12 Highly Rated Movies You Probably Shouldn’t Watch With Your Kids
We can all agree that the current film rating system has some flaws. But things used to be much more complicated: Before the introduction of the PG-13 rating in 1984, parents had no idea what their families were in for when they went to the cinema to see a PG-rated film. Before you plan your next movie night, here’s a list of PG-rated movies that your family might find fun, but might not meet your standards of appropriateness.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Although the Saturday morning cartoon and Broadway musical were built around Tim Burton’s masterpiece about a title character who claims he can rid homes of the living, it’s hard to recommend the film for family viewing. There are some scary scenes that traumatized the youth of the 80s (myself included), and
-bomb, which, although funny, seems out of place. Perhaps the upcoming sequel will be more adequately rated.
Where to watch (without children): digital rental
Romeo and Juliet (1968)
I still don’t understand how this movie became a staple of high school English classes, especially now that the stars of the Oscar-winning adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tale are suing Paramount Pictures for more than $100 million, claiming their nude scenes were filmed without their participation. knowledge while they were minors.
Where to watch (no kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Kanopy, digital rental.
Ghostbusters (1984)
My son has long been asking me to introduce him to this classic film, which inspired a long-running cartoon and a lot of merchandising. Despite some salty language, chances are most of Bill Murray’s jokes in this comedy-horror hybrid will go over your child’s head. But good luck explaining to your child why Dan Aykroyd seems so happy when a ghost unzips his pants.
Where to watch (without children): Peacock, Digital rental.
Airplane (1980)
There’s plenty of silliness and other physics gags in this classic disaster movie parody. It also features random nudity, jive talk, glue sniffing, lots of inappropriate jokes, and a pilot who appears to make advances toward a minor.
Where to watch (no kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Pluto TV, digital rental.
Jaws (1975)
My oldest son, who is obsessed with sharks, keeps asking me to show him the first Steven Spielberg entry on this list. I doubt it, however, because his horror masterpiece opens with a naked swimmer who becomes the first victim of the titular killing machine – bloody, graphic violence and sailor-like swearing soon follow.
Where to watch (no kids): Starz, digital rental.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The raunchy ’80s teen comedy, which featured the hilarious and romantic events that take place on character Molly Ringwald’s 16th birthday, was definitely a product of its time. The list of crimes that would not pass muster today includes date rape, explicit sexual conversations and a racist depiction of a very horny Asian exchange student.
Where to watch (no kids): Prime Video, AMC+, digital rental.
James Bond films before 1987
Of course, my children are unlikely to understand why it is funny that there is a character in the film named Pussy Galore. When they finally see a Bond film, they’ll enjoy the non-stop action, thrilling car chases and clever gadgets featured in the early films in the franchise. I know I did this as a child. However, as an adult, I am hesitant to introduce them to my boys because of their explicit titles and implied sex scenes. The ratings board finally came to its senses when 1989’s mega-violent License to Kill received a PG-13 rating.
Where to watch (without children): digital rental
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
According to legend, George Lucas introduced Spielberg to the character of Indiana Jones as an archaeologist more interesting than James Bond. While Raiders of the Lost Ark reflects this intention, the darker Temple of Doom does not. The extreme violence in the film (a scene where someone’s heart is literally ripped out of their chest traumatized an entire generation) was one of the reasons for the introduction of the PG-13 rating.
Where to watch (without kids): Paramount+ with Showtime, Disney+, Pluto TV, digital rental .
Splash (1984)
Spielberg created a whole new ratings, but Ron Howard’s light-hearted comedy about a man and a mermaid necessitated the creation of Touchstone Pictures, which Disney launched with the intention of producing more adult films. There’s a lot of nudity (mostly necessary for the plot) and enough sexual innuendo to make Walt’s frozen head thaw a little.
Where to watch (no kids): Disney+, digital rental.
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Since the effects in this classic swords-and-sandals epic about Perseus’ journey to rescue Princess Andromeda are a little dated even for the ’80s, it could be an attractive alternative to the brutal 2010 remake. However, some of the character’s clothing comes and goes, as there is some nudity and implied sex throughout.
Where to watch (without children): digital rental
Barbarella (1968)
Speaking of dated effects, kids can laugh at this ’60s sci-fi classic starring Jane Fonda. Despite its rating, this isn’t exactly a children’s film: there’s plenty of nudity and sexual innuendo in this campy romp.
Where to watch (no kids): Pluto TV, digital rental.
Poltergeist (1982)
Steven Spielberg’s haunted house film Poltergeist ( directed by Tobe Hooper’s horror) is the latest entry on this list for a reason.
Where to watch (no kids): Pluto TV