Film ratings are important because they set the boundaries for viewers to know what is appropriate to watch. PG is among the most important because it claims it’s open to families and younger viewers. But what might’ve been a PG in the past doesn’t necessarily meet the standards that people hold today. Society constantly changes, and so do the rules and regulations over what a PG movie is. With stricter guidelines today, many films that previously made the cut would now be considered at least a PG-13.
Sixteen Candles
John Hughes’ beloved teen comedy is cherished for its quirky characters and funny plot, but it’s riddled with issues that would make modern audiences uncomfortable. The film has a casual approach to underage drinking, which would raise many eyebrows today. Plus, there are racial stereotypes and teen sexuality scenes that would land this in the PG-13 category.
Beetlejuice
This horror-comedy classic is famous for its eccentric characters and dark humor, creating a movie that’s still discussed today. But the movie’s strong language, sexual innuendo, and mature themes would push it out of the PG category and likely into PG-13 territory.
The Goonies
This adventure tale of kids hunting treasure is a staple of 80s nostalgia. Despite its family-friendly façade, the film’s language, mild violence, and mature humor would not pass as PG today.
Airplane!
A parody that thrives on pushing boundaries, Airplane! is packed with adult humor, drug references, and suggestive content. Such elements easily make this a PG-13 by today’s standards, as it sometimes leans heavily into an adult audience.
Top Gun
Top Gun blends fantastic action scenes with romance in a way few films have managed since. It’s beloved because of that, becoming a Tom Cruise classic that people still enjoy. But there are some mature romantic scenes throughout this and language that wouldn’t allow it to be seen as a PG movie today. The fact that the more modern Top Gun 2 was released to a PG-13 rating showcases where the original would sit by today’s standards.
Annie Hall
Woody Allen’s critically acclaimed film explores complex adult relationships with humor and depth. The movie’s sexual content, drug references, and mature themes make it clear that a PG rating would be far too lenient in today’s modern world.
Clue
Based on the classic board game, Clue is a fun murder mystery with dark humor. Violence and mature themes run throughout the story, and while it’s a brilliant movie, it wouldn’t be a PG today.
Dead Poets Society
This inspiring tale of a teacher who encourages his students to seize the day features themes of rebellion and tragedy, including a student’s suicide. The latter is such a heavy subject matter that it’s impossible to believe it would be allowed to have a PG rating. Due to its sensitive nature, it’s a topic that isn’t considered appropriate for a PG audience.
The Witches
Many of Roald Dahl’s stories have been brought to life on the big screen over the years, creating memorable tales. While his books are aimed at children, that doesn’t mean they all suit being PG-13. The Witches is filled with darker elements and some visuals guaranteed to frighten audiences. Seeing characters turned into mice or the witches themselves makes this PG-13.
Goldfinger
James Bond films are known for their mix of action and romance, but they aren’t necessarily geared towards children. Goldfinger got a PG rating, but it’s inappropriate for younger viewers to watch. The movie includes suggestive content and violence deemed suitable for PG then, but modern standards would likely rate it PG-13.
The Graduate
The story of a young man’s affair with an older woman includes mature sexual content and simply isn’t appropriate as a PG. The movie is geared towards adults, and because of that, younger viewers likely wouldn’t enjoy it as it’s complex for them to understand.
Smokey and the Bandit
This comedy about illegal alcohol run across state lines is filled with car chases, sexual jokes, and swearing. A film like this would fall under the PG-13 category now as it’s geared towards that style of audience.
Some Like It Hot
A comedy classic featuring cross-dressing and sexual humor, Some Like It Hot crosses many lines that would likely not be allowed in cinema anymore, regardless of the rating. However, for its suggestive themes throughout, it would likely receive a PG-13 rating.
The Right Stuff
The Right Stuff focuses on the U.S. space program during its early days, which is a topic that works for all ages. However, the movie has many mature scenes that aren’t appropriate for younger viewers.
Big
Big is a charming movie that features Tom Hanks at his best. Telling the story of a boy who becomes an adult magically, the story has lots of adult themes. Even though it’s wrapped up in a childlike manner due to the lead character, the overall plot is suited to adults.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The Indiana Jones franchise provides some fantastic adventures but also leans toward darker themes and often has scary scenes. That’s true for The Temple of Doom, which has human sacrifice at one stage. There are graphic scenes of violence, the likes of which aren’t appropriate for younger audiences.
Gremlins 
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.Although it seems family-friendly, Gremlins features surprising violence and horror scenes. It’s very intense for younger viewers, and it did cause issues upon its release. Due to its intense content, it was one of the films that led to the creation of the PG-13 rating.
Jaws
Jaws might be an iconic movie with a soundtrack that families often use when playing in a swimming pool, but this thriller is scary. Many people consider it a horror due to its violent nature, with the killer shark capable of terrifying any audience. The intense nature of the scenes and the fact that it’s packed with gore ensure this wouldn’t be a PG today.
Poltergeist
Many cinemagoers would be shocked to see that Poltergeist was ever rated PG, considering it is a horror movie. Due to its scary nature, the genre doesn’t lend itself to that rating. Poltergeist is no exception, with scenes of paranormal activity that are better suited to PG-13.
Back to the Future
This time-travel adventure is beloved by many and is considered a classic of cinema. But its mature themes, language, and scenes of violence would place it in the PG-13 category today, regardless of how charming it is.
