Is Cruel Intentions appropriate for children?

# Cruel Intentions - Parental Guide This R-rated drama centers on manipulative teenagers making sexual wagers and features strong language, explicit sexual content, and scenes of violence. The film glamorizes predatory behavior and emotional cruelty among wealthy high schoolers. Not appropriate for children under 17 without parental permission.

What age is Cruel Intentions suitable for?

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

Is Cruel Intentions 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

1999

Rating

Genre

Drama, Romance

Synopsis

Slaking a thirst for dangerous games, Kathryn challenges her stepbrother, Sebastian, to deflower their headmaster's daughter before the summer ends. If he succeeds, the prize is the chance to bed Kathryn. But if he loses, Kathryn will claim his most prized possession.

Cast

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Kathryn Merteuil

Ryan Phillippe

Sébastian Valmont

Reese Witherspoon

Annette Hargrove

Selma Blair

Cecile Caldwell

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

Affiliate links support ScreenWise at no extra cost to you.

Parents also checked

The Shawshank Redemption

Not recommended

Forrest Gump

Not recommended

Ratings based on MPAA/TV classification and TMDB metadata. Updated March 2026.
Every child is different — always preview content for your family's specific needs.