As a child of the ’80s, I often look back on the films I enjoyed during my formative years with a mix of nostalgia and disbelief. Many of these movies, which seemed harmless at the time, contain elements that are quite unsettling or overtly sexual. While I appreciate a good film, I can’t help but think that there are far more appropriate choices available for my children, like Disney’s Frozen.
The introduction of the PG-13 rating in July 1984 was a response to growing concerns over the content of films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins, which many deemed too intense for a PG rating. This explains why numerous kids watched movies like Airplane! and Poltergeist while still mastering their multiplication tables. Here are eight films that we were permitted to watch as kids in the ’80s, a time when parenting didn’t revolve around competition and perfection.
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Big
Initially, I thought Big would be a delightful family film for my kids, ages 7 and 10. With its charming premise of a young boy wishing to become an adult, I remembered the fun scenes, such as Tom Hanks playing “Chopsticks” on a giant piano. However, I was caught off guard by the sudden use of profanity and the uncomfortable scenes filled with adult themes. The movie, while whimsical at times, contains a surprising amount of mature content. -
Jaws
If you want to instill a lifelong fear of the ocean in your child, Jaws is the way to go. I wisely opted against showing it to my kids, fearing it would ruin beach outings for us. The film features a notorious improvised line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” and includes many scenes that are extremely unsettling for young viewers. -
Poltergeist
Imagine a film that combines every childhood fear into a single story, yet still receives a PG rating. Poltergeist is notorious for its terrifying imagery, including possessed trees and a chilling clown doll. Additionally, the portrayal of the parents indulging in recreational drug use is something I would prefer my children never witness. -
Goonies
As kids, my friends and I found Goonies hilarious and thrilling, particularly when one character exclaimed “HOLY SHIT.” However, on closer inspection, the film is filled with inappropriate content, including sexual innuendos and several grim situations. The character with the deformed face raises questions about the portrayal of disabilities, making this film far more complex than it appeared back then. -
Friday the 13th
This film was a staple at slumber parties, but it’s now clear that it’s far from suitable for younger audiences. With its graphic violence and the portrayal of camp counselors engaging in risky behavior, it’s shocking that parents allowed us to watch what is essentially a nearly X-rated movie. -
Tom and Jerry
Young me found Tom and Jerry endlessly entertaining, but the violent antics might be alarming for today’s children. The physical comedy, involving severe injury and smoking, does not align with contemporary standards for children’s programming. -
Annie
It took me a while to realize that Miss Hannigan was an alcoholic, a detail that certainly altered my perception of her antics at the orphanage. The film contains several intense moments, including a chase scene that is more frightening than I remembered. -
Ghostbusters
Who could forget the iconic line, “Who you gonna call?” Yet, this film includes scenes that are decidedly adult, such as a ghost engaging in suggestive behavior. The innuendos present in Ghostbusters make it a questionable choice for young viewers.
While it’s inevitable that children will encounter these themes eventually, it’s important to consider age-appropriate viewing. Balancing exposure to real-world issues with the need for a safe environment is crucial. As a parent, I find myself leaning toward more suitable options for my kids, especially with the wealth of resources available on pregnancy and home insemination, such as this informative piece on pregnancy. If you’re interested in exploring the subject further, you might also find value in reading about the at-home insemination kit or the intracervical insemination syringe kit.
In conclusion, these films, while iconic in their own right, may not be the best choices for today’s children. Engaging with content that promotes healthy development is essential, and as parents, we can make informed decisions about what our kids watch.
Keyphrase: Inappropriate ’80s Movies
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