Short answer
Rated R for "language throughout, drug and alcohol use, some sexual content and brief violence, all involving teens" (rating bulletin of September 18, 2019, via The Numbers). Common Sense Media suggests ages 16 and up.
The rating, line by line
R rating reasons for Waves (2019)
| Rating reason | What it means in the film |
|---|---|
| Language throughout | Strong language in most scenes with the teenage characters. |
| Drug and alcohol use | Teens drink, including while driving, smoke marijuana and take ecstasy at a party; a character mentions a parent’s overdose (Kids-in-Mind). |
| Some sexual content | Scenes between the teenage couples; Kids-in-Mind describes each one. |
| Brief violence | A short, sudden and fatal act of violence at the turning point, and a physical fight between a father and son. |
Rating text: The Numbers. Age guidance: Common Sense Media.
Themes to talk about after
- Pressure from parents and coaches, and hiding injuries to keep playing.
- Pregnancy and abortion: a teen couple goes to an appointment and argues about it.
- Addiction, anger and how one choice changes many lives.
- Grief and forgiveness, the focus of the second half.
Want to know what happens before watching? Read the plot summary, where every major event sits behind a spoiler warning.
Questions people ask
Is Waves OK for a 14 year old?
It is rated R, so under 17s need a parent or guardian in US theaters. Common Sense Media suggests 16 and up. The violence is brief but sudden and serious, and drug and alcohol use runs through the first half.
Is there a sex scene in Waves?
The rating lists "some sexual content" involving teens. For a scene by scene description before you watch, Kids-in-Mind lists each one.
Does Waves have flashing lights?
Party scenes use strobing and fast moving colored light. We could not find a formal photosensitivity warning, so viewers sensitive to flashing light should be careful.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Streaming catalogs and listings change; check the service before you pay.