Reflecting on my childhood, I’ve realized that many films I once thought were delightful turned out to be quite alarming or unexpectedly provocative. While I’m not one to shy away from adult themes, I can’t help but question the wisdom of letting kids watch a slasher film featuring a man who prefers to dismember camp counselors instead of enjoying a wholesome animated movie like Frozen.
The PG-13 rating was introduced in July 1984 after complaints about films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins being too intense for a PG rating. This explains why many of us were glued to Airplane! and Poltergeist before we even grasped our multiplication tables.
Here’s a look at eight films our parents thought were just fine for us to watch in the ’80s, during a time when parenting didn’t seem like a competitive sport focused on raising the most adjusted kids. We survived these questionable choices and are here to share the tales.
- Big
I thought it would be a delightful family movie night, so I introduced my kids, aged 7 and 10, to Big, a classic that I adored. I remembered the innocent scenes of Tom Hanks playing “Chopsticks” on a giant piano in FAO Schwarz. But as I munched on popcorn, the unexpected F-bomb echoed in the living room, leaving us all feeling a bit awkward. Between the sexual innuendos and casual drinking, I realized that this film was not as family-friendly as I recalled, and after that viewing, I needed a drink and a smoke myself! - Jaws
If you want your child to be terrified of the ocean, just let them watch Jaws, the terrifying tale of a man-eating shark. Thankfully, I decided against showing it to my kids because I enjoy beach outings too much. The infamous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” is a staple of our childhood, but the disturbing monologue from Quint about the USS Indianapolis is something I’d prefer my kids never hear. - Poltergeist
This film is essentially a compilation of every childhood fear imaginable, somehow rated PG. From possessed trees to a clown doll that pulls kids under beds, it’s all here. Not to mention the parents casually smoking marijuana and discussing their highs in bed. I think I’ll skip this one for my kids—forever. - Goonies
In elementary school, my friends and I replayed Goonies endlessly, amused by the profanity and the villain’s terrifying antics. But beyond the comedic moments, the film is filled with sexual innuendos and disturbing imagery, like a deformed character with a tragic backstory. I can only imagine how my Generation Z kids would react to this wild ride if I dared to show it to them. - Friday the 13th
This slasher flick was a staple at every sleepover I attended. Even Common Sense Media warns that it’s not suitable for anyone under 18. The camp counselors are either engaging in sexual escapades or getting picked off one by one. I still can’t fathom why parents allowed us to watch something that was nearly rated X! - Tom and Jerry
As a child, I found the violence between Tom and Jerry hilarious. Watching them use all sorts of weapons and light up cigarettes seemed harmless at the time. However, revisiting this cartoon, I realized my kids would probably prefer something more lighthearted like Yo Gabba Gabba!, as the antics of Tom and Jerry might be a bit too intense for their tastes. - Annie
I took years to realize that Ms. Hannigan was a drunk, bumbling around the orphanage while scheming to seduce Daddy Warbucks. The film features some genuinely harrowing moments, like Annie’s pursuit of a criminal. I can only guess that the modern adaptations toned down the darker themes. - Ghostbusters
Who could forget the iconic line, “Who you gonna call?” Yet, this beloved classic has its share of adult humor, including a scene where a ghost gives a Ghostbuster a rather inappropriate encounter. The suggestive lines and moments could make any parent squirm while watching with their kids.
While I appreciate that kids will eventually learn about more complex themes, I still prefer to protect their innocence for a little longer. After all, with shows like SpongeBob around, we don’t need to introduce them to the nightmarish content of Friday the 13th just yet.