These PG-13 Horror Movies Prove You Don't Need an R-Rating To Get a Scare (2024)

The idea of watching PG-13 horror movies, for some people,is like pulling teeth. PG-13 horror films might be limited in scares or gore, and while they can be the perfect gateway to horror for younger folks, for adults it seems less than fun to sit through a scary movie that’s bloodless or toned-down.

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Does that mean all PG-13 horror isn’t worth watching as an adult? Of course not! There are some amazingly fun horror films that veer away from R-rated content. Keep scrolling for some of the best PG-13 horror movies of all time.

The Haunting (1999)

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The Haunting is one of those movies that you watch and then think about all the time. A group heads to Hill House (yes that one) for a sleep study led by Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson). The reality is that he is actually trying to study fear and attempting to scare Nell (Lili Taylor), Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones), and Luke (Owen Wilson) to see their reactions. This is probably one of the first horrors movies I ever saw and claimed as my own, way back in 1999, but it still stands up as one of the best. – Rachel Leishman

Gremlins (1984)

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What’s not to love about creatures that cause chaos and mayhem? Probably a lot if you are trying to avoid an untimely demise. Gremlins is a classic horror comedy that is the perfect gateway horror film. It’s enjoyable for teens and adults alike in my eyes. The film follows a kid that receives a creature called a mogwai as an X-mas gift. However, everything goes wrong when the creature spawns other creatures that cause chaos. You can watch this ’80s classic any time of the year and enjoy it. And who doesn’t love Gizmo (voiced by Howie Mandel)? He’s an absolute cutie and doesn’t deserve hate. –Vanessa Maki

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)

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Not including Elvira: Mistress of the Dark would render this list pointless. This is one of those horror movies that isn’t talked about enough. Especially when Elvira a.k.a. Cassandra Peterson is an icon in the horror community (and is also queer!). Elvira owns her sexuality and is well aware she’s a knockout. That type of confidence is always fun to watch.Plus, the movie is great. Who doesn’t love when someone disrupts a town full of extreme evangelicals? –VM

Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

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What’s better than a Frankenstein story? One where the girl at the center of it really speaks to the ’80s nostalgia everyone feels (even those of us who weren’t alive then). Directed by Zelda Williams, Lisa Frankenstein is the latest film from screenwriter Diablo Cody, and tells the story of Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a teen who moves to a new town after the death of her mother. Falling in love with the statue of a dead guy is never easy, but when Lisa wills him back to life, the two have to navigate the death and destruction around them. –RL

Death Becomes Her (1992)

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Immortality always has a price. In this ‘90s gem that features a lot of body horror and comedic moments, that’s more than evident. The body horror will satisfy horror fans, and if you’re squeamish, it’s more comedic than anything. Death Becomes Her is really just about two women, Madeline (Meryl Streep) and Helen (Goldie Hawn), who take a drug that grants people eternal life. But obviously, things don’t work out exactly how either of them wanted. Also, Bruce Willis plays a loser of a man who never deserved either. Such a classic. –VM

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

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Not by any means am I going to say Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) is better than the show (which I love so much). The status that this holds doesn’t even compare. Not to mention Kristy Swanson is … yikes. But this movie is one of the best PG-13 horror movies from the early ‘90s. That could potentially not count for much, but in my eyes it does. Finding a PG-13 horror movie with vampires that’s actually decent isn’t an easy feat.Plus this one is a movie folks remember when you mention it. –VM

Cloverfield (2008)

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Monster movies are a bit of an acquired taste if you ask me. Some people prefer human villains, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, Cloverfield isn’t just a monster movie, it’s also found footage. It gives the audience a sense of realism and is nerve-wracking. The film is straightforward in its premise because it follows a group of people trying to survive and escape New York during a monster attack. The attack comes out of nowhere and just like the characters, we’re thrust into chaos. If you’re looking for a good PG-13 monster movie, look no further. –VM

A Quiet Place (2018)

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John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place is the most thrilling movie with virtually no dialogue. Starring Emily Blunt, the movie is set in a world where aliens come to earth and are drawn to their prey based on sound. Blunt and Krasinski’s characters—along with their kids—must navigate this horrifying new existence without making a peep. A story about loss, survival, and family, A Quiet Place is a refreshing new horror franchise that will make you consider how you might survive a similar situation. –RL

