Top 10 PG/PG-13 Horror Films

Horror films that have less than an R rating often catch flak for not being “horror” enough. There’s a notion that these films water down their content for various reasons, including trying to appeal to younger viewers. However, the idea that a horror film must reach a certain rating to be decent completely disregards many great additions the genre has seen over the last few decades. So, let’s take a look at the top PG/ PG-13 horror films…

10. Mama (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZlY47eCdas

While this film was far from perfect, but it is most definitely a decent watch when you’re in the mood for a ghost story. The atmosphere is haunting and beautiful and the scares don’t feel cheap. I loved the acting choices and the well-developed characters.

9. 1408 (2007)

Based on a short story by Stephen King, John Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a skeptical investigator for all things paranormal. That changes, of course, when he has the misfortune of staying in room 1408 at a New York City hotel. The film is one of my favorites within the haunted sub-genre and never loses interest. Plus, it is one of the best Stephen King movie adaptations to date.

8. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Just before the release of Drag Me to Hell, there were a lot of hype and high expectations surrounding the film. Thankfully, this Sam Raimi film was far from disappointing. It is a true B comedy/horror with disgusting effects, campy moments, and an over-the-top story. It is easy to see why Drag Me to Hell deserves a spot on the top PG/ PG-13 horror films

7. Tremors (1990)

This monster film starring Kevin Bacon and Michael Gross started a franchise that would see its fifth film get made in 2015, and even spawned a short lived television show. Despite not seeing box office success, the film’s impressive subterranean sandworms (now known as Graboids), practical effects and witty cast made Tremors a beloved cult classic.

6. The Ring (2002)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuH5FaUpFm4

This American version of the Japanese film Ring was a huge box office hit and started the trend of remaking Japanese horror. The film has many graphic and terrifying images, but none of them top seeing a drenched, and dead, Samara climbing out of a television to take her next victim. A third film in the series is set to be released in October of this year.

5. The Others (2001)

Set after World War II in the remote countryside, The Others has an eerily heavy atmosphere. As the story unfolds and pieces start clicking together, it ends with a fantastic twist. Movies such as this prove that good old-fashioned storytelling is still relevant.

4. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Inspired by the sad and true story of Anneliese Michel, Jennifer Carpenter gave a powerful performance as the allegedly possessed Emily Rose. Carpenter was able to twist her body during some scenes without the use of special effects. The film has many horrifying moments and is a must-see for fans of exorcism movies.

3. Insidious (2010)

Directed by the immensely talented James Wan, Insidious starts strong and keeps you on edge until the end credits roll. Although it appears to be a typical ghost story in the beginning, it most definitely is not. The story is original, the acting is top-notch and the scares aren’t cheap. There has since been a sequel and prequel made, with another possibly in the works.

2. Poltergeist (1982)

Poltergeist is not only one of the most classic horror films of the last thirty-five years, but it is rated PG! For many horror fans, this was one of the iconic films that got them hooked on the genre. The practical effects were brilliant for early 1980s and the cast was so memorable. The film spawned two sequels before the tragic loss of young Heather O’Rourke. Oh… and there was an unnecessary remake.

1. Jaws 1975

Yet another PG-rated film that has done down in horror history. From the massive mechanical shark to the suspenseful and unmistakable score, Jaws made generations of people afraid to step foot in the ocean. The fear that it instilled in people will be forever untouchable. The film was based on a book by the same and has generated three sequels.

Did you see one, or more, of your top PG/ PG-13 horror films listed? Are there any you would add to the list? Let us know below or on Facebook!