Black Phone 2 (2025) is a U.S. supernatural horror/mystery film directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill.
It stars Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demián Bichir, Miguel Mora, and Arianna Rivas.
The story follows Finn and Gwen years after the first film, as ominous calls and visions return and point to dangers surrounding a winter camp.
It’s a sequel to the 2022 hit based on Joe Hill’s short story. The movie premieres at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 and opens only in theaters on October 17, 2025 via Universal Pictures.
Black Phone 2 Age Rating
Black Phone 2 is rated R by the MPA “for strong violent content, gore, teen drug use, and language.” Expect a darker, bloodier sequel with frequent peril, disturbing imagery, and intense sequences aimed at mature audiences; there’s no TV rating since this is a theatrical release.
Violence & Peril
The trailer and official rating point to strong violence with gory moments and sustained menace. Stalking, attacks, and supernatural confrontations create a tense, fearful tone throughout; several sequences are designed as jump-scares and may feature on-screen injury detail.
Language
Frequent strong profanity is expected, consistent with an R rating that cites language as a reason. There’s no indication of targeted slurs in official materials, but arguments and panic moments likely include coarse terms.
Mature Themes
The film deals with trauma, grief, and fear, plus teen drug use (noted in the rating rationale). Themes include nightmares that affect reality, stalking, abduction references, and spiritual/afterlife elements tied to the Grabber’s return.
Is Black Phone 2 Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The violence, gore, and frightening tone are too intense for preteens.
Ages 13–15: No. Content includes strong violence and teen drug use, which exceeds what most mid-teens can handle comfortably.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Mature older teens who enjoy horror may cope, but expect scary set-pieces, bloody images, and heavy themes. Discuss after viewing.
Final take: Best for 16+ with parental guidance; sensitive viewers should wait.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the trailer and consider your teen’s tolerance for gore and supernatural horror before deciding.
Talk about coping with fear/trauma and how the film portrays nightmares, grief, and survivor’s guilt.
Address substance choices ahead of time; the movie flags teen drug use, which can open a short, honest conversation.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the age rating for Black Phone 2?
It’s rated R for strong violent content, gore, teen drug use, and language (MPA).
2) Is it appropriate for teens?
Generally not for under-16s. Mature 16–17 year-olds may watch with guidance due to violence, gore, language, and scary themes.
3) How scary or violent is it?
Expect intense scares, stalking, and gory moments; the sequel leans harder into violence than the first film.
4) Does it have a lot of bad language or slurs?
The rating cites language, so expect frequent profanity. Specific slurs aren’t highlighted in official materials.
5) Any sexual content or nudity?
There’s no sexual content listed in the official rating; the focus is on violence, language, and drug use.
6) Where can I watch it?
It opens only in theaters on October 17, 2025; streaming has not been announced yet. Black Phone 2 | Official Movie