Even though we often assume that PG-rated movies are safe for a younger audience and for the whole family to watch together, this is not always the case. PG-rated rated should be a type of movie that can be watched by everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, without a second thought. However, beneath the seemingly innocent PG-rated movie, some movies have themes, scenes, and undertones that can often raise our eyebrows.
These scenes are not always explicitly graphic or overtly mature. These scenes, though subtle, can have a lasting impact on the younger audience. A seemingly harmless animated movie might have heavy themes of loss and mortality, which might negatively impact. Even lighthearted comedies might contain certain types of jokes that can be inappropriate for a younger audience. So, let’s delve into the 9 movies that might have received a PG rating but are anything but that.
Family-friendly? These 9 PG-rated movies were anything but that
1)Airplane! (1980)

In Airplane!, a former pilot has a fear of flying. He finds himself in a situation where the entire flight crew of the plane he was traveling on gets incapacitated. As there is no one to take control of the flight and land it to safety, he is tasked to do it. There is a constant source of humor and innuendos throughout this movie. In Airplane! there is hardly any logic, as it is a surrealist comedy.
There has been constant use of slang as well. To think that this movie received a PG rating is surprising. Even though it might not have explicit violent or graphic content, it still has enough suggestive content that could affect kids. It is hardly a family-friendly movie. The movie mocks the conventions of the disaster genre. It is a highly entertaining movie that does leave a lasting impact on the viewers. Though it received a PG rating in 1980, it is difficult to imagine that it will get a PG rating now.
2)Who Framed Roger Rabbit

The dazzling world of cartoons, along with live characters, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is truly a remarkable movie. In the movie, a private investigator is hired to prove the innocence of Roger Rabbit. Roger is a famous cartoon star. She is accused of murdering a human. The investigator starts investigating the case of the murder. He finds more and more secrets.
There is a seamless blend of live-action and cartoon. It is not just unique but a visual treat as well. However, the movie includes many violent scenes and sexually suggestive lines, which viewers have found inappropriate for children. The themes of the movie and certain visuals cannot be considered PG. Even though the movie is entertaining, many viewers have questioned how it got the PG rating in the first place.
3)Watership Down

Some might consider animated movies to be catered towards children. This opinion is not just controversial but also extremely untrue. Watership Down is an animated movie featuring a group of rabbits. The group tries to find solace by escaping after a vision of impending destruction. This group embarks on their journey to find a new home that will be safe.
However, along the way, they face numerous dangers - predators, harsh weather, and even conflicts. This movie is an epic tale of survival. Though the movie might look like it can be PG, it is hardly so. Numerous violent scenes can affect children. The movie is known for its intense violence and graphic depiction. A warning before watching the movie should have been made mandatory so that the parents are also aware before letting their kids watch it. There are themes of loss and constant struggle, which are depicted profoundly.
4)Sixteen Candles (1984)

Samantha Baxter’s sixteenth birthday turns into a complete disaster. The movie starts off with Samantha's family forgetting about her birthday because of the wedding of her older sister. On one hand, Samantha has a crush on Jake Ryan, who does not notice her, while on the other, she is tired of Ted. Ted is constantly following her around. Sixteen Candles captures the awkwardness along with the humor of teenage life.
Samantha navigates through her first crushes, social anxieties, and the usual chaos of high school life. Though the movie is lighthearted, certain elements are not appropriate for the PG rating today. There is suggestive humor and casual sexism that can influence young minds negatively. Movies are one of the influential elements in today's world. If not monitored by parents, children might easily be negatively influenced.
5)The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies is about an adventurous treasure hunt that has a group of misfit kids. The group is known as The Goonies. The Goonies come across a treasure map that leads them on a thrilling journey. They set out on a dangerous quest to find the lost riches of the pirate.
It is a nostalgic and action-packed movie. It is a celebration of friendship, courage, and the spirit of adventure. Many viewers have found that the excessive use of inappropriate language is not appropriate for the movie’s PG rating. Even though the overall adventurous nature of the movie and the situations of the storyline are intriguing, it might not be appropriate to give the movie a PG rating.
6)Jaws (1975)

Even the adults were scared and had days of trauma when the shark in the movie came. To think that it would not affect the kids at all is not right. The terrifying tale of the great white shark has remained one of the most memorable movies even after so many years. Police Chief Brody sets out on a journey to hunt down the monstrous predator that has been terrorizing the people.
The movie features immense bloodshed and graphic visuals, which many viewers have noted should not be rated PG. Even though the rating is PG-13, it should be rated R. The deaths and depiction of humans against nature are also mature and might not be appropriate for the young mind to see. It might affect them negatively and leave a lasting impact on them.
7)Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

The movie gives a powerful depiction of the painful realities of divorce and its impact on a family. Ted Kramer is a workaholic advertising executive. He is suddenly left by his wife Joanna, hence he becomes the sole caregiver for his son. Slowly, Ted struggles to balance his career with his fatherhood. However, when Joanna returns for the custody of their son, this leads to a further legal battle.
This legal battle is heart-wrenching and emotionally tormenting. The movie has deep themes of love, loss, and parental responsibility. The violence and explicit scenes can be difficult for a younger audience. It might negatively impact them. This movie received a PG rating, which can be misleading for the viewers, especially for children.
8)The Graduate (1967)

The movie is about Benjamin Braddock. He is a recent college graduate. He returns to his home in suburban California as he is feeling aimless and disillusioned. The predatory wife of his father’s business partner seduces him. This leads to a complicated and secret affair. As Benjamin becomes more and more involved with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter Elaine, he is confronted with his own desires.
He also faces the expectations that are placed on him. The Graduate is a darkly comedic and thought-provoking film. It explores generational conflict and societal pressures which has resonated with the viewers. The Graduate has numerous mature themes, which viewers have found to be inappropriate considering the PG rating that it had been given. The movie offers a nuanced exploration of adult relationships. The underlying sense of unease could have been given a more appropriate rating.
9)Ghostbusters (1984)

Even though this is a hilarious movie, there are certain moments that are not appropriate for younger viewers. After being fired from their university, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler decide to capture and contain the growing number of paranormal entities plaguing the city.
They take on the challenge of facing the dangers of supernatural threats using their proton packs. Ghostbusters is a blend of comedy, action, and spooky elements. All of these elements are blended into a wildly entertaining movie. Even though it has comedic elements, there are several innuendoes and strong language, which are not suitable for the PG rating that is given.
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