Is Risky Business appropriate for children?

# Risky Business - Parental Guide **Not recommended for children.** This R-rated film contains strong language, sexual content, and violence throughout. A privileged teen's weekend alone spirals into increasingly inappropriate situations. The movie's mature themes and explicit scenes make it suitable only for older teens and adults.

What age is Risky Business suitable for?

Our verdict for Risky Business is: Not recommended. See the age grid on this page for specific recommendations by age group.

Is Risky Business safe for children? | ScreenWise Parent Guide

Content breakdown

🔫

Violence

Strong

🗣️

Language / Profanity

Strong

🔞

Sexual Content

Strong

👻

Horror / Scary

Moderate

About this movie

Type

Movie

Released

1983

Rating

Genre

Romance, Comedy, Drama

Synopsis

Meet Joel Goodson, an industrious, college-bound 17-year-old and a responsible, trustworthy son. However, when his parents go away and leave him home alone in the wealthy Chicago suburbs with the Porsche at his disposal he quickly decides he has been good for too long and it is time to enjoy himself. After an unfortunate incident with the Porsche Joel must raise some cash, in a risky way.

Cast

Tom Cruise

Joel Goodson

Rebecca De Mornay

Lana

Joe Pantoliano

Guido

Richard Masur

Rutherford

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

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Not recommended

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