We can all agree that the current film rating system has some flaws. But it used to be much dicier: Before the introduction of the PG-13 rating in 1984, parents really had no idea what their families were in for when they went to see a PG-rated film at the movies. Before you plan your next movie night, here’s a list of PG-rated movies that may seem fun for your household but might not meet your appropriateness standards.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Even though a Saturday morning cartoon and Broadway musical have been built around Tim Burton’s masterpiece about the titular character who claims he can rid houses of the living, it’s difficult to recommend this film for family viewing. There are a few frightening scenes that traumatized ’80s youth (myself included) and an f
-bomb that, while hilarious, feels out of place. Perhaps the upcoming sequel will be rated more appropriately.
Where to stream (without your kids): Digital rental
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
I’m still not sure how this movie became a staple of high school English classes, especially now as the stars of this Oscar-winning adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tale sued Paramount Pictures for more than $100 million, stating their nude scenes were filmed without their knowledge while they were minors.
Where to stream (without your kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Kanopy, Digital rental
Ghostbusters (1984)
My son has long requested that I introduce him to this classic film, which inspired a long-running cartoon and oodles of merchandising. Despite some salty language, chances are most of Bill Murray’s jokes in this comedy/horror hybrid will go over the heads of your kid. But good luck explaining to your youngster why Dan Aykroyd seems so happy when a ghost unzips his pants.
Where to stream (without your kids): Peacock, Digital rental
Airplane (1980)
Plenty of pratfalls and other physical gags are in this classic send-up of disaster movies. It also features random nudity, jive talkin’, glue sniffing, plenty of inappropriate jokes, and a pilot seemingly making sexual advances to a minor.
Where to stream (without your kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Pluto TV, Digital rental
Jaws (1975)
My shark-obsessed older son keeps asking me to show him Steven Spielberg’s first entry on this list. However, I’m hesitant because his horror masterpiece starts with a nude swimmer who becomes the first victim of the titular killing machine—bloody, graphic violence and swearing like a sailor soon follow.
Where to stream (without your kids): Starz, Digital rental
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The bawdy ’80s teen comedy, which depicts the hilarious and romantic goings-on that take place on Molly Ringwald’s character’s 16th birthday, was definitely a product of its time. Among its list of offenses that wouldn’t pass muster today are implied date rape, frank sexual talk, and a racist depiction of a very horny Asian exchange student.
Where to stream (without your kids): Prime Video, AMC+, Digital rental
James Bond Movies Through 1987
Sure, there’s no chance my kids will understand why it is hilarious there is a character in a movie with the name of Pussy Galore. When they eventually see a Bond film, they will enjoy the non-stop action, thrilling car chases, and clever gadgets featured in the franchise’s early films. I know I did as a kid. However, as an adult, I’m hesitant to introduce them to my boys because of their revealing title sequences and implied sex scenes. The rating board finally came to its senses when the mega-violent Licence to Kill received a PG-13 rating in 1989.
Where to stream (without your kids): Digital rental
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
As the legend goes, George Lucas pitched the character of Indiana Jones to Spielberg as an archeologist who is more interesting than James Bond. While Raiders of the Lost Ark reflects that intention, the darker Temple of Doom does not. The film’s extreme violence (the scene where someone literally gets their heart ripped from their chest traumatized an entire generation) was one of the reasons for the introduction of the PG-13 rating.
Where to stream (without your kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Disney+, Pluto TV, Digital rental
Splash (1984)
Spielberg created a whole new rating, but Ron Howard’s lighthearted comedy about a relationship between a man and a mermaid necessitated the creation of Touchstone Pictures, which the Disney company started with the intention of releasing more mature fare. The film has plenty of nudity (mostly essential to the plot) and enough sexual innuendo to make Walt’s frozen head thaw a little.
Where to stream (without your kids): Disney+, Digital rental
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Since the effects in this classic swords and sandals epic about Perseus’ voyage to save Princess Andromeda are a little dated, even for the ’80s, it could make for an attractive alternative to the violent 2010 remake. However, a few of the character’s robes come on and off, as there is some nudity and implied sex sprinkled throughout.
Where to stream (without your kids): Digital rental
Barbarella (1968)
Speaking of dated effects, children may have a laugh or two at this ’60s sci-fi classic starring Jane Fonda. Despite its rating, it’s not really a kid’s movie—there is plenty of nudity and sexual innuendo throughout this campy romp.
Where to stream (without your kids): Pluto TV, Digital rental
Poltergeist (1982)
Featuring a demonic tree, a toy clown that would give It‘s Pennywise the chills, the implication that a ghost is attempting to assault a mother sexually, and numerous other graphic and frightening images, Steven Spielberg’s haunted house production Poltergeist (directed by the master of horror Tobe Hooper) is the final entry on this list for good reason.
Where to stream (without your kids): Pluto TV
