Sing Street

Sing Street

movie

PG-13, 2016, Comedy, Drama

WISE
79%

WISE Score

95

Avg. Tomatometer

Irish teen starts a band to impress a girl, accidentally discovers his artistic soul (and makes killer 80s music videos in the process).

IMDb7.9
RT Critics95%
MC79
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare coming-of-age movie that actually gets it right—messy, hopeful, creative, and real. From the director of Once and Begin Again, Sing Street understands that teenage artistry is both ridiculous and profound, often simultaneously.

The music is genuinely fantastic (your kid will be Spotifying the soundtrack immediately), and the DIY music video sequences are pure joy. It's also refreshingly specific about time and place—1980s Dublin during economic collapse—which gives it texture most teen movies lack.

That said, this isn't a sanitized Disney version of teen life. The family dysfunction is front and center, the language is frequent and colorful, and there's enough mature content to firmly plant this in the 13+ category. But for teens ready for it, this is the kind of movie that can genuinely inspire them to pick up a guitar, start a YouTube channel, or just take a creative risk.

The 95% Rotten Tomatoes score isn't hype—this is legitimately one of the best teen movies of the 2010s. Just make sure your kid is old enough to handle the grown-up stuff wrapped around the beautiful creative core.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17. The mature themes, language, and family dysfunction make it inappropriate for younger kids, but teens will connect with the artistic awakening and first-love storyline. Upper teens might find it a bit young, but the music and 80s aesthetic have broader appeal.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

Coming-of-age story centered on creativity, first love, and following dreams. Models perseverance and artistic expression. Some family dysfunction and bullying depicted, but handled with emotional honesty rather than exploitation. Relationships are age-appropriate and sweet, though there's typical teen angst and some parental conflict.

Imaginative
88

Celebrates creative expression through music, fashion, and video-making. The entire premise is about a kid starting a band to impress a girl, then discovering genuine artistic passion. Features original songs across multiple 80s-inspired genres, inventive music videos made on zero budget, and characters who transform themselves through art. Highly likely to inspire kids to pick up instruments or start their own creative projects.

Safe
65

Common Sense Media rates it 13+. Some language (including f-words), smoking, drinking, and bullying scenes. Brief sexuality (kissing, implied intimacy, some suggestive content). Domestic tension and an abusive father figure. No graphic violence or gore, but emotional intensity around family dysfunction and economic hardship. Not shocking for a teen drama, but definitely not for younger kids.

Enriching
82

Set in 1980s Dublin during economic recession, offering historical and cultural context. Explores themes of artistic authenticity, finding your voice, economic struggle, and using creativity as escape and empowerment. Strong character development as protagonist grows from shy kid to confident artist. The music and fashion evolution mirrors emotional growth. Genuinely moving without being manipulative, with real insights about art, identity, and taking risks.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely inspiring for creative kids—the kind of movie that makes them want to start a band, write songs, or make videos the next day
  • Original soundtrack is legitimately great, spanning multiple 80s genres from Duran Duran-style new wave to The Cure-esque goth
  • Shows the messy, trial-and-error process of finding your artistic voice without making it precious or overly sentimental
  • Captures the magic of teenage creativity when you have no resources but infinite imagination
  • Strong sibling relationship and mentorship themes—the older brother character is particularly well-done
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What to Watch For

  • Language includes multiple f-bombs and typical teen profanity throughout
  • Parents' marriage is falling apart on screen, with shouting matches and an emotionally abusive father—this isn't background conflict, it's central
  • Some smoking, drinking, and drug references (it's 1980s Dublin, after all)
  • Romantic storyline includes kissing and implied sexual content, though nothing graphic
  • Bullying scenes at school can be intense, including physical intimidation

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could start any kind of creative project right now with your friends, what would it be?"
  • "The main character keeps reinventing his band's image—do you think that's being fake or figuring out who you are?"
  • "How does the music in the movie reflect what the characters are feeling? Did you notice it changing as they grew?"
  • "The older brother gives a lot of advice about art and life—what was the best or worst piece of advice he gave?"
  • "Would you have the courage to put yourself out there like that, making videos and performing even when you're just starting out?"

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