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Movie · Sports, Drama · 2021 · PG-13

King Richard: parents' guide

13+our pick

Best for ages 13 and up. Rated PG-13 for some violence, strong language, a sexual reference and brief drug references.

An uplifting sports drama about how Richard Williams coached his daughters Venus and Serena toward tennis stardom, best for families with kids about 13 and up. The family's warmth and work ethic shine, but the Compton setting brings real danger: gang members beat Richard, one holds a gun to his head, and a man is shot dead in a drive-by on screen. Language includes one f-word, a couple of s-words, and the n-word several times. A neighbor's daughter is said to be a prostitute, and racism is a constant theme. Drinking and drugs barely appear.

What's in it

Violence

Moderate

Gang members punch and kick Richard, put a gun to his head and knock him out with a racket. A man is gunned down in a drive-by on screen. News footage of the Rodney King beating is shown.

Language

Strong

Plugged In counted one f-word and two s-words, but the n-word is used about five times, along with 'cracker,' an anti-gay slur, and words like 'ass,' 'bitch' and 'damn.'

Sex and nudity

Mild

No sex or nudity. Gang members make lewd, threatening remarks to the oldest daughter, a neighbor's daughter works as a prostitute, an argument reveals Richard fathered other children, and the kids joke about 'booty.'

Drinking, drugs and smoking

Mild

Adults drink wine and champagne at country clubs, a man drinks from a paper bag, and news reports mention another teen player's drug arrest.

Scary or intense scenes

Moderate

A gun is pointed at Richard's head, and he later goes out armed looking for revenge before a shooting ends the threat. Racist hostility and Richard's harsh lectures can feel tense.

Sensitive topics

  • Racism

Worth talking about

Richard pushes his daughters hard but also insists they stay humble and get an education. Talk with your teen about where the line falls between a demanding parent and a controlling one.

Where to stream →

On our lists

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Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, Plugged In, the MPA, movieguide.org. The age is our judgment, not an official rating, and every family draws its lines differently: read the notes, not just the number. Spotted something we missed? Tell us. How we rate.