13 Movie Ratings That Made No Sense in Retrospect

Movie ratings are meant to help parents and viewers judge what content is appropriate. However, in past decades, some films were rated in ways that overlooked violence, language, or adult themes. This list covers 13 movies where the original rating doesn’t match how the film is now perceived.

1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – Rated PG

Lucasfilm on Wikimedia Commons

This film included scenes of heart removal, child slavery, and intense violence. Despite this, it was given a PG rating. At the time, there was no PG-13 option. Viewer backlash over the violent content helped lead to the creation of the PG-13 rating later that year.

2. Gremlins (1984) – Rated PG

Warner Bros. on Wikimedia Commons

This horror-comedy featured violent scenes like creatures being microwaved and blended. It was still released with a PG rating. Many parents complained it was too intense for children. This was another film that contributed to the introduction of PG-13.  

3. Jaws (1975) – Rated PG

Roger Kastel on Wikimedia Commons

The movie includes graphic shark attacks and disturbing images of dead bodies. Despite this, it was released as PG. Today, the violence would likely earn it a PG-13 rating. It remains one of the more intense films ever released under PG.

4. Beetlejuice (1988) – Rated PG

Tim Burton Productions on Wikimedia Commons

The film includes strong language, sexual jokes, and references to suicide. Even so, it was rated PG at the time. Its tone and humor are more suited for teenagers. Under current standards, it would likely be PG-13.

5. The Dark Knight (2008) – Rated PG-13

Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons

This movie includes disturbing violence, psychological terror, and intense action sequences. While technically within PG-13 guidelines, some felt it pushed the limit. The Joker’s scenes in particular were considered too frightening for younger teens. Some parents argued it should have been rated R.

6. Poltergeist (1982) – Rated PG

MGM on Wikimedia Commons

This horror film had terrifying imagery, corpses, and violent ghost scenes. Yet it was rated PG, partly because Spielberg was involved. Many viewers found it far too scary for children. Today, it would likely receive a PG-13 or even an R rating.

7. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – Rated PG

Escudero on Wikimedia Commons

While animated, the film includes strong innuendo, alcohol use, and violent cartoon sequences. Some parents assumed it was made for kids, but the tone was more mature. Several scenes raised questions about its suitability for younger viewers. It would more likely receive PG-13 today.

8. Watership Down (1978) – Rated U (UK) / Unrated (US)

William Warby on Wikimedia Commons

This animated movie about rabbits features brutal violence, blood, and death. In the UK, it received a “Universal” rating, meaning suitable for all. Many children were deeply disturbed by its graphic scenes. It has since been re-evaluated and given higher age guidance.  

9. The Matrix (1999) – Rated R

Marybel Le Pape on Wikimedia Commons

The film earned an R rating for its violence, gunplay, and some language. However, compared to other R-rated films, it lacked strong language or sexual content. Some critics argued it could have been PG-13 by modern standards. Its action scenes influenced many later films rated more leniently.

10. The Ring (2002) – Rated PG-13

The Ring Magazine on Wikimedia Commons

This horror film contained disturbing imagery and a dark, slow-building sense of dread. While there wasn’t much blood, the psychological horror was intense. Some felt it deserved an R rating based on how frightening it was. It helped redefine how far PG-13 could go in the horror genre.

11. The Fifth Element (1997) – Rated PG-13

Tangopaso on Wikimedia Commons

The movie included brief nudity, stylized violence, and adult themes. Yet it was still considered appropriate for teenagers under PG-13. Some scenes, especially involving costumes and innuendo, pushed boundaries. Viewers today might expect a more cautious rating.

12. RoboCop (1987) – Rated X (original cut), then R

Orion Pictures on Wikimedia Commons

The original cut was rated X for extreme violence and was edited down to receive an R. Even with the edits, the film included graphic deaths and disturbing content. Many believed it still pushed the limits of an R rating. It remains one of the more violent R-rated films of its time.

13. Adventures in Babysitting (1987) – Rated PG-13

JD Lasica on Wikimedia Commons

This teen comedy includes profanity, a Playboy magazine reference, and gang-related scenes. Despite the light tone, it featured content that caught many parents off guard. It walked a fine line for PG-13 at the time. Today’s rating boards might ask for content edits.

• Tags:
• Movie ratings
• Film history
• Parental guidance
• Content standards
• Media criticism