Movies

These Horror Movies Are PG, But They Should Be Rated Much Higher!

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In popular entertainment, movies are frequently perceived as adult-oriented due to their graphic violence, gory scenes, and mature subject matter, earning an R rating. Contrastingly, there exists a significant number of horror films that receive a PG-13 rating, like the recent successes such as “M3GAN” and “A Quiet Place.” These movies are genuinely scary and can be quite unsettling to watch, yet they steer clear of depictions or themes that might prove challenging for teenage viewers.

Before the introduction of the PG-13 rating, films were categorized as either PG (Parental Guidance suggested) or R (Restricted, for viewers 17 and above). This system caused issues when certain horror movies without an R-rating were deemed inappropriate for younger audiences. In response to this concern, the PG-13 rating was introduced in the mid-80s. Consequently, some well-known and iconic horror films rated PG could be considered more suitable for a PG-13 or even R rating under current guidelines.

The story of Gremlins commences with a father named Randall bestowing upon his son, Billy, an enigmatic pet called Gizmo, who is actually a mogwai. Despite being warned about three fundamental rules concerning mogwais, Billy’s friend mistakenly wet Gizmo, leading to the emergence of several mischievous creatures that are more lizard-like and less affectionate than their original form. In an attempt to contain them, Billy, along with his companions, frantically work to restrain these hostile creatures as they unleash chaos, attacking townsfolk and causing widespread destruction.

The movie “Gremlins” is fondly remembered as a classic, but it’s also recognized for its surprisingly violent scenes, including brutal attacks and fatalities. Many viewers feel that it’s not suitable for a PG rating due to this violence, and instead, it’s more fitting for an older and mature audience. In fact, “Gremlins” was one of the films that prompted the introduction of the PG-13 rating to bridge the gap between the PG and R ratings.

In “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” a mysterious extraterrestrial life form, taking the form of plants, secretly lands on Earth. This alien entity infiltrates the bodies and minds of San Francisco locals, subtly changing their emotions and causing unease among their friends and family. The narrative follows Matthew Bennell as he grows progressively worried about the bizarre actions of those around him, suspecting some unseen influence might be at play.

The Body Snatchers Invasion is a classic film, known for its chilling and contemplative narrative. However, its complex themes such as purpose and the fear of conformity can be challenging for younger audiences to grasp. Additionally, there are certain violent and unsettling scenes that some might find disturbing, which could potentially classify it as a PG-13 or even an R-rated movie, depending on one’s perspective regarding its horror content.

Nosferatu the Vampyre is an under-the-radar adaptation of an original story, focusing on Count Dracula. In this rendition, he becomes smitten with his real estate agent’s wife and relocates to a fresh town. Afflicted by a vampiric curse, Dracula unleashes a wave of death and terror upon the blissfully ignorant residents of Virna.

This rendition of the famous vampire character is admired for its chilling, mesmerizing ambiance and stunning visuals. It skillfully straddles the line between romantic and unsettling, encapsulating the enchantment found in the Dracula tale. However, due to recurring images of dead bodies and explicit content, Nosferatu the Vampyre is more appropriate for audiences aged 13 and older, rather than young viewers, making it a PG-13 film.

This movie titled “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane” follows the story of 13-year-old Rynn as she settles in a quiet New England town. She faces challenges when people start asking questions about her father’s whereabouts, particularly her landlord and the police. As the pressure intensifies, even leading to the landlord’s adult son making unwanted sexual advances, a local teenager named Mario extends a helping hand. As their friendship deepens into a budding romance, surprising truths about Rynn’s life come to light.

The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, an under-the-radar yet impactful film from the early days, showcased the versatility of its A-list actress. This mystery thriller is a deep, thought-provoking tale that stirs various emotions in viewers, such as anger, disgust, and compassion. Although it tells a poignant story about a young woman, the dark themes and mature content, including an adult attempting to initiate a sexual relationship with a child, render this movie unsuitable for children.

In Stephen King’s novel “Salem’s Lot,” local resident Ben Mears returns to his hometown with plans to explore a reputedly haunted location. However, his investigation is hindered when a new resident, who turns out to be an ancient vampire, gains ownership of the property and refuses him entry. In a startling revelation, Ben discovers that this recent inhabitant has been transforming townsfolk into his unwilling minions.

