Bohemian Rhapsody – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Bohemian Rhapsody

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Queen's rise to fame gets the Hollywood treatment—iconic music, Freddie's struggles, and that Live Aid performance everyone remembers.

7.9/10

60%

8.0

→

Bohemian Rhapsody

movie

PG-13, 2018

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Queen's rise to fame gets the Hollywood treatment—iconic music, Freddie's struggles, and that Live Aid performance everyone remembers.

7.9

60%

8.0

Jump to

Also rated on

7.9/10

60%

8.0

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your teen loves Queen or is curious about music history, this delivers. The performances are electric, the music is iconic, and there's genuine substance about identity, artistry, and the price of fame.

But let's be clear: this isn't a sanitized Disney version. Mercury's life included drugs, sex, and ultimately tragedy. The film handles it with some restraint (it's not Trainspotting), but it's still very much present. You're not putting this on for family movie night with your 8-year-old unless you want some really awkward questions.

For mature teens (14+), though, it's legitimately enriching. They'll learn about an important cultural figure, hear incredible music, and see someone fighting to be authentic in an era that wasn't ready for him. Just know what you're signing up for—this is a PG-13 biopic with teeth, not a feel-good jukebox musical.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-14+ who are ready for mature biographical content. Younger kids won't connect with the adult themes, and the runtime is long. Upper age range is flexible since Queen's music has multi-generational appeal.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film depicts Freddie Mercury's journey with Queen, including his struggles with fame, sexuality, and relationships. While it celebrates the band's achievements and friendship, it also shows Mercury's 'wild lifestyle spiraling out of control,' including substance use, promiscuity, and the emotional toll of his choices. The tone is dramatic and biographical rather than consistently uplifting, though it does model perseverance and artistic dedication. The film's treatment of Mercury's personal life, while not gratuitous, includes adult themes that aren't particularly wholesome for younger viewers.

Imaginative

As a music biopic, the film showcases Queen's creative process, their innovative approach to rock music, and the artistic vision behind iconic songs. The recreation of their legendary Live Aid performance and studio sessions demonstrates musical creativity and boundary-pushing artistry. However, it's a biographical drama following a set narrative rather than inviting active creative participation or exploration. It inspires appreciation for musical innovation more than it sparks original creative expression in viewers.

Safe

While the film avoids graphic content, it depicts adult themes including drug use, heavy drinking, promiscuous behavior, and the AIDS crisis. Mercury's lifestyle is shown 'spiraling out of control,' which likely includes party scenes and sexual content (though the MPAA rating is unknown, similar biopics of this era typically earned PG-13). There's emotional intensity around Mercury's diagnosis and strained relationships. For a family movie night with younger kids, there would be unexpected and uncomfortable moments. It's not a Marvel-style 'safe' watch—parents need to know what they're getting into.

Enriching

Strong enrichment value: introduces viewers to Queen's music legacy, explores themes of identity, sexuality, artistic integrity, and the cost of fame. Mercury's journey as a Parsi immigrant navigating British rock culture offers cultural perspective. The film depicts the creative process, band dynamics, and the power of perseverance. The Live Aid performance showcases how music can unite people for a cause. It provides historical context about the 1970s-80s music scene and the early AIDS crisis. Genuinely entertaining with iconic music throughout.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces teens to Queen's legendary music and the creative genius behind hits like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Will Rock You'
Explores themes of identity, authenticity, and staying true to your artistic vision despite pressure to conform
The Live Aid recreation is genuinely thrilling and showcases music as a force for global good
Offers a window into 1970s-80s rock culture and the early AIDS crisis, providing historical context for important social issues
Can spark conversations about sexuality, acceptance, and the cost of fame with mature teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Drug use, drinking, and party scenes depicting Mercury's 'wild lifestyle'—not graphic but definitely present
Sexual content and themes around Mercury's sexuality and relationships; some scenes may be uncomfortable for family viewing
Emotional intensity around Mercury's AIDS diagnosis and strained relationships with band members
Not suitable for younger kids—this is firmly teen-and-up territory despite the PG-13-ish vibe

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it was like for Freddie Mercury to navigate being himself in the 1970s music industry?"
"The band almost broke up over creative differences—how do you think groups balance individual vision with collaboration?"
"Why do you think Queen's music still resonates with people today, decades later?"
"The Live Aid performance was for famine relief in Africa—what causes would you want to use your talents to support?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic