The One of Them Days age rating has become a frequent topic of discussion among parents, moviegoers, and film enthusiasts since the comedy’s theatrical release. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and starring Keke Palmer and SZA, this buddy comedy follows two roommates navigating a chaotic day in Los Angeles while trying to scrape together rent money. Understanding the film’s rating helps viewers make informed decisions about whether the content aligns with their comfort level or is appropriate for younger audiences in their care. The Motion Picture Association assigned One of Them Days an R rating, which carries significant implications for theatrical viewing and home streaming. This rating restricts unaccompanied viewers under 17 from purchasing tickets and signals to parents that the film contains mature content requiring careful consideration.
For a comedy that has drawn comparisons to classic buddy films like Friday and Set It Off, the R rating reflects specific content choices that push the film beyond PG-13 territory. The rating has generated questions from fans of the lead actresses, particularly those familiar with Palmer’s previous family-friendly work and SZA’s musical career. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of why One of Them Days received its rating, what specific content elements contributed to that classification, and how the film compares to similar comedies. Readers will gain clarity on the exact nature of the mature content, understand the rating system’s criteria, and receive practical guidance for deciding whether to watch the film or allow younger viewers to see it. Whether approaching this as a parent, an adult viewer, or simply someone curious about film classification, the following sections offer detailed analysis of every relevant factor.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Official Age Rating for One of Them Days?
- Breaking Down the Content That Earned the R Rating
- How One of Them Days Compares to Other R-Rated Comedies
- Parental Guidance: Is One of Them Days Appropriate for Teenagers?
- Understanding the MPA Rating System and Its Limitations
- International Ratings and Regional Variations
- How to Prepare
- How to Apply This
- Expert Tips
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Official Age Rating for One of Them Days?
one of Them Days carries an R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. The specific rating descriptors cite the film for “language throughout, sexual content, and drug material.” This combination of factors pushed the comedy firmly into restricted territory, meaning anyone under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian for theatrical admission. The R rating represents the second-most restrictive classification in the MPA system, positioned between PG-13 and NC-17.
The MPA rating board evaluates films based on accumulated content rather than isolated incidents. For One of Them Days, the “language throughout” descriptor indicates that strong profanity appears consistently across the runtime rather than in a few scattered scenes. This distinction matters because PG-13 films may include limited strong language, but sustained use throughout a film typically triggers the R classification. The sexual content and drug material descriptors add additional layers that, combined with the language, made an R rating unavoidable.
- The R rating applies to theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and physical media
- Parents are warned to investigate the film’s content before allowing children to view it
- The rating does not legally prohibit younger viewers but restricts unaccompanied theatrical access
- International ratings vary by country, with some territories applying equivalent or stricter classifications
Breaking Down the Content That Earned the R Rating
The language in One of Them Days features frequent use of the F-word and other strong profanity woven naturally into the dialogue between characters. Keke Palmer and SZA’s characters engage in realistic, unfiltered conversations that reflect how many adults actually speak, particularly during stressful situations. The script does not shy away from crude humor and explicit verbal exchanges, contributing significantly to the overall rating. Estimates suggest the F-word appears dozens of times throughout the film’s 97-minute runtime. Sexual content in the film includes suggestive dialogue, references to sexual situations, and some partial nudity. Several scenes depict or discuss romantic and sexual relationships in explicit terms, though the film stops short of graphic sexual activity.
The comedy derives humor from awkward sexual situations and frank discussions about intimacy, which pushed the content beyond what PG-13 guidelines permit. These scenes serve character development and comedic purposes rather than existing purely for shock value. Drug material appears through depictions of marijuana use and references to other substances. Characters smoke cannabis on screen, and drug culture factors into certain comedic sequences. While marijuana has become more normalized in entertainment and legalized in many states, the MPA still considers on-screen drug use a significant factor in rating determinations. The casual nature of the drug content, combined with the other elements, solidified the R classification.
- Strong language appears in virtually every scene with dialogue
- Sexual humor and innuendo feature prominently in multiple sequences
- Drug use is shown rather than merely referenced
- Violence, while present in some comedic situations, was not cited as a primary rating factor
How One of Them Days Compares to Other R-Rated Comedies
One of Them Days sits comfortably within a tradition of R-rated buddy comedies that prioritize authentic dialogue over sanitized language. Films like Girls Trip, which also featured an ensemble of black women navigating wild situations, received similar ratings for comparable content. The 2017 hit earned its R for crude sexual content, pervasive language, drug material, and brief nudity. One of Them Days follows this template while telling its own distinct story about economic pressures and friendship. The film also draws inevitable comparisons to Friday, the 1995 Ice Cube comedy that has achieved cult classic status.
