Is Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Kid Friendly?

With Ryan Reynolds as one of the main stars, I was worried if Pokémon: Detective Pikachu would be kid friendly. Tamed by its PG-rating, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu doesn’t contain too much language, but there are mature themes and scary situations for young children. Is Pokémon: Detective Pikachu appropriate for children under 8? Let’s take a look at the profanity, violence, and sexual content in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu.

Is Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Kid Friendly?

Overall, with a PG-rating, you do get a fun, family-friendly film with Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Fans of the Pokémon universe, video games, cards, Pokémon Go, etc., will want to see this film, and I don’t think they’ll be disappointed. Is this film for little ones? Let’s break it down.

Profanity in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

Thankfully profanity was mild in Detective Pikachu, though still annoying there was any in a PG-movie. I counted 2 uses of hell, 3 uses of “oh my G-d,” one “good G-d,” and one damn. There was one time a character started to say “oh sh–“, but never finished. 

I also had the same issues with the PG-rated Incredibles 2.

Violence in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

There are definitely scary scenes where my little ones (ages 6 and 8) had to cover their eyes or grab on to the arm of the person next to them. Some of these tense scenes include Pokémon monsters and their favorite characters in danger. At least 3 major scenes will cause some distress, especially small children sensitive to violence.

Sexual Content in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

There is no blatant sexual content in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. There is some flirting between two characters, one character loses his pants, but still has boxer shorts on (and the scene isn’t sexual), and one joke that is a little questionable, but most likely will go over the heads of small kids.

Is Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Appropriate for Kids Under 8?

At about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the action-packed Detective Pikachu will keep kids ages 6 and above entertained. I would recommend Pokémon: Detective Pikachu for kids ages 8 and up, based on the scary content. However, I think kids 6 and up would be fine, if they are not easily frightened by character violence.

There is mature content, especially relating to grief and the loss of parents, so just a warning if your children have experienced that.

But Pikachu is just so dang adorable! He’s cuddly, he’s funny, and my kids want all the stuffed Pikachu dolls. Even when’s sad, I just wanted to squeeze him and give him a hug. Kids will LOVE seeing their favorite Pokémon come to life on the big screen. Cheers erupted when Cubone appeared!

I Choose You, Detective Pikachu

I’m willing to overlook a few plot holes in Detective Pikachu in favor of this family-friendly film that gets audiences of all ages excited! I would say I’m an average Pokémon fan who knows what the phrase “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” means. I played Pokémon Go with my daughters, and I know the difference between a Charizard and a Mewtwo. When I watched the screening, I’m not sure who laughed harder, the 30-year-old dude behind me or the 8-year-old next to me.

The Pokémon CGI is incredible! It’s not hokey, and Ryme City, a modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live together, is as realistic as you can get when you think about the premise. This one’s for the fans. However, if you’re not a fan, you’ll still be entertained. 

Ryan Reynolds proves that he can be funny without a potty mouth. If you’re looking for Deadpool Pikachu, then you’ve come to the wrong place. Don’t expect it, and you’ll see his talent shine through in a wise-cracking, yet appropriate Pikachu. 

The nostalgia overrides some criticism, but Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is a fun family film parents can share with their teenagers and young kids. In this day and age, that’s as good as it gets. 

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is in theaters May 10!!

Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.

Check out more Kid Friendly Reviews:

Is Avengers: Endgame Kid Friendly?

Is Shazam! Kid Friendly?