Twelve Rated-PG Films That May Not Be Suitable for Children to Watch
The existing movie rating system does have its shortcomings. It used to be even riskier: Before the advent of the PG-13 rating in 1984, parents had no way of knowing what they'd be getting into when taking their family to see a PG-rated movie at the cinema. Here's a rundown of some PG-rated films that might seem suitable for your household yet may not pass your criteria for appropriateness.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Despite later being turned into both a Saturday morning cartoon and a Broadway musical, this Tim Burton film about the ghost character who vows to expel unwanted inhabitants from their homes isn't a good choice for family viewing. There are several scary scenes that scared '80s children (like me) and a f-bomb that, although highly amusing, appears out of place. Perhaps a future sequel will receive a more suitable rating.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Digital Rental
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
This adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic play, which is often shown to high schoolers for English classes, has been a source of controversy. The actors responsible for the production have sued Paramount Pictures for more than $100 million, claiming they were not aware that nude scenes were filmed while they were still minors.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Paramount+ with Showtime, Kanopy, Digital Rental
Ghostbusters (1984)
My son has been pleading with me to introduce him to this seminal film, which sparked a long-running cartoon and lots of merchandise. While much of Bill Murray's comedic delivery in this movie that combines comedy and horror will likely fly over his head, there's a scene involving Dan Aykroyd appearing happy when a ghost unzips his pants.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Peacock, Digital Rental
Airplane! (1980)
This parody of disaster movies includes numerous slapstick and physical gags. However, it also features random nudity, inappropriate racial dialogue, excessive profanity, and a pilot who appears to be making inappropriate advances toward a minor.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Paramount+ with Showtime, Pluto TV, Digital Rental
Jaws (1975)
My older son, who is fascinated with sharks, keeps asking me to see this Steven Spielberg classic. However, its graphic depiction of violence and a lot of profanity might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Starz, Digital Rental
Sixteen Candles (1984)
This '80s teen comedy about a girl's 16th birthday and all the romantic antics that follow is unfortunately rife with innuendos, implied date rape, and insensitive racial caricature.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Prime Video, AMC+, Digital Rental
James Bond Movies From 1985
Sure, your children won't understand why there's a character called Pussy Galore in the films. However, these movies are more enjoyable for their exciting action scenes, amazing car chases, and inventive gadgets. The adult themes in the early Bond films, though, might make them hard to introduce to them. The rating board finally pulled their act together when License to Kill received a PG-13 rating in 1989.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Digital Rental
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Although intended to be a more adult-oriented version of Indiana Jones, this Spielberg film is notable for its extreme violence (one character's heart ripping from their chest really tormented kids), which contributed to the introduction of the PG-13 rating.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Paramount+ with Showtime, Disney+, Pluto TV, Digital Rental
Splash (1984)
To create a home for more mature films, Spielberg launched Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney. This lighthearted film about a romance between a man and a mermaid does feature nudity (mainly integral to the story) and plenty of sexual innuendo, but it's sure to thaw Walt's frozen head.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Disney+, Digital Rental
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Allegedly, George Lucas came up with the character of Indiana Jones as a more interesting alternative to James Bond. While Raiders of the Lost Ark stays in keeping with this premise, Clash of the Titans doesn't. The extreme violence in the film is why it was a factor in the establishment of the PG-13 rating.
Where to View Without Your Kids: Paramount+ with Showtime, Disney+, Pluto TV, Digital Rental
This epic swords and sandals story featuring Perseus may have some outdated special effects, even for the '80s. However, it can provide an appealing alternative to the more violent 2010 remake. Although there are a few instances of characters' robes coming on and off, there's also some nudity and implied sexual scenes.
Where to watch without your kids: Digital rental
Barbarella (1968)
Just like the outdated effects, youngsters might find humor in this '60s sci-fi film starring Jane Fonda. This movie isn't suitable for children, with its numerous nudity and sexual innuendos.
Where to watch without your kids: Pluto TV, Digital rental
Poltergeist (1982)
This movie is a scare-fest filled with a demonic tree, a menacing toy clown (which would scare even It's Pennywise), and sexual overtones in a scene where a mother is seemingly attacked by a ghost. It's really no surprise that Steven Spielberg's terrifying tale set in a haunted house is the last one here.
Where to watch without your kids: Pluto TV, Digital rental
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Parents relying on the PG movie rating system may be surprised to find that some PG-rated films contain content inappropriate for young viewers. For instance, the 1988 film "Beetlejuice" features several scary scenes and an out-of-place f-bomb. Streaming services like Digital Rental offer an option to watch this movie without children.
In addition, the 1968 adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" caused controversy due to the inclusion of nude scenes filmed with minor actors. Paramount+ with Showtime, Kanopy, and Digital Rental are platforms where viewers can watch this film without their kids.
