While lacking graphic gore, a horror film built on intense atmosphere and suspense, even without extreme visuals, can still be quite frightening and potentially more disturbing for younger audiences than some other films on this list.
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Top 10 R-Rated Movies That Should Have Been Rated PG-13
#2
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MichaelFan2013
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (Extended Edition) (2014)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Bloody beheadings, even if somewhat cartoonish, are still a form of graphic violence that often pushes films into R territory.
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#3
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MichaelFan2013
Stand By Me (1986)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Strong language, underage smoking, and juvenile delinquency, while perhaps not extreme, are consistent elements throughout the film and contribute to a more mature tone.
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#4
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MichaelFan2013
The Breakfast Club (1985)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Cursing and drug use, even if not heavily emphasized, are still factors that can lead to an R rating, particularly in the 1980s.
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#5
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MichaelFan2013
The Matrix (1999)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Stylized violence and intense action sequences, even without graphic gore, can be too much for a PG-13 audience in some cases. The intensity level plays a significant role.
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#6
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MichaelFan2013
Shattered (2007)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Two uses of the F-word combined with PG-13 level violence and some implied sexual content (even if mild) pushes it a bit higher than films with just language issues.
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#7
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MichaelFan2013
When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
A scene depicting a simulated orgasm in a public place, while comedic, is a distinctly adult theme and visual that often warrants an R rating.
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#8
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MichaelFan2013
Almost Famous (2000)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Implied themes of sex and drugs within the rock and roll lifestyle, even if not explicitly shown, can contribute to a more mature rating.
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#9
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MichaelFan2013
Grand Piano (2013)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Two off-screen killings in a suspenseful thriller, while not visually graphic, still involve violent death, which can be impactful.
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#10
Suggested by
MichaelFan2013
The Dressmaker (2015)
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MichaelFan2013
4 hours ago Report
Only two instances of the F-word seem like a relatively minor reason for an R rating, placing it lower on the scale.