This summer the Australian survival horror movie, Dangerous Animals (2025) splashes down in cinemas. Directed by Sean Byrne, and based on a script by Nick Lepard, the film stars Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Rob Carlton, Ella Newton, Liam Greinke, and Jai Courtney, and follows the story of a surfer who crosses paths with a shark-obsessed serial killer.
The initial buzz surrounding Dangerous Animals has been largely positive. The movie premiered at Cannes Film Festival in May and the reception from those who caught it was encouraging.
As such, when the picture opens in the UK and the US in June, it’s sure to grab the attention of horror fans. Not only due to the aforementioned buzz, but because the preview trailer for Dangerous Animalsalso sells the film rather well.
But if you are or the younger members of your household are interested in watching Dangerous Animals on the big screen, is it suitable viewing for all ages? More importantly, as horror tends to attract a young crowd, is Dangerous Animals suitable for a teen?
In the US, Dangerous Animals has been granted an ‘R’ rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The movie has been rated “R” for strong bloody violent content and grisly images, as well as sexuality, language and brief drug use.
When a film is given an ‘R’ rating in the US, it means the picture contains some adult material. As per the MPAA guidance, “parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them” to the cinema.
Despite the adult content, in the US ‘R’ rated films can be viewed by anyone. The only stipulation is that those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian when attending a screening.
Over in the UK, Dangerous Animals has been awarded a ‘15’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The film has received this rating due to “strong bloody violence, gore, threat, language, sex, (and) drug misuse.”
In the UK, only those aged 15 or above are permitted to watch a ‘15’ certificate film in the cinema. Regardless of whether or not a parent or guardian is in attendance, if you are below the age of 15 you cannot watch the film on the big screen.
By awarding Dangerous Animals a ‘15’ certificate, the BBFC has made it clear they do not believe the film is suitable for young teens. Older teens, yes, but 13- or 14-year-olds, no.
So, what does this ultimately mean? Well, depending on which part of the world you live in, there are some age-related restrictions on Dangerous Animals.
Those living in the US (including teens) can watch the movie at the cinema, but if you fall below the age of 17 you need accompaniment. As for those living in the UK, the film is for audiences aged 15 or over – no exceptions!
As for whether the movie is suitable for your teen, well that largely comes down to your own belief. After all, if you’re a parent of a teenager, you know them better than anyone else.
You can use the above information to help guide you. The UK’s age rating system helps to pinpoint suitability a little more closely than the system used in the US, so this may be the better guidance overall.
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Dangerous Animals. For more movie-related content, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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