Forrest Gump (1994)
Parent Guide
A thoughtful drama with mature themes best suited for teenagers, featuring historical violence, complex relationships, and some strong language.
Content breakdown
Includes war combat scenes with explosions and gunfire, a character loses legs in war, and some bullying scenes.
Contains war violence, emotional scenes of loss and grief, and depictions of illness and death.
Some strong language including profanity, though not excessive. Includes period-appropriate racial terms in historical context.
Implied sexual situations, brief suggestive content, and discussions of relationships. No explicit nudity shown.
Depictions of drinking and smoking in social settings, and a character's struggle with drug abuse shown with negative consequences.
Strong emotional themes including love, loss, grief, and the challenges of living with disability. Several poignant and tearful moments.
Parent tips
Forrest Gump contains mature themes including war violence, sexual situations, and strong language that make it most suitable for older children and teenagers. The film includes scenes depicting the Vietnam War with combat violence, a character's struggle with substance abuse, and brief sexual content. Parents should be aware that the movie deals with serious topics like disability, death, and complex relationships that may require explanation for younger viewers.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you like about Forrest?
- How was Forrest kind to his friends?
- What made you happy in the movie?
- How did Forrest help people?
- What colors did you see in the movie?
- Why do you think Forrest was successful despite challenges?
- How did Jenny and Forrest show they cared about each other?
- What historical events did you recognize?
- How did Forrest handle difficult situations?
- What does 'life is like a box of chocolates' mean to you?
- How does the movie show that people with disabilities can achieve great things?
- What historical periods did Forrest experience and how were they important?
- How did Forrest's simple outlook help him through complex situations?
- What different types of relationships does the film show?
- How does the movie portray the consequences of war?
- How does Forrest's perspective comment on American society and history?
- What does the film suggest about destiny versus personal choice?
- How are complex issues like war, disability, and love portrayed through Forrest's experiences?
- What commentary does the film make about social change and cultural shifts?
- How does the movie balance humor with serious historical events?
Story overview
Forrest Gump is a heartwarming drama about a kind-hearted man with intellectual challenges who experiences extraordinary adventures throughout American history. The film follows his journey from childhood through adulthood as he unintentionally participates in major historical events while pursuing his lifelong love. Through Forrest's simple but profound perspective, the movie explores themes of destiny, perseverance, and the meaning of true happiness.
Trailer
Trailer playback is unavailable in your region. You can search for this movie trailer on YouTube.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Netflix
- Paramount+ Amazon Channel
- Netflix Standard with Ads
- Paramount Plus Essential
- Paramount Plus Premium
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- Spectrum On Demand
- Plex
- Kanopy