Horror Movies Rated PG-13: Most horror movies require parental guidance for children under the age of 13. Read on for a list of such movies that are rated PG-13.
In the realm of horror, a special category beckons – PG-13 horror movies. These films, rated for ages 13 and above, present an intriguing balance between chills and accessibility. While intense fright is the hallmark of the genre, PG-13 horror seeks to provide a spine-tingling experience while keeping certain content within bounds suitable for a wider audience.
Diving into the world of PG-13 horror unveils a unique spectrum of suspense, supernatural occurrences, and unsettling encounters. These films offer an ideal entry point for young enthusiasts and those looking for a scare that doesn’t venture into explicit territories. While the debate on whether PG-13 horror can match the unbridled intensity of unrestricted counterparts continues, these movies carve a distinct niche. They cater to those seeking shivers without delving into extremes that might require parental guidance.
As we navigate this selection, you’ll discover 20 PG-13 horror movies that adeptly navigate the boundary between fright and suitability. Brace yourself for an array of eerie tales and supernatural terrors that promise to leave a lasting impression.
Horror Movies PG 13
Here is a list of horror movies that you can watch with your older kids. But you should be present with your child aged below 13!
1. The Last Exorcism (2010)
The Last Exorcism is a superb example of a strategy that successfully leverages implication over actual portrayal. It was a smash hit with reviewers and a box office success, despite some intense and violent moments. The found-footage story centers on a documentary crew documenting an exorcist who is experiencing a crisis of faith after a lifetime of serving God, but who privately knows that the whole thing is just smoke and mirrors and doesn’t actually believe it. The lead performances by Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell make it an engaging watch and a considerably fuller experience than the genre is normally renowned for. Of course, his final case tests his faith—or lack thereof.
2. The Possession (2012)
This interpretation of the Dybbuk Box urban legend offers something a little different from the standard plot of a possession movie. The Possession uses a creature from Jewish traditions rather than the conventional Christian/Catholic teaching and practices. A story about a child-eating demon with a bond to a strange box produces a novel twist on the genre. The scares are less violent and visceral and more skin-crawling, yet the effects are very potent.
3. The Woman In Black (2012)
Moviegoers shouldn’t be misled into thinking that The Woman in Black downplays the most sinister elements of ghost stories just because it has theatrical roots and stars Daniel Radcliffe, who is just coming off of his run as Harry Potter. The Woman in Black may not be the first ghost story, but it plays all the classics and deliberately amps up the spook factor. All this while dealing with some serious themes while telling the tale of Radcliffe’s failing lawyer and the haunting mansion he’s been hired to clean up.
Scary Horror Movies PG 13
4. Arachnophobia (1990)
Arachnophobia from 1990 is unquestionably one of the most egregiously underappreciated horror comedies ever. In this spooky creature film, Joe Dante’s touch is definitely present. This movie, if the title wasn’t obvious enough, is about a creepy spider species that takes over a tranquil little village. When a brown recluse and a deadly Amazon spider crossbreed, the offspring prey on a town full of unwary residents. Soon, there are more webs and nests than there are houses, and a war of species breaks out. Thank goodness John Goodman shows up with a flamethrower to level the playing field.
5. Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)
There are few better introductory PG-13 horror films than this version of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark from producer Guillermo del Toro, the indisputable king of contemporary monster flicks. The film, which is based on the same-named children’s novels, borrows not just the terrifying illustrations from the books but also their terrifying monsters. Consider this movie a medium-spanning link: greater in terror than the books yet scarcely shedding any blood.
(Also Read: 30 Best Christmas Horror Movies That Are A Must Watch)
More Horror Movies PG 13
6. The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005)
When movie buffs hear the phrase exorcism, they immediately recall The Exorcist, one of the greatest horror movies of all time directed by William Friedkin. So any horror film with that term in the title automatically has a high bar to meet. Despite initially receiving tepid reviews from critics, Scott Derrickson’s horror drama has developed quite a following over the years. The movie is based on the true story of Annelise Michel, who underwent a series of visions and episodes that led to her being given an epilepsy diagnosis. After unsuccessful attempts to treat her, the family turned to the church for an exorcism that ultimately resulted in her death.
7. Devil (2010)
The devil is one of a group of people that are imprisoned in an elevator. Viewers are required to make assumptions about which member of the group is the demonic killer who is murdering the others during violent and horrific occurrences. The concept of the Devil is quite intriguing and encourages audience participation. It also has a level of theological complexity that is unusual for what is, for the most part, a claustrophobic thriller.
8. Lights Out
Lights Out, which was based on one of David F. Sandberg’s very well-liked shorts, was the film he made before the successful superhero film Shazam! The main idea centers on a dangerous specter that only appears and can be seen at night. It has turned out to be a theoretically trickier story than it may first appear because it deals with themes of chronic disease, both physical and psychological. But that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the most well-liked horror films in recent years. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Chilling Horror Movies PG 13
9. The Final Girls
The Final Girls follows a young woman who is still grappling with the tragic death of her mother. She is drawn into an old 1980s slasher film in which her mother appeared, despite the fact that the film’s tone is much more comedic than scary. What does she discover through her mother’s movie? Watch the film to find out.