The initial film adaptation, originally a TV miniseries, stands out as one of the most chilling vampire movies ever made. Its rhythm and suspense are remarkable, constructing a captivating narrative about the creature of the night versus humanity that continues to be relevant today. This might serve as an excellent entry point into the vampire genre for younger viewers, but the horror aspects and unsettling nature of Salem’s Lot make it too scary for a PG rating.

In “Tourist Trap”, a gang of companions discover themselves stuck in an abandoned region following a flat tire incident. They stumble upon a guy managing a waxwork tourist spot brimming with dummies, but learn that the business has been struggling since the construction of a new highway nearby. It isn’t long before they find themselves battling for survival against ominous attackers who resemble the mannequins from the tourist venue.

Tourist Trap, while it’s not as widely recognized, stands out as one of the most overlooked slasher films of the decade. Its plotline is eerie and foreboding, with a chilling twist and death lurking at every turn. Despite the relatively tame violence compared to other slasher flicks, it’s too gruesome and disquieting for a PG rating.

In the movie titled “It’s Alive”, the couple, Frank and Lenore, make their way to the hospital in anticipation of their newborn child. But upon delivery, the baby turns out to be a grotesquely mutated and aggressive creature unlike any normal human infant. Despite Lenore’s desperate pleas, Frank contemplates eliminating his abnormal and potentially dangerous offspring, left puzzled about its unusual birth.

The movie ‘It’s Alive’ has built a significant following in horror entertainment, with its portrayal of body horror interwoven with social commentary on the consequences of experimental pharmaceuticals. The distinct imagery in this horror film leaves an enduring impact on viewers. Though it may have been rated PG at the time, given modern standards, the frightening and disquieting visuals and eerie factor of ‘It’s Alive’ would likely be considered much more intense.

In “Carnival of Souls,” the protagonist, Mary, has recently relocated to Utah and accepted a position as an organist at a church, seeking solace from her prior ordeals. Yet, she develops unease and anxiety when she experiences eerie visions of a menacing, enigmatic figure. As these encounters grow increasingly intense, Mary finds herself inexorably attracted to the deserted carnival on the town’s outskirts.

Carnival of Souls leans heavily on an unsettling ambiance rather than relying on contemporary jump scares and disturbing imagery. It focuses on themes of loneliness and sorrow, crafting a chilling but not overly suspenseful storyline. This ’60s horror movie in black and white is ideal for beginners in the genre, yet its eerie and frightening tone appeals to PG-13 viewers as well.

In the movie “Poltergeist,” a family settles into a newly constructed neighborhood, only to discover mysterious supernatural activities are transpiring. At first, they dismiss these occurrences as innocent, but their daughter Carol Ann is eventually abducted by an unseen force. After seeking aid from specialists in the paranormal and an exorcist, the parents come to understand that they are confronting a poltergeist who has taken their child away.

Poltergeist explores one of the most memorable themes, delving into the intriguing and chilling idea that spirits coexist with our world. This ’80s classic stands out as being less intense than other haunted house stories, focusing more on creating an eerie ambiance rather than relying on startling moments and disturbing images. However, occasional violent scenes and unsettling themes may make it challenging for younger viewers to fully understand.

In the opening scene of “Jaws“, a woman is viciously attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean, compelling Sheriff Brody to respond and propose temporarily closing the beaches. However, the mayor rejects this idea, leading to a tragic event where a young boy loses his life. This enrages the townsfolk, sparking a desire for retribution. In response, Sheriff Brody gathers a team to track down and eliminate the menacing great white shark that has been terrorizing their New England community.

About half a century ago, for movies centered around shark attacks, there was crafted a gripping tale that not only instilled suspense but also evoked deep emotions within viewers. This narrative unfolded in a coastal town living in constant fear of the ancient, terrifying creatures lurking beneath their waters. The ferocity and grisly scenes attributed to the great white shark gave the film a chilling, eerie atmosphere. While opinions vary today regarding the age-appropriateness of Jaws, its intense terror and explicit violence make it more than just a standard PG rating.

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2025-07-04 03:53

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