Is The Cider House Rules appropriate for children?

# The Cider House Rules - Parent Guide This PG-13 drama follows an orphan trained in medicine by his director, exploring complex themes including abortion and medical ethics. While language and violence are mild, the serious subject matter and emotional weight make it better suited for mature children or teens who can discuss these weightier topics.

What age is The Cider House Rules suitable for?

Our verdict for The Cider House Rules is: Use caution. See the age grid on this page for specific recommendations by age group.

Is The Cider House Rules safe for children?

Content breakdown

🔫

Violence

Moderate

🗣️

Language / Profanity

Mild

🔞

Sexual Content

Mild

👻

Horror / Scary

Mild

About this movie

Type

Movie

Released

1999

Rating

PG-13

Genre

Drama

Synopsis

Homer is an orphan who was never adopted, becoming the favorite of orphanage director Dr. Larch. Dr. Larch imparts his full medical knowledge on Homer, who becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. But Homer yearns for a self-chosen life outside the orphanage. What will Homer learn about life and love in the cider house? What of the destiny that Dr. Larch has planned for him?

Cast

Tobey Maguire

Homer Wells

Charlize Theron

Candy Kendall

Michael Caine

Dr. Wilbur Larch

Delroy Lindo

Arthur Rose

Full cast on IMDb ›

Age suitability

Under 6

Not yet

Ages 6–8

Not recommended

Ages 9–12

With parent

Ages 13+

Yes

Where to watch

🎬 Find on Amazon

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Parents also checked

The Shawshank Redemption

Not recommended

Forrest Gump

Not recommended

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