy," they wrote. "Absolutely inappropriate. While funny, I can honestly say it was pretty naughty. As someone who has never done drugs, it was the first time I've ever seen a bong being used. Also, shows bare breast, which are bring drawn into the face of Garfield the Cat. Absolutely unnecessary. Be warned, the movie does start off sweet, but it doesn't stay that way."