Parents' Guide to

The Wolf of Wall Street

By Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Intoxicating rise-and-fall story is full of sex and drugs.

Movie R 2013 180 minutes
The Wolf of Wall Street Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 80 parent reviews

lachyp69
lachyp69 Adult
November 23, 2022
age 18+

An amazing movie about the true to life story of how Jordan Belfort rose to fame. It accurately portrays the real life events based on the movie. However parents do need to be aware that constant sex, coarse language and drug use is prevalent throughout the duration of the three-hour film. Over 500 swear words are used, including f--k (every variation), c--t, s--t, p---y and just about every other swear word imaginable. There are also anti-LGBTQ slurs. There are a few scenes involving raw sex, including threesomes and a gay orgy taken place in Jordan's apartment. Jordan cheats on his wives Teresa and Naomi with prostitutes. In one scene at a party a man can be seen masturbating (and his penis is briefly seen). Jordan also uses cocaine and takes pills a lot throughout the movie. He can be seen flying a helicopter while under the influence of drugs. Would not recommend for anyone under the age of 18 because of the content in the movie, however it is a very accurate portrayal of how Jordan Belfort rose to fame and became consumed by greed and power.
Filmbuff1998
Filmbuff1998 Adult
May 27, 2022
age 18+

Not For Kids, but adults who enjoy crime dramas from Martin Scorsese.

I used to hate this movie, but I saw it this month again and liked it. THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS though. It has 500+ words, and numerous sex scenes. There's orgies, adultery, and more. In fact, Leonardo DiCaprio blows cocaine off a hooker's colon. DO NOT show this to kids, but if you like Scorsese crime movies, I recommend it with caution. I gave this 4 stars and not 5 because it could of had LESS swearing and sex.
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What's the Story?

Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) is THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, starting his thrilling new job as a broker on Monday, Oct. 19, 1987 -- the day of one of the biggest market crashes in history. After that, he's forced to take a job trading semi-worthless stocks, but for 50 percent commissions. Teaming up with a neighbor, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), Jordan takes this idea and opens his own firm, using high-pressure sales tactics and shady techniques to earn huge piles of cash. As the money comes rolling in, life gets fast and exciting. Jordan also turns to alcohol, sex workers, and drugs (especially cocaine and Quaaludes) as the company grows larger. But how long can this supercharged lifestyle last?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (80 ):
Kids say (197 ):

Director Martin Scorsese, assisted by his longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker, keeps up an astoundingly intoxicating pace for nearly three hours. He draws on his previous movies GoodFellas and Casino for the template of The Wolf of Wall Street, packing in many outrageous details behind a criminal organization over an epic running time. The huge cast, which includes a particularly memorable turn by Matthew McConaughey, helps out with small but potent performances.

The key difference here is that The Wolf of Wall Street may be the funniest movie Scorsese has ever made. Every few minutes, it hurls something so shocking and high-spirited that laughter feels like the only response. Yet the movie's monstrous energy seems to be fueled by something both exciting and rotten. DiCaprio gives a true heavyweight performance, laced with contempt, and he's never truly redeemed. Rather, Scorsese ends the movie on a scene that illustrates the pitfalls of desire and how it can never be entirely fulfilled.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the extensive depictions of sex in The Wolf of Wall Street. Does any of it come from a loving, respectful relationship? How do women fare in this movie and in these sexual relationships?

  • How do the characters approach drinking, smoking, and drug use? Do they seem to get enjoyment out of them? Does the movie make these things look appealing? What are the real consequences of drinking to excess or smoking or using drugs?

  • What's the appeal of a character with such questionable morals? Martin Scorsese often makes movies about these kinds of characters -- what might draw him to highlight these stories? How does it affect his movie legacy?

Movie Details

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