Summary
- There are PG-rated horror movies that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, combining scare and humor.
- Movies like Gremlins, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas offer a delightful balance of spooky and fun for all ages.
- From Monster House to Jaws, some classic horror films are surprisingly PG-rated and suitable for both children and adults.
Despite its reputation as an adult genre, there is a selection of PG-rated horror movies that are very good. In anticipation of Halloween, frights for the whole family are always essential for the holiday. With a combination of horror movies aimed at children, or spooky-themed comedies, these movies are perfect for the youngest viewers.
Halloween is a time typically marked by either young children trick-or-treating, or more adult-oriented horror experiences. Most horror movies would certainly not be considered appropriate for young children, but this list details some spooky movies perfect for both children and adults to enjoy together. From Gremlins to Twilight Zone, here are the best PG-rated horror films, including some of the best horror movies of all time.
11 Gremlins
A cult classic, Gremlins is a Christmas-themed horror movie (or a horror-themed Christmas movie depending on when you watch it). Gremlins is the story of an adorable creature called Gizmo, who is gifted to a young man as an early Christmas present. However, after breaking some essential rules in the care of Gizmo, a swathe of monsters terrorizes the local neighborhood. The original draft of Gremlins was much darker, but thankfully they opted for a more charming rendition, filled with enough humor to offset the horror sequences - which themselves are designed for the whole family.
10 Beetlejuice
Tim Burton's horror comedy, Beetlejuice, is a beloved and perfect example of a family-friendly fright. It is just scary enough to be included in Halloween viewing, but comedic and silly enough for even young audiences to enjoy. Released in 1988, Beetlejuice features an all-star cast, with Michael Keaton as the titular "bio-exorcist" tasked with scaring away the new inhabitants of a recently deceased couple. With several extremely iconic scenes, Beetlejuice remains an absolute Halloween essential and one of the best Tim Burton movies.
9 The Nightmare Before Christmas
A movie that can be enjoyed both at Halloween and Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a delightful romp from the mind of Tim Burton. After discovering Christmas, Jack Skellington tasks the monstrous residents of Halloween Town with recreating the holiday. The Nightmare Before Christmas's creatures and monsters were each brought to life by astounding stop-motion animation. This is complemented by Danny Elfman's greatest compositional work, crafting songs you'll sing from Halloween to Christmas.
8 Monster House
Monster House is the perfect horror movie for children. While it is infused with a brilliant sense of humor, at its core is a truly spooky story designed for a young audience. Partly written by Dan Harmon (known for Rick and Morty), Monster House features an impressive cast, including Catherine O'Hara, Steve Buscemi, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Set over Halloween, the plot centers on a young boy and his friends, investigating the sentient haunted house that is terrorizing them. With genuine thrills and some great jokes, Monster House is a perfect Halloween treat for old and young.
7 Poltergeist
It may be surprising to hear that the infamous Poltergeist is PG-rated. Despite some of the most notorious scenes in horror, it remains fun for all the family. Directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and written by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist is reportedly based on a true story and is full of genuine scares acceptable for younger audiences. The plot concerns a family whose suburban home is possessed by an evil spirit who abducts their young daughter.
6 Jaws
Another surprising addition to the PG-rated Halloween fright-fest is Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller Jaws. Depicting a seaside tourist town being ravaged by a giant great white shark, Jaws is packed with scares built on tension and tone, rather than anything too gory for younger viewers. Arguably the most unsettling aspect is John Williams' iconic theme music, which throughout the movie is just to signal the shark's presence - a necessary step as the animatronic shark intended for use reportedly looked ridiculous and was only used in the movie's climax. As a result, Jaws is appropriate for children and grown-ups alike and remains one of Steven Spielberg's best movies.
5 Invasion Of The Body Snatches
The second rendition of the classic novel of the same name, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is haunting in its simplicity. Starring Donald Sutherland, the plot revolves around a health inspector who discovers that humans are being replaced by identical alien clones completely devoid of human emotion. It is certainly a chilling viewing experience, but the horror is based primarily on the uncanniness of the unsettling clones, making it an appropriate movie for kids to enjoy with adults. Released in 1978, some of the effects seem rather childish by today's standards, but it has remained a beloved classic for a reason.
4 Race With The Devil
Starring Peter Fonda, Race with the Devil is a mash-up of gripping car chases and cultish folk horror. While on a road trip in an RV, Fonda and his family are embroiled in a satanic ritual, leading to a series of road trip-based horrors and scares. Constructed primarily around extended action sequences, much of Race with the Devil's horror is reasonably subdued, depicting the exploits of a Satanic cult in the American wilderness. As a result, Race with the Devil is an ideal Halloween flick for the family.
3 The Watcher In The Woods
1980's The Watcher in the Woods is a perfect horror movie for the whole family, with a central mystery that will keep everybody on the edge of their seats. Starring Bette Davis, The Watcher in the Woods is the story of two sisters caught up in the mystery of a missing girl, who disappeared in the woods which surround their English country home. Based on a 1976 novel of the same name, The Watcher in the Woods has garnered a cult following, with many praising the chilling supernatural plot and Bette Davis's performance.
2 Twilight Zone: The Movie
Based on the groundbreaking anthology series of the same name, Twilight Zone: The Movie. Divided into four stories, Twilight Zone: The Movie was produced by Steven Spielberg and John Landis - both known for their PG-rated horror prowess. It features a star-studded cast, including Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow, acting out a series of spooky stories, some of which were lifted directly from Twilight Zone episodes. While undeniably spooky, Twilight Zone: The Movie is gentle enough for the youngest of viewers.