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

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There’s nothing wrong with enjoying campy horror. Drag Me to Hell is about a woman who gets a curse put on her by a petty old woman. It’s a very cheesy horror movie and shouldn’t be taken too seriously because well, it’s a horror comedy. Sam Raimi is known for infusing silly vibes into his films and this isn’t an exception. The ending may not be satisfying but the journey to get there is fun enough. You will not forget the cussing goat, the ludicrous scares, the sheer nuttiness of the premise or that ending. It’s a silly film to potentially watch with your younger loved ones if they love horror. –VM

The Final Girls (2015)

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Slashers that are set during summer and at a camp are a staple in horror. And somehow The Final Girls is written so perfectly that you don’t notice it’s a PG-13 horror movie. The Final Girls‘ premise is emotional as it follows a young girl who loses her mom and somehow is teleported into the slasher her mom starred in her younger days. The cast has recognizable folks in it and there are queer screenwriters behind this film also, so that’s a bonus. I recommend The Final Girls for folks looking for emotional beats, scares, and a charismatic cast. –VM

The Boogeyman (2023)

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Very few movies have terrified me in the way that The Boogeyman did. The 2023 film is based on the short story by Stephen King and transforms the “fake” creature invented to scare children into something horrible and real. Living in the shadows, the Boogeyman can mimic whoever it desires and if that isn’t frightening enough, just wait until Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair) comes face to face with it. –RL

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

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Horror films with a small number of characters in an isolated setting are quite effective sometimes. 10 Cloverfield Lane exists in the same universe as Cloverfield. 10 Cloverfield Lane follows a woman who ends her engagement and gets into a car crash. She is saved by a man who insists living above ground is unsafe. The atmosphere is incredibly uncomfortable, the characters are at the mercy of an unstable man, and there’s an ambiguous threat outside. It doesn’t have the same feeling as Cloverfield and there’s nothing wrong with that. The danger inside and outside the bunker is well established. You won’t even notice the lack of gore or blood (if you’re into horror movies having both). –VM

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

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If you hated Ouija (2014) and are wary about its prequel, Ouija: Origin of Evil, please don’t be. Directed by Mike Flanagan, Ouija: Origin of Evil follows a family that suffers after they play around with an Ouija board. Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty scary and doesn’t entirely feel like PG-13 horror. Supernatural horror isn’t always about extreme violence. Sometimes knowing characters are about to be fucked up by spirits or demons is enough. Ouija: Origin of Evil brings just enough scares to the table and doesn’t hold back when ripping your heart out at the end. –VM

Imaginary (2024)

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Maybe don’t forget about your imaginary friends. Imaginary tells the story of Chauncey Bear, a stuffed animal that is eager to destroy lives. Jessica (DeWanda Wise) returns to her childhood home and is confronted with memories from her past, including her imaginary friend, who has attached himself to her stepdaughter. I love that bear so much, and this is a pretty good gateway horror film for new fans that is also just fun to watch. –RL

Happy Death Day (2017)

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Gateway horror films are crucial for young fans of the genre, especially if they are restricted in terms of the content they consume. Happy Death Day blends concepts from other films and focuses on Tree (Jessica Rothe) who keeps dying and coming back to life. Jessica Rothe is hilarious, delivers emotional moments, and there are underlying themes about grief folded into the story. If you’re introducing a young loved one in your life to horror and they want something modern, Happy Death Day is suitable. It’s a good time and you’ll remember plenty of the scenes. –VM

Sweetheart (2019)

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Creature features that involve Black women at the forefront aren’t common at all. Therefore it’s pertinent to mention Sweetheart as it’s a creature feature you can show to younger viewers. Sweetheart is about a woman who ends up on an island where a creature seeks to kill her, so the plot isn’t too complicated. It’s a film that builds tension and makes you nervous because there’s no such thing as running forever. If you’re looking for a creature feature with underlying themes and a Black lead, you’ve found your film. –VM

M3GAN (2023)

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There’s no doubt M3GAN will be considered a camp classic in the coming years. M3GAN kicked off horror in 2023 and didn’t disappoint. The movie is indeed about a killer doll that will stop at nothing to protect her best friend. It’s campy fun, and if you are looking for a killer doll with no chill (similar to Chucky, minus the aggressive cussing and crude jokes), you’re in for a treat. –VM

(featured image: 20th Century Studios and New World Pictures)

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These PG-13 Horror Movies Prove You Don't Need an R-Rating To Get a Scare (2024)

FAQs

Is there any PG-13 horror movies? ›

It seems that ghost stories are among the most popular type of PG-13 horror movies as they can deliver terrifying scenarios without having to resort to blood and gore. Poltergeist is one of the best examples of this as it is a truly unsettling movie despite what its softer rating might suggest.

