Is Meet Joe Black appropriate for children?

# Meet Joe Black - Parental Guide A wealthy businessman encounters Death personified as a young man in this fantasy-drama. While the PG-13 rating allows older children, the film contains strong sexual content and mature themes about mortality that make it better suited for teens 14+. The slow pacing may also bore younger children.

What age is Meet Joe Black suitable for?

Our verdict for Meet Joe Black is: Not recommended. See the age grid on this page for specific recommendations by age group.

Is Meet Joe Black safe for children? | ScreenWise Parent Guide

Content breakdown

🔫

Violence

Moderate

🗣️

Language / Profanity

Mild

🔞

Sexual Content

Strong

👻

Horror / Scary

Mild

About this movie

Type

Movie

Released

1998

Rating

PG-13

Genre

Fantasy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis

Bill Parrish has it all - success, wealth and power. Days before his 65th birthday, he receives a visit from a mysterious stranger, Joe Black, who soon reveals himself as Death. In exchange for extra time, Bill agrees to serve as Joe's earthly guide. But will he regret his choice when Joe unexpectedly falls in love with Bill's beautiful daughter Susan?

Cast

Brad Pitt

Joe Black / Young Man in Coffee Shop

Anthony Hopkins

William Parrish

Claire Forlani

Susan Parrish

Jake Weber

Drew

Full cast on IMDb ›

Age suitability

Under 6

Not yet

Ages 6–8

Not recommended

Ages 9–12

Not recommended

Ages 13+

Not recommended

Where to watch

🎬 Find on Amazon

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Parents also checked

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Generally safe

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Not recommended

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Not recommended

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Generally safe

Ratings based on MPAA/TV classification and TMDB metadata. Updated March 2026.
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