Friday received an R rating for pervasive language, drug content, and some violence. One of Them Days updates this formula for contemporary audiences while maintaining the spirit of neighborhood-set comedies about regular people facing extraordinary circumstances over a compressed timeframe. Both films use their R ratings to create authentic portraits of their communities without self-censorship. Compared to the Hangover franchise or Bridesmaids, One of Them Days contains similar levels of adult content but applies it to different comedic sensibilities. The film does not reach the extremes of hard-R comedies like Superbad or Good Boys in terms of graphic content, positioning it as a moderately intense R-rated comedy. Viewers who enjoyed those films will likely find the content in One of Them Days well within their comfort zone.
- Girls Trip represents the closest comparable film in terms of tone and rating factors
- The Friday franchise established the template for neighborhood buddy comedies
- One of Them Days avoids the gross-out extremes of some R-rated comedies
- The rating reflects consistent mature content rather than isolated extreme moments
Parental Guidance: Is One of Them Days Appropriate for Teenagers?
Parents considering whether to allow teenagers to watch One of Them Days should weigh several factors beyond the official rating. The R rating serves as a starting point, but every family has different standards regarding language, sexual content, and drug depictions. A mature 16-year-old who has discussed these topics with parents may handle the content without issue, while the same film could be inappropriate for a less mature 18-year-old. Context and individual development matter more than arbitrary age cutoffs.
The film’s themes revolve around financial hardship, toxic relationships, and friendship under pressure. These subjects may actually resonate with older teenagers facing similar concerns about rent, employment, and navigating young adulthood. The comedic treatment of these issues provides potential conversation starters about real-world challenges. However, the explicit language and casual drug use might normalize behaviors that some parents prefer to address differently.
- Preview the film yourself before deciding whether teenagers should watch
- Consider your teenager’s maturity level and previous exposure to R-rated content
- The film does not glorify dangerous behavior despite depicting drug use
- Sexual content includes crude humor but avoids explicit or gratuitous scenes
- Online parental guides provide scene-by-scene content breakdowns for concerned viewers
Understanding the MPA Rating System and Its Limitations
The Motion Picture Association rating system operates as a voluntary industry guideline rather than legal mandate. Studios submit films to the Classification and Rating Administration, which assigns ratings based on content evaluation by a board of parents. The system has existed since 1968, replacing the restrictive Hays Code that previously governed Hollywood content. Critics have long noted inconsistencies in how the board applies standards across different films and genres. The R rating specifically indicates content that “may be inappropriate for children under 17.” This phrasing acknowledges that ratings represent guidance rather than absolute rules.
The MPA does not consider context, artistic merit, or educational value when assigning ratings, focusing solely on content presence. A thoughtful drama exploring addiction might receive the same rating as a gratuitous exploitation film, leaving parents to research further before making viewing decisions. Independent films and those from smaller distributors sometimes skip MPA ratings entirely, releasing as “unrated” or seeking alternative classification. One of Them Days, distributed by Sony Pictures, went through standard MPA evaluation and received a rating consistent with its major studio comedy positioning. The R rating likely helped rather than hurt the film’s box office prospects, as adult comedies often perform better with R ratings that signal authentic, uncensored content to target audiences.
- The MPA rating board consists of parents who evaluate content
- Ratings do not reflect quality judgments, only content assessments
- The line between PG-13 and R often depends on accumulated factors rather than single elements
- Studios can appeal ratings or edit films to achieve desired classifications
International Ratings and Regional Variations
One of Them Days received different classifications in international markets based on varying cultural standards and rating systems. The British Board of Film Classification assigned the film a 15 certificate, meaning no one younger than 15 can rent or purchase the film or see it in a cinema. This rating falls between the American PG-13 and R equivalents, reflecting different cultural attitudes toward language and drug content. British standards historically show more tolerance for profanity while maintaining stricter approaches to violence.
