What is the age rating of Strays?

Heading into UK cinemas on August 17th and in US cinemas from August 18th is the canine comedy, Strays. The film – directed by Josh Greenbaum – follows the story of a Border Terrier named Reggie, who is abandoned by his owner, Doug, which in turn leads to comedic hijinks.

For those not quite familiar with the picture, Strays is a live-action film, with a collection of well-known actors providing voice-over duties for all the animal characters in the movie. Will Ferrell provides the voice of Reggie, while the support cast includes Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park.

Due to the cute-looking characters in the movie, when it hits cinema screens this month Strays is likely to grab the attention of young audiences. Dog movies always look fun, and with this one being a comedy as well, younger cinema-goers may wish to check it out.

But is Strays appropriate for a young audience? And more importantly, what is the age rating for Strays?

In the US, Strays is an ‘R’ rated movie. The film has been rated ‘R’ because the Motion Picture Association (MPA) believe the movie contains some adult material.

Although anyone can watch an ‘R’ rated movie at the cinema in the US, audience members under the age of 17 do require an accompanying parent or adult guardian. So, if you are heading out to see the film and you’re below 17, you will need someone older to come too.

In the UK, Strays has been awarded a ’15’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification. Strays has received this certificate because the movie is deemed not suitable for anyone under the age of 15.

Unlike the US, where anyone under the age of 17 can watch Strays so long as they are accompanied by an adult, a UK ’15’ certificate means only those 15 and over can watch the film at the cinema. If you are 14-years-old or under, then you will not be admitted into a UK screening of the film, even with an adult present.

For further clarification about why Strays has been awarded a ’15’ certificate in the UK, a quick look at the BBFC website states this is because the film contains “strong language, sex references, crude humour, (and) drug misuse.” These elements of the movie mean it is considered inappropriate for certain ages – in this case, those 14 and under in the UK.

It is also worth noting that in both the US and the UK, the film’s age rating (‘R’ and ’15’ respectively) is also clearly marked on the poster. This inclusion on the poster is to ensure audiences are fully aware of what type of film it is before they head into the theatre.

And hopefully with the poster, as well as the information set out above, you now know enough about the age rating of Strays to make an informed choice before you book your tickets.

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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the age rating of Strays – I hope it has proved useful. For more posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.