Rocketman age rating: How old do you have to be to see Rocketman?

Rocketman has proven itself to be a formidable musician biopic, even if it hasn’t surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody at the box office. Starring Taron Egerton, the story of Elton John has received praise from critics. Yet, Elton John’s life and legacy have not been wholly PG rated – so it seems safe to assume the movie isn’t either.

What is the Rocketman age rating?

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) gave Rocketman a 15 rating.

The BBFC described a 15 rating as: “No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema.”

As for Rocketman itself, the BBFC cited drug misuse, sex, and very strong language as the reasons behind its rating.

The BBFC wrote: “People are shown snorting cocaine and using bongs. There are occasional references to drug and alcohol addiction.

“A large group of people are shown writhing and thrusting together during a stylised orgy sequence, without visible nudity.

“Another scene features a short sequence of below-frame oral sex.”

“There is infrequent use of very strong language (‘c***’), in addition to more frequent use of strong language (‘f***’).

“Milder terms include ‘b****’, ‘p****’, ‘sh**’ and ‘b******’.

“There is also infrequent use of homophobic terms; the work as a whole does not condone discriminatory language or behaviour.”

“Infrequent moderate violence includes a sequence in which one man slaps another.

“In another scene, a man is shown overdosing on prescription pills.”

In America, the movie has been rated R, which means those under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Common Sense Media, an American website dedicated to helping parents gauge movies for their kids, wrote that Rocketman: “Has plenty of mature content, but the overall tone is sweet and life-affirming, and John is portrayed as someone who has the trappings of fame and success but only finds true happiness through deep, authentic connections with other people.

“His addictions and flaws are addressed frankly; the movie begins with him admitting he’s an alcoholic, a drug addict, a sex addict, and a shopaholic, and viewers see him indulging openly during the movie.”

“Many scenes show John snorting lines of cocaine and drinking heavily; he appears sloppy and out of it, and the people in his life criticize his use.”

Though the film is clearly not suitable for children, Rocketman may offer teaching moments for teenagers alongside holding a 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes for being a pure joy to watch.

Rocketman is now playing in cinemas.