five nights at freddys movie poster

Five Nights at Freddy’s: A Movie Review For Parents

Updated January 21, 2024


Overview

Overall Rating: ⭐ 3.0 / 5

Recommended Age: 13 and up

If you know anything about the game, Five Nights at Freddy’s, you probably already know what to expect from the recent movie adaptation. Tons of jump scares, creepy animatronics, and suspenseful music that’ll make fans of the game feel right at home! But the movie adds a captivating storyline amid the scary setting that both long-time players and unacquainted viewers have loved. But before you let your child watch, let’s discuss some important elements to be sure the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie is appropriate for them to watch. Let’s begin!  

Harmful Content ❗️

Rating:

As far as horror films go, Five Nights at Freddy’s is not the most gory or disturbing by any means. But parents should know there is a significant amount of violence and bloodshed (more details below on that). Additionally, the antagonist of the movie is a serial killer who has murdered kids and the haunted animatronics in the restaurant are possessed by his victims. With this dark plot point, you’ll want to be sure your child is mature enough to handle this story.  

Additionally, there’s some background about the family drama in the movie that parents may want to be aware of. Mike and his sister Abby are each other’s only family, as their parents are gone and their other brother, Garrett, was abducted years earlier. Mike, though responsible for his sister, struggles to provide and relies on sleeping pills throughout the story. The only family they have is Aunt Jane, who is trying to win custody of Abby and take her away from Mike. 

 

Language 

There is some mild swearing throughout the movie. 

 

Sex

Five Nights at Freddy’s has no sexual content. 

 

Violence 

The violence in the movie mostly centers around characters being attacked or killed by the haunted animatronics that come to life. Characters receive bloody wounds and are even eaten by a monster. A handful of characters are killed, and while the scenes are made to be scary and intense, the killings themselves are not overly gratuitous or explicit. Throughout the movie, you can expect lots of screaming, panic, and other elements that add to an increasing level of fear. 

Positive Value 💫

Rating:

The movie’s plot line with Mike and his sister conveys to the audience that it’s important to fight for family and do whatever it takes to protect them. While Mike is not the ideal role model, as he can’t hold a job and has an overall disorganized life, he puts his sister first when they’re faced with danger in the haunted pizza restaurant. 

Another positive point is that at the end of Five Nights at Freddy’s, the serial killer who’s been left to his devices for so many years gets what’s coming to him. While not exactly a happy ending, it’s always a better story when the bad guy is stopped and the good guys come out on top!

So, should my kid watch it?

We’d suggest this movie for ages around 13 and up, but each family differs when it comes to what level of violence they’re comfortable with for their kids. And now that you know the facts, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your kids!