Challengers Parents Guide: Is This Tennis Drama Right for Your Kids?
Challengers is a 2024 movie starring Zendaya as a tough tennis coach caught in a steamy love triangle with her husband, played by Mike Faist, and her ex-boyfriend, played by Josh O’Connor. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it mixes intense sports action with adult themes of sex, betrayal, and raw emotions on the court and off.[1][3][6]
Parents often wonder if films like this are okay for tweens or teens. The story follows these three characters whose past hookup turns into a messy rivalry years later. Expect plenty of sweaty tennis matches that feel charged with tension, but the real heat comes from the relationships. One review calls it a “steamy romp” where sports meet sexy drama, not your typical family flick.[3]
On language, there is strong profanity throughout, including f-bombs and other harsh words during arguments and intimate moments. No major gore or violence beyond some aggressive shoving and on-court trash talk, but the emotional fights hit hard.
Sex and nudity are the big red flags here. The film has explicit scenes, like a threesome early on with partial nudity and heavy making out. Other parts show passionate hookups, grinding, and suggestive talk that leaves little to the imagination. It’s sensual from start to finish, with Zendaya’s character driving much of the erotic vibe.[1][3][6][7]
Drugs and drinking pop up too. Characters smoke cigarettes, pop pills for pain, and booze it up at parties or to unwind after matches. No hard drug use, but it’s casual and frequent.
For tweens under 13, skip it entirely. The mature content makes it a hard no. Teens 16 and up might handle it if they’ve seen similar R-rated stuff, but talk beforehand about consent, relationships, and how the movie glamorizes risky choices. Common Sense Media or IMDb Parents Guide rates it around 17+ for good reason, though exact scores vary.[1]
Overall, Challengers shines as an adult thriller about ambition and desire, but it’s best for grown-ups who love stylish cinema.
Sources
https://www.aol.com/challengers-star-mike-faist-ohio-185340534.html
https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3922406/2026-horror-preview-over-50-horror-movies-we-cant-wait-to-see-this-year/
https://parade.com/983887/samuelmurrian/sexiest-movies-on-amazon-prime/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24176060/news/
https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/think-in-a-down-period-for-good-romance-movies-ones-in-2025-id-recommend
https://www.avclub.com/zendaya-challengers-trailer-luca-guadagnino-mike-faist-1850557329
https://www.jezebel.com/challengers-is-a-tour-de-force-tour-tale-of-two-simps
https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/the-new-pornographers/the-new-pornographers-challengers
