The Hitmans Bodyguard Why The R Rating A Parents Guide

The Hitman’s Bodyguard, released in 2017, quickly became a box office success thanks to its explosive action sequences, sharp banter between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, and over-the-top comedic style. However, its R rating from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) raises important questions for parents considering whether it’s suitable for younger viewers. This guide breaks down exactly why the film earned its R rating, what elements might concern families, and how to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your household.

Understanding the MPAA Rating System

The Motion Picture Association assigns ratings to films based on their content. An “R” rating means that children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. The criteria include strong language, graphic violence, sexual content, drug use, and other mature themes.

According to the official MPA description, The Hitman’s Bodyguard received its R rating for “pervasive language, strong bloody violence, and some sexual references.” While this summary is brief, each of these components plays a significant role in shaping the movie’s tone and intensity—factors worth exploring in detail before allowing teens or pre-teens to watch.

Pervasive Language: More Than Just Swearing

One of the primary reasons for the R rating is the film’s consistent and aggressive use of profanity. Characters frequently use strong expletives—including multiple uses of the F-word—throughout the film. Dialogue is laced with crude insults, sexual innuendos, and vulgar expressions, often delivered rapidly during high-tension scenes or comedic exchanges.

While some may dismiss this as typical for an action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, the sheer volume and frequency of offensive language are notable. In one 10-minute stretch alone, there are over 20 instances of strong language. For families who monitor exposure to swearing, especially among younger audiences, this can be a major red flag.

Tip: If your family has rules about language exposure, consider using parental controls or watching with headphones to manage auditory content.

Strong Bloody Violence: Action With Consequences

The film features numerous fight scenes, shootouts, car chases, and explosions—hallmarks of the action genre—but the depiction of violence goes beyond stylized choreography. Blood is visible during several key moments, including gunshot wounds, stabbings, and blunt-force trauma. While not excessively gory by R-rated standards, the violence is realistic enough to feel impactful rather than cartoonish.

For example, a mid-film assassination attempt shows a character bleeding heavily after being shot, with close-ups emphasizing pain and injury. Another scene involves hand-to-hand combat where facial injuries and bloodied knuckles are clearly shown. These depictions contribute significantly to the “strong bloody violence” cited in the MPAA’s reasoning.

Parents should also note that while much of the violence targets adult characters involved in criminal activity, the intensity and realism may still be disturbing for sensitive viewers, particularly those under 13.

“Action films today often blur the line between entertainment and desensitization. It’s crucial for parents to assess not just what happens on screen, but how it makes their child feel afterward.” — Dr. Laura Simmons, Child Psychologist specializing in media effects

Sexual References and Suggestive Content

Though the film contains no explicit nudity or sex scenes, it includes frequent sexual jokes, innuendo, and suggestive dialogue. Much of this stems from Michael Bryce’s (Ryan Reynolds) awkward attempts at flirtation and his self-deprecating humor around relationships. There are references to infidelity, casual hookups, and adult-oriented humor involving bodily functions and intimacy.

One scene features a female character discussing her romantic history in candid terms, while another includes a joke about erectile dysfunction. These moments aren’t central to the plot but appear regularly enough to shape the film’s overall maturity level.

A Comparative Look: Similar Films and Their Ratings

Movie	MPAA Rating	Primary Reasons for Rating
The Hitman’s Bodyguard	R	Pervasive language, strong bloody violence, sexual references
Deadpool (2016)	R	Violence, language, sexual content, nudity
Red (2010)	PG-13	Intense action violence, brief language
Central Intelligence (2016)	PG-13	Action violence, crude humor, language
Kingsman: The Secret Service	R	Strong violence, language, sexual content

As seen above, The Hitman’s Bodyguard shares similarities with other R-rated action comedies like Deadpool and Kingsman, particularly in tone and language use. However, unlike Red or Central Intelligence, which maintain PG-13 ratings through more restrained content, this film crosses thresholds in both language frequency and violent depiction.

Real Example: A Parent’s Dilemma

Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from Portland, Oregon, shared her experience showing The Hitman’s Bodyguard to her 14-year-old son. “I thought it would be fine—he’s seen PG-13 action movies before,” she explained. “But within the first 15 minutes, there was so much swearing and a really intense shootout with blood everywhere. My son laughed at the jokes, but I noticed he flinched during one of the stabbing scenes.”

After pausing the film to discuss what they were seeing, Sarah decided to finish it together but made a point to talk about the consequences of real-world violence versus cinematic exaggeration. “It turned into a good conversation,” she said, “but I wish I’d checked the content details beforehand.”

Parental Guidance Checklist: Is This Film Right for Your Family?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether The Hitman’s Bodyguard aligns with your family’s values and viewing standards:

• ✅ Are you comfortable with frequent strong language (F-word used over 30 times)?
• ✅ Can your child distinguish between fictionalized violence and real-life consequences?
• ✅ Is your viewer sensitive to blood or physical injury depictions?
• ✅ Are sexual jokes and adult-themed humor acceptable in your home?
• ✅ Have you considered watching it together to provide context and answer questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 13-year-old watch The Hitman’s Bodyguard?

While some 13-year-olds may handle the content depending on maturity level, the film’s pervasive language and violent scenes make it generally unsuitable for most viewers under 15. Many parents report discomfort with the coarse humor and graphic moments even for older teens.

Is there any nudity in the movie?

No, there is no full nudity. However, there are sexual references and one scene featuring partial undressing in a suggestive context (without explicit visuals).

Would this be okay to watch with parental guidance?

Yes, many parents choose to co-view the film with teenagers to discuss themes like accountability, violence, and responsible behavior. Watching together allows opportunities to pause, reflect, and clarify misunderstandings about glorified criminal behavior or toxic masculinity portrayed in the characters.

Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision

The R rating for The Hitman’s Bodyguard isn’t arbitrary—it reflects consistent and cumulative exposure to mature content across multiple categories. While the film delivers laughs and adrenaline-pumping sequences, it does so within a framework designed for adult audiences. The humor relies heavily on shock value, the violence carries emotional weight despite comedic timing, and the language rarely lets up.

For parents, the decision shouldn’t hinge solely on age. Instead, consider your child’s sensitivity, existing media habits, and your ability to engage in meaningful discussion afterward. Media doesn’t exist in a vacuum; how it’s processed matters just as much as what’s shown.

💬 Have you watched The Hitman’s Bodyguard with your teen? Share your thoughts, concerns, or takeaways in the comments below—your insights could help another parent make a confident choice.