Australian classification placed the film in the MA15+ category, restricting theatrical attendance for those under 15 unless accompanied by a parent. Canada’s provincial systems produced varying ratings, with most provinces settling on 14A or 18A depending on regional standards. These international variations highlight how cultural context shapes perceptions of appropriate content. What one country considers mildly adult, another might restrict more heavily.
How to Prepare
- **Consult detailed parental guides** on websites like Common Sense Media, IMDb’s Parents Guide, or DoesTheDogDie.com, which provide scene-by-scene breakdowns of potentially objectionable content without major plot spoilers. These resources describe specific instances of language, sexuality, drug use, and other factors in enough detail to make informed decisions.
- **Watch the red-band trailer** released during the film’s marketing campaign, which includes content not suitable for general audiences. Unlike green-band trailers approved for all audiences, red-band versions showcase the actual tone and language of R-rated films. This provides a reliable preview of the film’s comedic style and content intensity.
- **Read reviews from multiple sources** that discuss the film’s content in context. Professional critics often mention whether the R-rated elements serve the story or feel gratuitous, helping potential viewers gauge whether the content aligns with their preferences. User reviews frequently address specific concerns about language frequency or scene intensity.
- **Consider the viewing environment** and whether watching at home versus in theaters changes your comfort level. Home viewing allows pausing, skipping scenes, or watching with family members who might have questions. Theatrical viewing commits you to the full experience in a public setting without control over playback.
- **Discuss expectations with viewing companions** beforehand, particularly if watching with friends or family members who have different content tolerances. Establishing that the film contains strong language and adult situations prevents uncomfortable surprises and allows everyone to opt in or out with full information.
How to Apply This
- **Use streaming platform parental controls** when watching at home. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others allow rating-based restrictions that can block R-rated content on specific profiles. If One of Them Days appears on a streaming platform, these controls determine which household members can access it.
- **For theatrical viewing with minors**, parents or guardians must purchase tickets and attend the screening. Theater staff may verify adult accompaniment for R-rated films, so bring identification if the adult in the group appears young. Some theaters have stricter policies than MPA guidelines require.
- **Create open dialogue after viewing** if watching with teenagers or young adults. The film’s themes about financial pressure, relationship red flags, and friendship provide discussion opportunities. Addressing the drug use and language in context of the characters’ lives promotes media literacy.
- **Respect individual limits** and understand that not everyone enjoys the same content intensity. If someone in a viewing group expresses discomfort, take their concerns seriously rather than dismissing them. The R rating exists precisely because the content affects viewers differently.
Expert Tips
- Check the specific rating descriptors rather than just the letter rating. “Language throughout” means consistent profanity, while “some language” would indicate isolated instances. These distinctions help calibrate expectations accurately.
- Remember that comedy often pushes boundaries intentionally, and R-rated comedies typically earn their ratings through accumulated content rather than extreme single moments. One of Them Days follows this pattern, spreading its mature content throughout rather than concentrating it in specific scenes.
- Consider the source material and creative team when anticipating content. Films from producers like Issa Rae, who contributed to One of Them Days, typically feature authentic dialogue that reflects how people actually speak, including profanity.
- Recognize that the R rating may actually indicate quality for adult comedies. Studios often push for PG-13 ratings to maximize audience size, so R-rated comedies demonstrate commitment to vision over commercial considerations.
- Trust your own standards over arbitrary ratings. If you typically enjoy R-rated comedies and the content descriptors do not mention your personal dealbreakers, the film will likely fall within your comfort zone. Conversely, if you rarely watch R-rated content, the rating accurately signals this film exceeds PG-13 boundaries.
Conclusion
The One of Them Days age rating reflects a straightforward application of MPA standards to a comedy that embraces authentic adult language, sexual humor, and casual drug content. The R rating serves its intended purpose of informing viewers about content intensity while allowing adults to make their own viewing choices. Understanding exactly what earned the rating empowers parents to make appropriate decisions for their families and helps adult viewers calibrate their expectations accurately.
Film ratings represent one tool among many for navigating entertainment choices. Combining the official R classification with detailed content guides, trailer previews, and personal standards creates a complete picture of what One of Them Days offers. The film succeeds within its R-rated comedy lane, delivering the uncensored buddy comedy experience that fans of the genre expect. Armed with the information in this article, viewers can confidently decide whether to add One of Them Days to their watchlist or pass in favor of something with different content levels.
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