15 Children’s Movies That Wouldn’t Be Rated PG Today
Many older children’s movies had violent, scary, or intense scenes that would likely get a stricter rating today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Some kids’ movies from the past pushed the limits of what PG meant. Many included scenes of death, violence, fear, and emotional trauma that would raise red flags with today’s rating systems. If released now, they’d likely be rated PG-13 or even R due to content that no longer fits under today’s PG standards.
1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Lucasfilm on Wikimedia Commons
This movie is one of the reasons the PG-13 rating was created. It has graphic violence, including a scene where a man’s heart is pulled from his chest while he’s still alive. There are also scenes of child slavery and human sacrifice. It was released as PG but caused a major backlash.
2. Gremlins (1984)
Warner Bros. on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as a holiday movie for kids, Gremlins has several violent and disturbing scenes. Creatures are burned, exploded, and killed in graphic ways. Some scenes are scary even for adults. The film played a major role in the creation of the PG-13 rating.
3. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
SO Productions, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The movie explores grief, depression, and fear of death. One of the most disturbing scenes shows a horse slowly sinking into a swamp and dying. Many children found it emotionally overwhelming. The dark tone and heavy themes would likely push it past a PG rating today.
4. Watership Down (1978)
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
This animated film is about rabbits but includes graphic scenes of violence and death. Characters are torn apart, choked, and buried alive. The tone is grim and intense throughout. It’s not suitable for children despite being animated.
5. Return to Oz (1985)
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia Commons
This sequel to The Wizard of Oz begins with Dorothy in a mental institution. The movie includes terrifying creatures, decapitated heads, and a broken version of Oz. The tone is unsettling and dark, and many found it too disturbing for kids.
6. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Sierra On-Line on Wikimedia Commons
This film is known for its dark tone and frightening puppet characters. Some scenes show creatures being drained of life. The mood is eerie and intense, with very few moments of relief. It would be too frightening for a PG rating by today’s standards.
7. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Escudero on Wikimedia Commons
This movie includes animated characters but has mature themes and intense scenes. There’s alcohol use, sexual innuendo, and a very graphic scene where a character is melted alive. The film mixes adult content with a cartoon style. It would likely be PG-13 now.
8. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Mimooh on Wikimedia Commons
It has a dark storyline involving animal testing, death, and loss. The animation is detailed and intense, with scenes of violence and fear. Themes include power, survival, and moral conflict. It is far more serious than typical PG material today.
9. Labyrinth (1986)
Source Music on Wikimedia Commons
While visually creative, this film includes frightening creatures, adult themes, and unsettling situations. The main villain’s relationship with a teenage girl has raised concerns. The tone switches between fantasy and psychological tension. Today, it would likely receive a PG-13.
10. Ghostbusters (1984)
Sony Consumer Products on Wikimedia Commosn
Though seen as a comedy, this film has some intense horror elements. There are scenes with terrifying ghosts, sexual references, and adult language. It was rated PG, but many moments would not be considered appropriate for that rating today. A modern release would likely be PG-13.
11. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Miguelon756-5303 on Wikimedia Commons
Despite being a beloved film, E.T. has moments of intense emotional distress. There are scenes of government raids, E.T.’s near-death, and children being threatened. These scenes are strong and realistic. The movie was originally rated PG but has since been debated for a higher rating.
12. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton Productions on Wikimedia Commons
The movie shows suicide, death, and other adult themes, even though it was marketed to younger audiences. The humor is dark, and some scenes are graphic. It includes references that would be considered inappropriate for children now. Today, it would definitely be rated PG-13.
13. The Witches (1990)
Lifetime on Wikimedia Commons
Based on a Roald Dahl book, the film includes scenes of physical transformation and children being turned into animals. The witches are portrayed in frightening ways. The story includes kidnapping and danger. It’s much darker than most PG movies today.
14. Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Disney Enterprises, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
This Disney film included dark magic, fear of death, and scenes of psychological torment. It had a haunting and heavy tone throughout. The villains prey on children’s deepest fears. It would not be rated PG under modern guidelines.
15. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
Warner Bros. Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
This comedy includes crime, weapons, swearing, and adult situations. One scene involves a gang fight. There’s also a lot of sexual content for a PG movie. It would be rated PG-13 or higher if released today.