Pick Your Fight: PG-Rated Movies That Deserved a PG-13 or R Rating

Rating movies is an art, not a science. Sometimes movies are given ratings that we feel don’t fully capture the content they contain. Let’s take a look at some PG-rated films that, in our opinion, deserve to be labeled PG-13 or, in a few instances, R. This list is by no means comprehensive, as the film industry is vast, and every viewer has different sensitivities and expectations.

Case Studies: PG-Rated Films

Smokey and the Bandit Part 3

Release Year: 1983

The 1983 film Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 is a prime example of a movie that benefited from an outdated rating. The movie’s most controversial scenes revolved around Jackie Gleason's dialogue, which was peppered with mature themes. Additionally, the film featured a sex/fetish roadside motel and a nude picnic. Being released before the PG-13 rating existed for another year or two, these elements certainly suggested a more mature audience was needed for proper context.

Why does this film stand out? Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 relies heavily on adult humor and sexual innuendos, as well as scenes that would be considered more appropriate for an audience older than the original PG rating implied. Given this, it’s arguable that a PG-13 or even R rating could better reflect the movie's target demographic and ensure appropriate content warnings for parents and guardians.

Why Ratings Matter

Movies come with age ratings for a reason. These ratings help audiences and parents make informed decisions. The rating system is designed to balance the accessibility of a film with the need for appropriate content warnings. Misaligned ratings can lead to under or overestimating what a film might contain, which isn't always positive for viewers.

Shifting Standards: How Ratings Evolve

The rating system is not static. It evolves over time as societal norms and content expectations change. In the case of Smokey and the Bandit Part 3, if it were released today, the PG-13 rating would likely be more suitable. The film's content, particularly the sexual and graphic elements, would not fit comfortably within the PG framework of the early 1980s.

Other PG-Rated Films That Deserved Higher Ratings

Car Wash (1976)

For a 1976 film, particularly one that deals with the music and culture of the time, Car Wash might have benefited from a PG-13 rating in retrospect. The film, while celebrated for its performances and soundtrack, contains some scenes that would be better suited for a slightly older audience. The language, mature themes, and overall tone contribute to the feeling that the PG rating might not fully capture the content and audience it was meant for.

The Goonies (1985)

Another film that might have profited from a PG-13 rating is The Goonies. While a summer blockbuster for its time, with its colorful characters and adventurous themes, it could have been more explicit about its content. The film has mature themes, heavy action scenes, and a darker undertone that would not be lost on a slightly older audience. These elements, while keeping the film's appeal, might have benefitted from a more mature recommendation from the ratings board.

Reflections on the Rating System

The rating system is a valuable tool for the film industry and for viewers. It helps ensure that content is presented in a way that is appropriate for the audience. However, it’s not infallible. Sometimes, movies are released with ratings that don’t accurately reflect their content, leading to discussions like these.

Do you agree with the suggested ratings for these films? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's continue the conversation and explore more examples of movies that have been given ratings that we feel don’t fully capture their content.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, movie ratings are meant to guide audiences in making appropriate choices. Whether a film's PG rating is appropriate or if it should be considered PG-13 or R often comes down to the specific content and context of the film. The discussion around these ratings helps shape how we view and approach movie content, making sure that everyone has the information they need to enjoy and appreciate the films they watch.

Keywords

Parenthetically, the keywords for this article include: PG-rated, PG-13, R rating.