Let’s be blunt: PG-13 fright films are not for children or the weak of stomach. Most of the greatest, most intelligent, and most fun horror films out today proudly sport their PG-13 label. They don’t trust in a focus on gore violence or R-rated sensationalism—instead, they create tension through smart plotting, creepy atmosphere, and just enough suspense. Whether you’re easing into the genre or just in the mood for a thrill without the gore, here are 10 PG-13 horror films that deliver the chills.
1. The Final Girls (2015)
This genre-bending slasher is part tribute, part parody, and all heart. When a grieving teenager is pulled into her late mother’s cult-favorite horror film, she has to navigate a world where the rules of slasher movies come to life. With its combination of humor, nostalgia, and pathos, The Final Girls is Scream crossed with Cabin in the Woods, but with a much better spin. It’s a decent bet for viewers who prefer their horror with a nod.
2. The Mummy (1999)
The Mummy, directed by Brendan Fraser, is an audience-friendly combination of horror, adventure, and period charm. It has everything: curses of the ancients, flesh-eating scarabs, and an eerily frightening undead bad guy, capped off with snappy dialogue and blockbuster action. It’s not the most frightening on the list, perhaps, but it’s a great combination of thrills and chuckles that will delight both horror newcomers and supernatural action fans.
3. The Monster Squad (1987)
The Monster Squad, which came before Stranger Things, is a cult classic about a group of kids who learn that classic-movie monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolfman—are not only make-believe but are also wreaking havoc on their town. With ’80s nostalgia and tight writing from Shane Black, it’s a ghostly, hilarious ride that conjures up the essence of childhood and Halloween-night adventures.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
A claustrophobic, psychological thriller based mostly in one room, 10 Cloverfield Lane stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a woman who wakes up in a bunker with a man (played brilliantly by John Goodman) who maintains that the world outside is finished. The less you know, the better—but seek out a masterclass in suspense, atmosphere, and slow-burn narrative that doesn’t let up until the very end.
5. King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson’s massive reboot of the vintage monster movie is about something bigger than giant apes. King Kong delivers actual horror moments, especially once characters arrive at Skull Island, where hideous creatures—giant insects and crawly threats—make some of the film’s most suspenseful scenes. The action is epic, the effects are stunning, and the scares are surprisingly effective.
6. The Haunting (1999)
This modern reinterpretation of Shirley Jackson’s classic haunted house tale is more gothic suspense and psychological unease than jumpscaress. Featuring Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Lili Taylor, The Haunting stumbles into the world of the supernatural with disturbing visuals and an eerie premonition of dread. It’s perfect for those who prefer mood to madness.
7. Critters 3 (1991)
A wacky slice of sci-fi horror, Critters 3 boasts a young Leonardo DiCaprio making his movie debut, battling hungry alien furballs in a small-town apartment complex. Yeah, it’s cheesy—but in a good way. The franchise mingles creature-feature horror with B-movie camp, so the third entry is an agreeably offbeat addition to your horror list.
8. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
What results when two of the most legendary monsters in the history of sci-fi horror face off against one another? You have Alien vs. Predator, a monster battle that perhaps dialed back the gore for its PG-13 rating but still packs a lot of suspenseful action and creature versus creature carnage. It’s not subtle by any stretch, but if you feel like indulging in sheer spectacle, this one delivers.
9. Van Helsing (2004)
Hugh Jackman swaps claws for crossbows in this action-packed monster mash. Playing Van Helsing, he fights Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s Monster in a movie that goes all in on gothic fantasy and Z-grade effects. It’s more swashbuckling adventure than outright horror, but it nails that good, spooky fun vibe that’s great for a Halloween night marathon.
10. 47 Meters Down (2017)
If you’re ocean-phobic, this one will get beneath your skin. 47 Meters Down holds two sisters captive inside a shark cage that descends into the depths of the ocean, their oxygen dwindling and predators closing in. It’s a well-tightened survival horror film that demonstrates that you don’t need blood to make an audience squirm, only the appropriate location and an insidious building sense of fear.
These PG-13 horror movies show that fantastic frights don’t require R-rated frightfulness. From psychological thrillers to creature features and supernatural stories, they pack plenty of suspense, style, and fun. Whether you’re getting into horror or simply want something a notch less intense, these options are sure to entertain—and perhaps even have you glancing over your shoulder.