(Also Read: 25 Must-Watch Movies On The End Of The World)
10. The Grudge
Takashi Shimizu’s long-running J-horror ghost story has been constantly evolving, and his Hollywood adaptation is no exception. In this film, an American nurse finds herself at the center of a fatal curse. The Grudge is the first of several English-language installments in the larger Ju-On franchise. While it may not be the greatest of the bunch, it was still the biggest stage to date for the director’s most recognizable horror works.
Horror Movies PG 13 To Watch
11. Insidious
With this supernatural thriller, James Wan established his second hit horror film franchise after Saw but before The Conjuring. In this prequel to the interwoven supernatural world of the Conjuring movies, Patrick Wilson, who plays Ed Warren in the films, and Rose Byrne do a fantastic job as the terrified but determined parents of a little child plagued by demonic spirits. This film has the atmosphere of an R-rated classic without the blood thanks to the suspense and steadily increasing intensity.
12. Mama
The director of It, Andy Muschietti, found success with another gothic coming-of-age tale centered around a dangerous supernatural power, which served as a stepping stone to greater financial success within the more contemporary R-rated side of the genre. The plot centers on a singer who takes on an unexpected parental role when her partner’s nieces are found alive after being missing for a while and living in the woods. The girls claim that a benevolent force they refer to as “mother” saved them and followed them to their new home. The tension between the family drama and horror is interestingly balanced.
(Also Read: The Perfect Blend Of Horror And Comedy Movies: 8 Must-Watch Bollywood Horror Comedy Movies)
13. 1408
The movie “1408,” which is based on a Stephen King short story, is one of the less well-known adaptations of the author’s work, but it offers a lot of variation despite what may appear to be a fairly constrained scenario at first glance. The story follows a cynical writer who, after checking into the eponymous hotel room in New York, finds himself trapped in an endless world of ghosts and ghoulish tricks. As the history of the room comes to life and it plays with his own guilt and regret, the film presents a plethora of spooky scenarios.
Frightening Horror Movies PG 13
14. Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key is an underappreciated supernatural horror film of the twenty-first century so far. Although its plot may appear simple at first, it includes subtle historical undertones. The protagonist of this Southern Gothic tale is a nurse who accepts a job caring for a man who has suffered a stroke at a remote former Louisiana plantation. A hidden room within the house makes it clear that the house has a history of hoodoo ritualism. The film offers a much fuller experience than critics gave it credit for at the time of its release, and over time, appreciation for it has grown, thanks to repeated viewings.
15. What Lies Beneath
The director Robert Zemeckis, who is better known for his action comedies such as the Back to the Future films, departed from his typical style with this comparatively small-scale but highly-budgeted haunted house tale. What Lies Beneath takes a deliberately slow-burning approach to the genre, with plenty of information to digest and exceptional star power from its protagonists Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.
16. Cloverfield
A group of people struggle to flee New York City before a monster with enormous proportions completely destroys it in this found footage horror film. Horror aficionados have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this high-speed trip through mayhem and destruction, despite the fact that there is no explanation for what is occurring or why it is happening. Surprisingly, it is not graded R, but the language is mild and the violence skirts the line between acceptable and unacceptable.
(Also Read: 20 Best Motivational Hollywood Movies To Inspire You To Never Give Up)
Petrifying Horror Movies PG 13
17. A Quiet Place
While most moviegoers enjoy having the theatre to themselves, it is unusual and unsettling to watch a movie in complete silence with little conversation. However, that’s exactly what the creators of A Quiet Place aimed for – to make the audience feel uncomfortable. The film follows a family who are forced to live in silence because any noise could attract the attention of sightless monsters who hunt and kill by sound. Despite the lack of dialogue, the film’s tense atmosphere and innovative use of sound design have made it a favorite among horror fans.
18. Tremors
This monster movie, one of the most beloved horror comedies of all time, spawned its own enduring franchise of prequels and sequels due to its lovably memorable characters and a hilarious twist on the Jaws formula. In the film Tremors, monsters rapidly tunnel through the ground and capture their prey from beneath, turning a quiet Nevada town into a battleground between the locals and an unknown adversary. Although it features some graphic killings, its overall humor prevents it from receiving a rating higher than PG-13.
List Of Horror Movies PG 13 Continued
19. The Sixth Sense
The movie “The Sixth Sense” is credited with popularizing the phrase “I see dead people” and elevating M. Night Shyamalan as a well-known director and writer in the industry. The story follows a young boy who claims to be able to see and communicate with ghosts who are unaware they are dead and seeks the help of a psychologist. The film doesn’t rely on special effects or jump scares; instead, it builds suspense and gradually makes viewers think. It also has a strong ending that compels viewers to re-watch it to discover the hidden clues they may have missed. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
20. Under The Shadow
Under the Shadow is an intriguing supernatural horror film about a mother and daughter who must contend with both an otherworldly presence and the limitations of their lives as women in a turbulent period of advancement and repression. It is set in Tehran in the 1980s at the height of the Iran-Iraq war. It’s a must-see film for fans who might believe that supernatural horror movie setups have become stale in recent years.
Which one is your favorite? Do let us know in comments below.
