Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Top 10 PG-13 Horror Films of All Time


I am not a fan of Horror movies that receive a PG-13 rating, and I sure do hate it when Hollywood cuts an R rated film down just to get a PG-13 rating. PG-13 rated Horror films are mostly, for a lack of a better term, crap. However, there are a few diamonds hidden within the huge Mt. Everest sized rough.

Here is what I think are the Top 10 PG-13 Horror Films of All Time.

10. The Sixth Sense

Everyone remembers the famous line, “I see dead people.” The Sixth Sense, known for its twist ending, is a fun chilling horror film without all the blood and gore. Staring Bruce Willis, the film became almost an instant classic among horror fans. Unfortunately, for director M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense seemed to be a one hit wonder for him as none of his later horror films captured the essence this film delivered.


9. Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Killer Klowns from Outer Space… I mean, the name says it all. This classic film from the 80’s is weird, creepy, and hilarious. Another film that shocked me that it was PG-13 when researching this list. The special FX’s makeup for the Klowns look superb. This one is sure to give kids nightmares for weeks. Shorty is my favorite clown in the film.


8. Tremors

A horror movie from the 90’s about giant underground worms eating people in a remote town, starring Kevin Bacon and Reba McEntire. Yes, you read that right. All joking aside, this film is a classic. It started a franchise that is still going to this day. (Four sequels and a television show.) Although I am not a fan of any of the sequels, the original Tremors is great PG-13 horror.


7. Cloverfield

Cloverfield is a found footage monster film. That being said, it is one of the better found footage films. (Perhaps I should make a Best Found Footage List?) They do not show the monster a whole lot, but that is what happens in most monster movies. The film hides many strange secrets. What is up with the splash in the water at the end? The rumblings of a sequel seemed to have died, but oh well. This film is good enough by itself.


6. Drag Me to Hell

Drag Me to Hell is another movie that surprised me. By the looks of the trailer, I did not feel I was going to like it, but after viewing it, I thought it was great. I am not usually a fan of gross out horror, but this movie was fun. It is interesting that this movie is PG-13 with all the sick things in it. This one is sure to make you flinch or gag.


5. The Possession

There are many horror films about someone getting possessed and then having an exorcism to save that person. The Possession is one of the better possessed/exorcism films, especially for PG-13. The crazy things that happened once Emily gets possessed are truly terrifying. Instead of the demon performing weird contortion acts, it seems to display true power over its surroundings.


4. 1408

I really enjoyed 1408. Based on a short story by author Stephen King, the film is weird, freaky, and best of all; it is about a writer. I love seeing all the writing aspects of the film. It is inspiring, in an odd way I guess. The third act tricks you into thinking one thing, but goes somewhere else, straying from the cliché horror trends. Do not go in room 1408.


3. The Ring (2002)

The Ring is a U.S. remake of a Japanese film called, Ringu. There is enough imagery in the film to make you uncomfortable and scared without throwing gore all over the place. The sense of dread throughout the film collimates into an eerie finale.


2. Insidious

Insidious is one of those horror films you think would be rated R from the looks of the trailer. However, it is not, and just like the rest of the films on this list, it is scarier than most R rated films; which comes as no surprise from director James Wan (The Conjuring) and Leigh Whannell (Saw). The incorporation of astral projection into the story always intrigued me.


1. The Monster squad

The Monster Squad is, in my opinion, the definition of what PG-13 is. The film follows a group of kids that create a club about monsters, but end up having to save the town/world when Dracula and the rest of the Universal monsters threaten to kill everyone. The practical special FX’s in this film are top notch. (The Wolfman always terrified me as a child.) Monster Squad is a horror classic, and deserves the number one spot on this list.




Honorable Mention: The Woman in Black

This movie really surprised me. A cheesy looking horror movie staring the kid that played Harry Potter, yeah like that will be any good. Well, I was wrong. Daniel Radcliffe does a great job and The Woman in Black creates a creepy atmosphere (which some horror movies lack these days) within its haunted house, which is sure to scare you. The same cannot be said for its sequel however.



Disclaimer: As with all my lists, this is of my opinion and my opinion only. If you do not agree with this list, then that is okay. Feel free to post your top 10 list in the comments below, but there is no need to start an argument over this. It is just a list.