What age rating is Squid Game?
Squid Game features several children's games, but that doesn't mean it's suitable for them...
Squid Game may evoke childhood daycares and playground games with its pastel colours and twisted trials, but believe us when we say it is not suitable for all ages.
Rather, the South Korean thriller is packed with distressing scenes, brutal violence and tragic stories, which have helped propel it to international success among fans of high-stakes action and emotional drama.
Fans of the original series don't need to worry about the second season toning things down, with creator Hwang Dong-hyuk teasing more deadly games as Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) re-enters the Squid Game tournament seeking revenge on his tormenters.
As the trailer has confirmed, we can expect a return for the chilling Red Light, Green Light robotic doll, with several more players seemingly doomed to a premature demise in the bloodthirsty opening round.
What do these graphic scenes mean for Squid Game's age rating? Read on for details on just how scary and gory the Netflix series is.
Squid Game age rating
The BBFC awarded Squid Game season 1 a 15 rating in the UK for "sexual violence references, injury detail, crude humour, sex, suicide, sexual images, violence".
Don't be deceived by the large smiling doll that often adorns the Squid Game poster on Netflix's interface: Squid Game is certainly not suitable for anyone still young enough to be playing hopscotch, marbles or any of the other games featured in the show.
Unlike the 12a rating which allows younger viewers provided they are with a parent or other guardian, the 15 rating states that the material is "suitable only for 15 years and over" with no concession for accompanying adults.
At the time of writing, the BBFC rating for season 2 has yet to be confirmed, although it seems likely that it will match or even exceed that of the first – the show hasn't lost any of its edge.
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This is hardly surprising considering the high number of deaths that occur during the series, usually during twisted takes on playground games that feature high levels of violence and even torture.
The series has drawn many comparisons to similar fight-to-the-death films such as The Hunger Games, however Squid Game is far more violent and adult-focused than the popular Jennifer Lawrence films.
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There are also several uses of profanity, alcohol and cigarettes as well as a sex scene – so that 15 rating is well deserved, despite the moral lessons that occasionally rear their head amongst the bloodshed.
To protect your child from mature content on Netflix, see our guide to Netflix parental controls.
Is Squid Game gory?
If you're a bit squeamish and tend to shy away from violent TV shows, then perhaps Squid Game isn't for you.
The hit Netflix show is rated 15 in the UK and contains a fair amount of blood since the tournament's contestants are immediately killed once they lose one of the children's games they are forced to take part in.
However, most of the deaths tend to be by gunshot, avoiding any view of human innards or sickening injuries and the camera doesn't linger on any of them for any great length of time.
While the series isn't as gory as films like Saw or dramas like The Walking Dead and American Horror Story, it certainly has its gruesome moments – particularly in the season 1 finale.
Is Squid Game scary?
For those less concerned with violence and more terrified of the classic jump scare, you'll be pleased to know that Squid Game isn't frightening in that sense.
More of a psychological drama than an all-out horror show, Squid Game maintains a steady sense of dread throughout, allowing viewers to become emotionally invested in its characters before killing them off throughout the nine-part series.
While a number of the deaths in Squid Game are sudden and can take you by surprise (especially in the first episode's Red Light, Green Light game), the scariness behind the series is mainly in its dystopian Battle Royale-esque concept and the social commentary around class and wealth that is woven throughout.
Squid Game is currently streaming on Netflix. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our guide to the best TV series on Netflix and best movies on Netflix, or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
