Best PG Movies to Watch: A Genre-Specific Guide to Family-Friendly Films

Looking for great movies that are both entertaining and appropriate for all ages? Our curated list of the best PG-rated films is here to help you find the perfect family-friendly movie for your next movie night. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming dramas, animated adventures, or thrilling stories, we’ve got you covered!

Dramas

1. Howards End (1992)

• Synopsis: Set in early 20th-century Britain, this film explores class distinctions and family relationships surrounding a cherished estate.
• Good For: Its nuanced portrayal of societal issues.
• Year: 1992
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

1. On Golden Pond (1981)

• Synopsis: An aging couple navigates their strained family relationships while taking care of their step-grandchild.
• Good For: Its touching family dynamics and strong performances.
• Year: 1981
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. The Young Victoria (2009)

• Synopsis: A dramatization of the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her romance with Prince Albert.
• Good For: Beautiful historical detail and a compelling love story.
• Year: 2009
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

1. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

• Synopsis: The evolving relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the South.
• Good For: Its heartfelt exploration of friendship and social issues.
• Year: 1989
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 7.3

1. The Leopard (1963)

• Synopsis: An aristocrat struggles to maintain his family’s status amidst the social upheavals of 1860s Sicily.
• Good For: Its epic storytelling and rich historical context.
• Year: 1963
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.9

Animated and Family Adventures

1. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

• Synopsis: A beautiful young woman in ancient Japan tries to escape her fate by sending suitors on impossible tasks.
• Good For: Its unique animation style and magical storytelling.
• Year: 2013
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 8.0

1. Wolfwalkers (2020)

• Synopsis: A young hunter’s daughter befriends a girl from a mystical tribe that transforms into wolves by night.
• Good For: Its enchanting animation and environmental themes.
• Year: 2020
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 8.0

1. ParaNorman (2012)

• Synopsis: A misunderstood boy must confront ghosts and zombies to save his town from a curse.
• Good For: Its quirky humor and engaging supernatural elements.
• Year: 2012
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. When Marnie Was There (2014)

• Synopsis: A shy girl befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie while staying with relatives in the countryside.
• Good For: Its heartfelt exploration of friendship and self-discovery.
• Year: 2014
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. Fantastic Planet (1973)

• Synopsis: On a distant planet, humanoids rebel against their giant rulers.
• Good For: Its imaginative and visually striking animation.
• Year: 1973
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.7

Historical and Biographical

1. The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

• Synopsis: The true story of a young golfer competing in the 1913 U.S. Open against his idol.
• Good For: Its inspiring portrayal of perseverance and achievement.
• Year: 2005
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

1. We Are Marshall (2006)

• Synopsis: After a tragic plane crash, the new coach and surviving players work to keep Marshall University’s football team alive.
• Good For: Its uplifting message and emotional depth.
• Year: 2006
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. Becoming Jane (2007)

• Synopsis: A biographical look at the early life of Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.
• Good For: Its engaging portrayal of a literary icon’s early life.
• Year: 2007
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

• Synopsis: A vacationing American couple becomes entangled in an international conspiracy after their son is kidnapped.
• Good For: Its suspenseful plot and classic Hitchcockian thrills.
• Year: 1956
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

Musicals and Performances

1. Victor/Victoria (1982)

• Synopsis: A woman poses as a female impersonator in 1934 Paris, leading to unexpected complications.
• Good For: Its delightful blend of comedy and musical performances.
• Year: 1982
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. Stop Making Sense (1984)

• Synopsis: A groundbreaking live concert film by the band Talking Heads, showcasing their energetic performances.
• Good For: Its dynamic music and innovative filming techniques.
• Year: 1984
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 8.7

1. Hair (1979)

• Synopsis: A young man joins a group of hippies in New York City during the 1960s and faces the draft.
• Good For: Its vibrant music and exploration of counterculture.
• Year: 1979
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.5

Thrillers and Mysteries

1. Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

• Synopsis: A teenage girl suspects her beloved uncle might be a notorious killer hiding out in their small town.
• Good For: Its suspenseful plot and psychological intrigue.
• Year: 1943
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.8

1. Time After Time (1979)

• Synopsis: H.G. Wells pursues Jack the Ripper into the 20th century using a time machine.
• Good For: Its clever blend of science fiction and historical mystery.
• Year: 1979
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. The Driver (1978)

• Synopsis: A getaway driver finds himself in the crosshairs of a relentless detective.
• Good For: Its taut, suspenseful narrative and stylish direction.
• Year: 1978
• Age Rating: A
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

1. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

• Synopsis: The Autobots battle a planet-consuming robot and fend off an assault from the Decepticons.
• Good For: Its action-packed plot and iconic animation.
• Year: 1986
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

1. Wish Dragon (2021)

• Synopsis: A young man discovers a wish-granting dragon and learns about the magic of possibilities.
• Good For: Its heartwarming story and magical elements.
• Year: 2021
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

Coming-of-Age and Character Studies

1. Summer of ’42 (1971)

• Synopsis: A teenager’s summer romance with a war bride unfolds as he navigates his own coming-of-age.
• Good For: Its nostalgic look at youth and first love.
• Year: 1971
• Age Rating: X
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

1. Big Wednesday (1978)

• Synopsis: A character study of California surfers during the Vietnam War era.
• Good For: Its depiction of surf culture and the impact of historical events.
• Year: 1978
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

1. The Farewell (2019)

• Synopsis: A Chinese family hides their grandmother’s terminal illness and stages a wedding to gather one last time.
• Good For: Its poignant exploration of family and cultural traditions.
• Year: 2019
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.5

Sci-Fi and Animation

1. Fantastic Planet (1973)

• Synopsis: On a distant planet, oppressed humanoids rise up against their blue giant rulers.
• Good For: Its unique visual style and imaginative storytelling.
• Year: 1973
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.7

1. The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

• Synopsis: A young Australian reporter navigates Indonesia’s political turmoil with the help of a photographer.
• Good For: Its gripping narrative and portrayal of political unrest.
• Year: 1982
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

Each of these PG-rated films brings something special to the table. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring drama, an animated adventure, or a thrilling mystery, you’ll find a great selection here. Enjoy your movie night!

Feel free to explore these movies on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime to see where they are available for streaming.