Let’s get real—not every horror fan is dying for bloodbaths. More likely than not, it’s the eerie quiet, the seeping blackness, or the screaming terror that crawls under your skin. That’s where PG-13 horror films excel. They can bring on spine-tingling chills, jump-out scares, and even some chuckles, without ever crossing the threshold into R-rated territory.
Whether you’re new to the genre or just want a scare that won’t last for weeks on end, these PG-13 options bring chills, thrills, and plenty of fun—no requirement for too much blood.
1. The Final Girls (2015)
If you enjoy your horror served with a wink and a side of 1980s nostalgia, then The Final Girls is the film for you. Teenager Max is grieving over her mother—a scream queen favorite—when she is sucked out of her world and into one of her mom’s iconic slasher movies. What ensues is a knowing mix of meta-comedy, sentimentally tear-inducing, and quietly frightful. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally wrenching, and unashamedly sentimental, all while sending up classic horror gestures in playfulness.
2. The Mummy (1999)
Brendan Fraser takes the helm in this action-horror mashup that’s every bit Indiana Jones as it is a creature feature. When an ancient curse is released during an archaeological excavation, a mummified, undead monster and his zombie minions unleash hell on the desert. Creepy crawlies, supernatural chills, and breakneck adventure create a classic crowd-pleaser with just enough spook.
3. The Monster Squad (1987)
Long before Stranger Things made monster-fighting kids hip once more, The Monster Squad did it first. A group of horror-movie fans find that Dracula, the Wolfman, and a few other old-school monsters are indeed real—and they’re heading to their town. Full of wit, one-liners, and creature effects straight out of the past, this cult classic mixes humor and horror into a family-friendly horror show.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
This thought-provoking thriller proves that you don’t need jump scares and graphic violence to become deeply unsettled. After a car accident, a woman awakens in an underground bunker with two strangers who tell her the world above is no longer a livable environment. John Goodman’s work ignites the tension, making audiences wonder what’s real and whom to believe. It’s a slow-burning suspense story that’s as chilling as it is thrilling.
5. King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson’s epic reimagining of the original ape is more of a sweep than a scream at first glance, but the journey to Skull Island soon turns into a nightmare. From deadly bugs to dinosaur stampedes, the real horror is not in Kong himself, but his nightmarish surroundings. Visually stunning and sometimes scary, King Kong is an epic with some serious horror overtones.
6. The Haunting (1999)
A brooding haunted house film with a cast of all-stars, The Haunting produces atmospheric frights at the expense of cheap thrills. When a group of strangers meet in a gothic mansion to be studied while sleeping, they find out quickly that the house has a sinister and vengeful history. Although some of the special effects haven’t aged well, the creepy design and psychological suspense still ensure a spooky good time.
7. Critters 3 (1991)
Long before he was an Oscar winner, Leonardo DiCaprio had a supporting role in this campy creature feature. Critters 3 is about a crop of tenants in a sequence of apartments and how they fight off hungry, furball-like aliens. It’s cheesy, haphazard fun—more of a sci-fi comedy than a straightforward horror movie—but great for those who like offbeat monsters and low-key frights.
8. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
You would think a gorefest when two of the cinema’s most deadly beasts face off, but Alien vs. Predator handles the action rather surprisingly tame for a film of that nature. The PG-13 rating doesn’t take away from the thrill, however—there’s still a good amount of tense, claustrophobic action, inventive creature fights, and fan-service-heavy action that makes it a fun film to watch for fans of monster movies.
9. Van Helsing (2004)
Hugh Jackman’s killing machine of a monster hunter fights a rogue’s gallery of horror staples in this gothic-action extravaganza. Van Helsing leans more to fantasy and spectacle than traditional horror, but it gets the mood, atmosphere, and creature work down pat. It’s a supernatural rollercoaster ride—campy, over-the-top, and thoroughly entertaining.
10. 47 Meters Down (2017)
Sharks are frightening. Trapped in a cage on the ocean floor with sharks cruising overhead? Even more terrifying. 47 Meters Down subsists on tension instead of gore, dropping the audience into the hypoxic shoes of two trapped sisters in a desperate underwater nightmare. It’s a heart-pounding survival thriller that demonstrates PG-13 horror can still keep your heart racing.
PG-13 horror isn’t just for teens or the squeamish—it’s proof that great horror doesn’t always need buckets of blood to be effective. These films use atmosphere, suspense, and storytelling to deliver genuine frights, making them perfect for fans who prefer tension over terror. So next time you’re in the mood for a scare that won’t scar you, give one of these a try. You’ll be amazed at what type of horror you can deliver without going the entire R-rated.