Is there any nudity or sex?

No nudity. There are some suggestive comments and a few scenes where characters are in bed together (clothed or under covers), but it stays firmly within PG-13 boundaries.

How much 'French' is in the movie? Do we need subtitles?

Most of the dialogue is in English. When French is spoken, it's usually clear from context or Luc translates for Kate. You won't need to be fluent to follow along.

Is the 'fear of flying' plot scary for kids with phobias?

It's played mostly for laughs. Kate's panic is exaggerated and comedic, though she does have a pretty rough time on the plane. It's more likely to be relatable than triggering.

French Kiss – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

French Kiss

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1995

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline navigate a charming smuggling caper across France in this quintessential 90s enemies-to-lovers rom-com.

46%

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French Kiss

movie

PG-13, 1995

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline navigate a charming smuggling caper across France in this quintessential 90s enemies-to-lovers rom-com.

46%

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46%

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Screenwise Verdict

French Kiss is a cozy, nostalgic relic from a time when movies could just be 'pleasant.' It doesn't have the hyper-fast pacing of modern comedies, but it makes up for it with genuine location shooting and a script that actually cares about its characters.

If your kids have seen the 'classics' like You've Got Mail and want more of that energy, this is a solid follow-up. It's safe, charming, and just sophisticated enough to feel like a 'grown-up' movie for a young teen without any truly awkward content to navigate together.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. Younger kids will likely be bored by the relationship drama and the slower pacing of a 90s mid-budget film, but the content is fine for most middle schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a classic 90s romance that prioritizes charm over grit. While the plot kicks off with infidelity and involves a professional thief, the emotional core is about self-discovery and finding a partner who actually likes you for who you are.

Imaginative

It follows the standard romantic comedy roadmap fairly closely. The travelogue elements of the French countryside and the vineyard subplot add some nice texture, but it isn't breaking new ground creatively.

Safe

Generally very safe for teens. Content includes some mild profanity, social drinking, and discussions of infidelity. There is a scene involving a character being punched and some light 'caper' style peril, but nothing traumatic.

Enriching

Offers some decent perspective on cultural stereotypes and the importance of facing your fears (literally, in the case of the protagonist's phobia of flying). It also models a relationship built on shared experiences rather than just status.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Kevin Kline's performance as the gruff, chain-smoking Luc is a masterclass in comedic timing and a very thick (but fun) French accent.
French travelogue vibes make this a great pick if you want to see Paris, Cannes, and the French countryside without leaving the couch.
Classic chemistry between the leads reminds you why Meg Ryan was the undisputed queen of the genre in this era.
Low-stakes fun that works perfectly for a family movie night with older kids who are over animated features but not ready for heavy dramas.

⚠

What to Watch For

The entire premise is built on infidelity; Kate's fiancé moves to France and immediately calls to say he's found someone else.
Luc is a professional thief and smuggler, and while he's the hero, the movie definitely romanticizes his criminal 'hustle.'
There is some 90s-era smoking and moderate alcohol consumption throughout the film.

Conversation Starters

"Kate is terrified of flying but does it anyway to save her relationship. When is it worth doing something that scares you?"
"Luc and Kate start off as enemies. Why do you think they ended up working well together despite their differences?"
"The movie plays with a lot of American and French stereotypes. Which ones felt real and which felt like caricatures?"

Deep Dive

The OG 'Emily in Paris'

Before every influencer with a ring light was heading to Paris to find themselves, we had Meg Ryan doing it with a fanny pack and a crippling fear of flight. French Kiss is a great example of the 'competent rom-com'—a genre that feels increasingly rare. It isn't just about two people falling in love; it's a caper involving a stolen diamond necklace and a dream of owning a vineyard.

Kevin Kline’s Luc Teyssier is the standout here. He manages to be both disgusting and incredibly charming, providing a perfect foil to Kate’s high-strung, 'proper' American persona. For a modern kid, the tech (or lack thereof) will be the most jarring part—no iPhones to track down a cheating fiancé, just old-school detective work and hanging out in train stations.

It's a great 'vibe' movie. The cinematography captures a version of France that is undeniably romanticized, but beautiful nonetheless. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to eat cheese on a train, which is a pretty wholesome takeaway for a Friday night.

What Parents Ask

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