Little Shop of Horrors: Story, Age Rating, and Meaning

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Feed me, Seymour!” even if you’ve never seen the show, because Little Shop of Horrors has a way of sticking in pop culture — a man-eating plant, a lovable loser, and a score that’s equal parts doo-wop and dread. Whether you’re here to understand the plot, check if it’s kid-friendly, or explore its deeper meaning, this guide covers the essentials.

Original film release: 1960 ·
Off-Broadway musical debut: 1982 ·
1986 film adaptation: Directed by Frank Oz ·
Current Broadway revival: Running since 2019 at Westside Theatre

Six key facts about the franchise, one pattern: the story has been retold in three distinct mediums, each adding its own flavor to the same core premise.

What is the story behind The Little Shop of Horrors?

The 1960 original film

• Directed by Roger Corman, the 1960 black-and-white film was shot in two days on a tiny budget (IMDb Parents Guide).
• It follows Seymour Krelborn, a florist’s assistant who discovers a strange plant that feeds on human blood.
• Mild violence and gore, no sex or nudity, mild alcohol/drugs/smoking per the IMDb Parents Guide.

The 1982 off-Broadway musical

• Music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, premiered off-Broadway in 1982 (Missoula Children’s Theatre).
• Adds a pop-rock score and expands the story with dark comedic songs.
• Described as “loosely based on a 1960s horror film” combining sci-fi, gore, and adult situations with comedy.

The 1986 film adaptation

• Directed by Frank Oz, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour, Ellen Greene as Audrey, and Steve Martin in a supporting role (IMDb).
• The film is a dark comedy musical: Seymour finds a mysterious plant named Audrey II that demands blood, helps save the flower shop, and makes him a hero in Audrey’s eyes before its appetite grows dangerous (Apple TV).
• Rated PG-13 by the MPAA for mature thematic material including comic horror violence, substance abuse, language, and sex references (IMDb Parents Guide).

Is Little Shop of Horrors appropriate for a 7 year old?

Parental guidance recommendations

• Common Sense Media (a nonprofit media rating organization) says the 1986 film is “not for children or very sensitive viewers” and describes it as campy noir with dark comedic plot elements (Common Sense Media).
• The same source notes younger kids may not understand the humor or situations and suggests the film is better suited to older viewers (Common Sense Media user reviews).
• The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (a major Irish venue) recommends ages 11+ for the stage musical.

Age ratings from official sources

• The 1986 film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA (IMDb).
• Apple TV lists a 12+ age indicator in its storefront UI (Apple TV).
• Missoula Children’s Theatre (a professional youth theatre) labels the musical PG-13 and recommends parental guidance (Missoula Children’s Theatre).
• A production guide from Cy Performing Arts (a community theatre) says pre-teens should only attend at a parent’s discretion (Cy Performing Arts parent guide).

The implication: Parents should preview before allowing children under 11 to watch.

What is the famous line from Little Shop of Horrors?

Quotes from the musical and film

• The iconic line is “Feed me, Seymour!” — uttered by the plant Audrey II whenever it demands its next meal.
• Other memorable lines: “I’m a mean green mother from outer space” and “Suddenly, Seymour” (a tender duet between Seymour and Audrey).
• ScreenRant (a film and TV news site) lists the 1986 film as a dark comedy musical about a florist who discovers a plant that thrives on human blood (ScreenRant).

What is the deeper meaning of Little Shop of Horrors?

Themes of ambition and corruption

• The musical explores how the desire for more — fame, love, money — can lead to moral compromise. Seymour’s choices mirror the Faustian bargain.
• Interpretations include commentary on consumerism: the plant grows by consuming, mirroring unchecked capitalism.

Love and self-improvement

• At its heart, the story is about Seymour’s desire to win Audrey’s love and his own self-worth. The plant promises a shortcut, but the cost is everything.
• The 1986 film’s ending (the original theatrical cut) shows Seymour and Audrey surviving, but the stage musical ends more darkly, reinforcing the cautionary theme.

Is Little Shop of Horrors LGBTQ?

Queer readings of the musical

• Some interpret themes of outsider identity, self-acceptance, and finding love as a queer allegory. The characters of Seymour and Audrey are outsiders who find each other.
• Howard Ashman, the lyricist, was gay, and his work often contained subtext about difference and longing. However, no official statement confirms an intentional queer reading.
• Fan communities and academic discussions (e.g., on Common Sense Media user reviews) note the resonance with LGBTQ audiences.

Timeline

The franchise spans over six decades with key milestones.

The pattern: Each iteration adds a new layer while keeping the core cautionary tale intact.

Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s not

The takeaway: Confirmed facts are well-documented, but the open questions leave room for personal judgment.

Quotes

“Feed me, Seymour!”

— The plant Audrey II, as performed in the musical and film

“The film is a dark comedy musical about a florist who discovers a plant that thrives on human blood.”

— ScreenRant, a film news site

For parents deciding whether to introduce their child to the world of Little Shop of Horrors, the choice is clear: wait until at least age 11, or prepare for a conversation about ambition, greed, and the cost of success. The story’s enduring power lies in its ability to make you laugh while asking hard questions — and that’s worth the wait.

Frequently asked questions

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