What is worse PG-13 or Rated R? ›

A G rating would mean there's no content that parents would be concerned about, a PG rating means there's some content that parents may want to know about, a PG-13 rating indicates there's even more content that families may not find appropriate and R means the film has adult content (same with NC-17).

Can a 13 year old see an R-rated movie? ›

Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian over the age of 21 for R-rated movies. I.D. is required for proof of age. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted into R-rated features at all.

Are horror movies Rated R? ›

Most horror movies today are rated R, but there are still some great movies that are PG13 (or even rated PG or no rating at all!) that can still scare the dickens out of you!

Is horror OK for kids? ›

Some are movies are just spooky. Gentle thrills can let kids explore fears in a safe environment. Others movies can be very scary and even violent. Scary movies that contain violence or adult content can have harmful effects on young viewers' behavior and mental health.

Are PG-13 movies inappropriate? ›

Rated PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Rated R: Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Rated NC-17: No children under 17 admitted.

Is rated R 18+ or 21+? ›

For films rated “R” by the MPAA:

REG will not sell tickets to any person under the age of 17 (18 where applicable). A person must be at least 21 years old in order to purchase multiple tickets without providing additional photo I.D. for additional tickets.

Can 5 year olds watch PG-13? ›

Print. TLDR: Yes, children under 13 years of age can watch PG13 movies. Films rated PG13 is an advisory rating for parents to note there are scenes or themes unsuitable for younger children. However, there's no age restriction; so the parent can choose to allow or bring the child for the movie.

What is the S rated movie? ›

Films with S certification cannot be viewed by the public. Only people associated with it (doctors, scientists, etc.), are permitted to view these films.

Will Deadpool 3 be rated R? ›

Feige also previously assured fans that the film will be R-rated from the very beginning, telling EW: "That's our first R-rated film. To have Hugh come back is incredible."

Can 13 year olds watch Deadpool 3? ›

Is Deadpool and Wolverine rated R? Yes, Deadpool and Wolverine is an R-rated movie. That means you have to be at least 17 years old (or be accompanied by a parent or guardian) to watch the film in theaters when it arrives this month.

Why is Bad Boys rated R? ›

That said, I can't recommend dropping your 11- and 14-year-old off at the theater to enjoy a matinee of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." The movie earned its R rating with language and violence. I don't need to get into specifics but, suffice it to say, there is plenty of both.

Is Cannibal Holocaust NC-17? ›

Many horror movies strive for an R rating, but some achieve the more extreme NC-17 rating due to their disturbing and gruesome content. Films like "A Serbian Film" and "Cannibal Holocaust" contain some of the most vile and unsettling moments in cinema history, pushing the boundaries of violence and explicit content.

Should I let my 7 year old watch horror movies? ›

Are scary movies something you allow and enjoy watching in your household? If the answer is yes, evaluate your child's readiness. While there is no absolute age at which scary movies are appropriate, Dr. Dry recommends not introducing them to very young children because of the potential to create long-term anxiety.

How scary is talk to me? ›

Parents need to know that Talk to Me is a brilliantly original, terrifying Australian horror movie with disturbing imagery that will linger long after the closing credits. The scares come as a result of a group of young people -- led by Mia (Sophie Wilde), who's trying to deal with her mother's death by…

Can a 13 year old watch horror movies? ›

11-13 year olds may be better equipped to navigate the scary movie scene on some level but each child is different. If your child watches something that they say is not scary to them but then starts coming to you at night wanting to sleep closer to you or is having nightmares let their behavior speak for them.

Is Scary Movie 3 PG-13? ›

SCARY MOVIE 3 is rated PG-13 and the Wayanses have been replaced by David Zucker, director of both wildly funny comedy classics (Ruthless People and Airplane!) and painfully un-funny flops (My Boss's Daughter). This movie is somewhere in the middle, not as good as The Naked Gun series but better than Baseketball.

Are PG-13 movies OK for 11 year olds? ›

Print. TLDR: Yes, children under 13 years of age can watch PG13 movies. Films rated PG13 is an advisory rating for parents to note there are scenes or themes unsuitable for younger children. However, there's no age restriction; so the parent can choose to allow or bring the child for the movie.

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