Best PG Movies to Watch: Must-See Films by Genre for All Ages

Looking for great PG-rated films that are perfect for family movie night? We’ve rounded up some of the best movies in various genres to keep everyone entertained. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling adventures and enchanting animations, this list has something for everyone. Check out these top picks and enjoy a fantastic movie experience with your loved ones!

Dramas

1. Gallipoli (1981)

• Synopsis: Two Australian sprinters face the brutal realities of war during World War I’s Gallipoli campaign.
• Good For: Its poignant portrayal of friendship and the horrors of war.
• Year: 1981
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

1. Stand and Deliver (1988)

• Synopsis: Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher, inspires his dropout-prone students to excel in calculus.
• Good For: Its uplifting story of educational perseverance and teacher-student relationships.
• Year: 1988
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.3

1. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)

• Synopsis: A frustrated composer finds fulfillment and purpose as a high school music teacher.
• Good For: Its heartfelt look at the impact of teaching and personal growth.
• Year: 1995
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.3

1. The Passenger (1975)

• Synopsis: A war correspondent takes on the identity of a deceased arms dealer, leading to unexpected dangers.
• Good For: Its gripping narrative and Jack Nicholson’s compelling performance.
• Year: 1975
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.5

1. Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

• Synopsis: A gifted young girl from a troubled background competes in a national spelling bee.
• Good For: Its inspirational story about overcoming challenges and personal growth.
• Year: 2006
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

Animated and Family Adventures

1. Song of the Sea (2014)

• Synopsis: A young Irish boy and his sister, who can transform into a seal, go on an adventure to save the spirit world.
• Good For: Its beautiful animation and magical storytelling.
• Year: 2014
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 8.0

1. The Little Prince (2015)

• Synopsis: A little girl learns about the magical world of the Little Prince from her mysterious neighbor.
• Good For: Its enchanting story and heartfelt lessons about imagination and friendship.
• Year: 2015
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. Abominable (2019)

• Synopsis: Teenagers help a Yeti return to his family while evading those who want to exploit him.
• Good For: Its adventurous plot and endearing characters.
• Year: 2019
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. Belle: The Dragon and the Freckled Princess (2021)

• Synopsis: Shy high school student Suzu escapes into a virtual world where she becomes the globally beloved singer, Belle.
• Good For: Its stunning animation and exploration of identity in a digital age.
• Year: 2021
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

1. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

• Synopsis: Yokohama teens rally to save their school clubhouse from demolition in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
• Good For: Its nostalgic and charming depiction of teenage determination.
• Year: 2011
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

Historical and Biographical

1. Secretariat (2010)

• Synopsis: Penny Chenery guides her horse, Secretariat, to an unprecedented Triple Crown victory.
• Good For: Its inspiring true story of perseverance and triumph.
• Year: 2010
• Age Rating: U
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

1. Missing (1982)

• Synopsis: The wife and father of an American writer who disappeared during the Chilean coup d’état search for him.
• Good For: Its intense and gripping depiction of political turmoil.
• Year: 1982
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.7

1. The Sacrifice (1986)

• Synopsis: On the brink of World War III, a man must give up something dear to restore peace.
• Good For: Its deep philosophical themes and compelling storytelling.
• Year: 1986
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.9

Thrillers and Mysteries

1. Deathtrap (1982)

• Synopsis: A struggling playwright lures a young writer to his home for a deadly game of deception.
• Good For: Its suspenseful plot and clever twists.
• Year: 1982
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

1. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

• Synopsis: A surreal series of dreams involving six middle-class people and their interrupted dinner plans.
• Good For: Its unique and satirical take on bourgeois society.
• Year: 1972
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.8

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

1. Belle: The Dragon and the Freckled Princess (2021)

• Synopsis: Shy high school student Suzu becomes a famous virtual singer in a vast digital world.
• Good For: Its imaginative animation and exploration of digital identity.
• Year: 2021
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

1. A Fistful of Dynamite (1971)

• Synopsis: A bandit and an IRA explosives expert become heroes during the Mexican Revolution.
• Good For: Its action-packed story and dynamic performances.
• Year: 1971
• Age Rating: AA
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. Carnival of Souls (1962)

• Synopsis: After a traumatic accident, a woman becomes haunted by a mysterious carnival.
• Good For: Its eerie atmosphere and psychological suspense.
• Year: 1962
• Age Rating: X
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

Coming-of-Age and Character Studies

1. Only Yesterday (1991)

• Synopsis: A woman reminisces about her childhood while traveling to the countryside.
• Good For: Its reflective and nostalgic look at personal growth and memory.
• Year: 1991
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

1. Benny & Joon (1993)

• Synopsis: A young woman with mental health issues finds love with an eccentric man who mimics Buster Keaton.
• Good For: Its unique romance and portrayal of mental health.
• Year: 1993
• Age Rating: 12
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

Unusual Finds

1. Grey Gardens (1975)

• Synopsis: A documentary about the reclusive lives of Jackie Kennedy’s relatives in their decaying mansion.
• Good For: Its intriguing look at the lives of eccentric, high-society dropouts.
• Year: 1975
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.5

1. Hell’s Angels (1930)

• Synopsis: Two brothers join the Royal Flying Corps during World War I and face romantic and military conflicts.
• Good For: Its early portrayal of aerial combat and romantic drama.
• Year: 1930
• Age Rating: Passed
• IMDB Rating: 7.3

Explore these PG-rated movies for a mix of drama, animation, adventure, and more. Perfect for family viewing, each film offers a unique story and memorable characters. Enjoy your movie night!

Feel free to check streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime to see where these films are available.