Chicago

Chicago

movie

PG-13, 2002, Comedy, Crime

WISE
52%

WISE Score

87

Avg. Tomatometer

Razzle-dazzle musical about murderous showgirls gaming the justice system—technically brilliant, morally bankrupt, wildly entertaining.

IMDb7.2
RT Critics87%
MC81
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Chicago is a technical marvel that won Best Picture for good reason—the choreography slaps, the performances are committed, and it's one of the few successful movie musicals of its era. But let's be clear: this is an adult musical about terrible people doing terrible things and facing zero consequences.

The whole point is cynicism. Justice is a joke, fame is everything, and murder is just another stepping stone to celebrity. That's sharp social commentary, sure, but it's not exactly wholesome family viewing. The sexual content is more explicit than you'd expect from PG-13, and the violence, while stylized, is still people shooting each other.

For older teens (14+) who can handle mature themes and appreciate satire? It's genuinely great. For musical theater kids especially, this is essential viewing. But this isn't a "family movie night" pick unless your family is cool with murderers as protagonists and 'Cell Block Tango' levels of innuendo.

Still holds up well over 20 years later—the media manipulation themes are even more relevant now. Just know what you're getting into.

Age Fit

This is firmly teen-to-adult territory. Common Sense Media's age 14 recommendation is spot-on—mature high schoolers who can appreciate satire and won't be thrown by sexual content and violence. Musical theater kids will eat it up, but it's not for middle schoolers.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
32

The film centers on two murderers competing for fame and celebrity, with themes of manipulation, adultery, and corruption throughout. The protagonists are morally bankrupt characters who face no real consequences, and the movie celebrates their deception. While stylishly presented, it's fundamentally cynical about justice and morality.

Imaginative
78

A dazzling musical that blends fantasy sequences with courtroom drama in inventive ways. The choreography is bold and creative, the staging is theatrical and visually striking, and it successfully translates a Broadway classic to screen with genuine flair. The way musical numbers exist in the characters' heads while reality plays out is genuinely clever.

Safe
48

PG-13 rating includes explicit sexual content and dialogue, on-screen shootings with blood, adultery themes, and moderate profanity. Multiple murders are depicted (woman shoots man three times with visible blood), sexual situations are 'briefly explicit' per Common Sense Media, and the entire premise revolves around death row inmates. Not safe for unexpected family viewing.

Enriching
61

Oscar-winning film with strong technical merit (87% RT critics, 81 Metacritic) that showcases musical theater at a high level. It's a sharp satire of media manipulation and celebrity culture that remains relevant. However, the entertainment value comes primarily from spectacle rather than meaningful character growth or ethical insight—it's cynical social commentary without redemption.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Oscar-winning choreography and production design that's genuinely spectacular—this is musical theater done right on film
  • Sharp satire of media manipulation and celebrity culture that's even more relevant in our influencer age
  • Strong performances across the board with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger fully committing to the stylized world
  • Great introduction to musical theater conventions for teens who can handle mature themes
  • The 'All That Jazz' framework is clever—musical numbers happen in characters' fantasies while reality unfolds differently
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Multiple murders shown on screen with blood, including a woman shooting her lover three times
  • Sexual content that's 'briefly explicit' including adultery, suggestive choreography, and frank dialogue about sex
  • The entire moral framework celebrates manipulation and getting away with murder—there's no redemption arc here
  • Moderate profanity and alcohol use throughout
  • Cynical view of justice system may need context for younger teens

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think the media made Roxie and Velma into celebrities instead of treating them as criminals?"
  • "How is social media today similar to the tabloid press in this movie?"
  • "Do you think the lawyer Billy Flynn is a villain or just doing his job?"
  • "What did you think about the ending—should we be rooting for these characters?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Chicago? Put this WISE score on your site