The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a sharp, PG-13 return to the world of high-fashion backstabbing, but this time it’s less about "the book" and more about the brutal reality of mass layoffs, TikTok "tastemakers," and whether a career is worth your literal soul in the 2020s. If your teen is obsessed with the "corporate girlie" aesthetic or thinks being an influencer is a low-stress career path, this movie is going to be a massive reality check.
TL;DR
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a PG-13 sequel that swaps the 2006 "size zero" obsession for 2026's digital exhaustion, featuring moderate profanity and intense workplace toxicity. It’s a fantastic conversation starter for ages 12+ about the "hustle culture" of TikTok and the reality of modern layoffs, though it lacks the physical comedy of the original The Devil Wears Prada. Screenwise gives it a WISE score of 78/100 for its realistic (if cynical) look at the modern attention economy.
Twenty years after Andy Sachs threw her Chanel boots into a fountain (metaphorically), we’re back in the orbit of Miranda Priestly. But the world has changed. The sequel follows Miranda as she navigates the decline of traditional magazine publishing, facing off against her former assistant, Emily Charlton, who is now a high-powered executive at a luxury brand conglomerate.
While the first movie was about "making it" in a glamorous industry, this one is about surviving an industry that is actively cannibalizing itself. It tackles the tension between "old guard" prestige and the new world of Instagram influencers and AI-generated trend forecasting.
If you’ve spent five minutes on social media lately, you know that "Office Siren" and "Corporate Chic" are huge aesthetics. Our kids are romanticizing the very cubicles we’ve been trying to escape for a decade.
- The "Aesthetic": The costumes are still incredible. It’s visual candy for anyone into fashion or creative direction.
- The Emily Blunt Factor: Emily Charlton is a legend. Seeing her go toe-to-toe with Miranda provides a "boss vs. boss" dynamic that feels very different from the "mentor vs. mentee" vibe of the original.
- The Influencer Critique: Gen Z and Gen Alpha are increasingly cynical about "sell-out" culture, and this movie leans hard into the "cringe" of modern digital marketing.
Workplace Toxicity and Mental Health
The "Devil" hasn't changed, but the "Prada" has. Miranda Priestly is still the gold standard for toxic management. In 2026, her demands aren't just about getting a Harry Potter manuscript; they're about 24/7 digital availability. The movie portrays burnout as an inevitable byproduct of success, which is a heavy theme for a 13-year-old to process without context.
Mass Layoffs and Economic Anxiety
A major plot point involves the "downsizing" of Runway magazine. There are scenes of people losing their jobs via Zoom or being escorted out of the building. For kids whose parents may have gone through tech or media layoffs recently, these scenes might hit a little too close to home.
Language and Content
Expect the standard PG-13 fare: a few "sh*ts," plenty of "hells," and a lot of sharp-tongued insults that are arguably more damaging than a curse word. There’s some social drinking and high-stakes parties, but it’s mostly "business-professional" debauchery rather than anything explicit.
Ask our chatbot about specific content triggers in the sequel
Instead of just watching and moving on, use this movie as a bridge to talk about the digital world they live in.
- The "Dream Job" Myth: Andy and Emily both sacrificed a lot for a "job a million girls would kill for." Is any job worth losing your sleep, your friends, or your values?
- Influencers vs. Experts: Miranda hates that a 19-year-old with a ring light has more power than a fashion editor with 30 years of experience. Is she right to be annoyed, or is she just a "dinosaur"?
- Digital Boundaries: Miranda expects Emily to answer the phone at 3 AM. How do we set boundaries with tech so work doesn't bleed into our whole lives?
If your teen is into the high-stakes world of fashion or "girlboss" dramas, there are a few other things they might enjoy that have a slightly different vibe:
- The Intern: For a much kinder, "gentle-parenting" version of a fashion office.
- Ugly Betty: A more colorful, comedic take on the magazine world that deals with immigration and identity.
- Emily in Paris: If they want the fashion without the crushing weight of Miranda Priestly’s judgment (though, let’s be real, the "brain rot" factor is higher here).
- Stardew Valley: Honestly? If the movie stresses them out about corporate life, this is the ultimate "escape the office and start a farm" antidote.
Q: Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 appropriate for a 10-year-old?
Most 10-year-olds will find the corporate politics and "mass layoff" subplots pretty boring. While there isn't much "inappropriate" content (scantily clad models or heavy gore), the emotional intensity of the workplace bullying might be a bit much for younger kids.
Q: Do kids need to see the first movie to understand the sequel?
It definitely helps. The sequel relies heavily on the history between Miranda and Emily. If they haven't seen The Devil Wears Prada, the emotional payoff of Emily finally standing her ground won't land as hard.
Q: What are the main content warnings for The Devil Wears Prada 2?
The biggest warnings are for workplace toxicity, verbal abuse (mostly professional), and themes of job loss/economic instability. There is moderate profanity and some depiction of high-society social drinking.
Q: Is Anne Hathaway in the sequel?
Andy Sachs makes a cameo, but she isn't the lead. The movie focuses on the power struggle between Miranda (Meryl Streep) and Emily (Emily Blunt).
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a rare sequel that actually feels relevant. It’s a "smart" movie for teens that respects their intelligence and their awareness of how the digital world works. It’s not "brain rot"—it’s a sharp critique of the very things that cause brain rot (looking at you, TikTok trends).
Watch it with your teen, then go out for coffee and talk about why Miranda Priestly would absolutely hate their "Get Ready With Me" videos.
Check out our full guide on navigating influencer culture with your kids