30 Highest Grossing PG13-Rated Movies of All Time

PG13 ratings were surprisingly slow to be introduced to the Motion Picture Association rating list and only arrived in 1984, after movies Gremlins and Indiana Jones were deemed potentially too inappropriate for the PG rating, while not graphic enough for an R rating.

As a result, big-budget blockbusters are regularly assigned this rating, as they appeal to one of widest age range and appeal to young and old alike

So settle back and pick up some popcorn as Newsweek reveals the highest lifetime worldwide box office stats according to The Numbers.

The Dark Knight Rises ($1,082,228,107)

2012 ‧ Action/Thriller ‧ 2h 44m

The Dark Knight Rises
Actors Christian Bale in costume as Batman and Tom Hardy as Bane are seen on the set of "The Dark Knight Rises" on location on Wall Street on November 5, 2011 in New York City Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Eight years after the Joker's reign of anarchy Bane returns terror to the streets of Gotham City.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "The Dark Knight Rises is an ambitious, thoughtful, and potent action film that concludes Christopher Nolan's franchise in spectacular fashion."

Transformers: Age of Extinction ($1,104,054,072)

2014 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 45m

Transformers: Age of Extinction
A 20 foot-tall Optimus Prime figure is surrounded by journalists before the world premiere of Hollywood movie Transformers 4 in Hong Kong on June 19, 2014. Hollywood director Michael Bay's film, Transformers: Age of Extinction,... AFP PHOTO / Philippe Lopez/Getty Images

When the planet faces annihilation from a terrifying new threat, the Transformers race to come to the rescue.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "With the fourth installment in Michael Bay's blockbuster Transformers franchise, nothing is in disguise: Fans of loud, effects-driven action will find satisfaction, and all others need not apply."

Skyfall ($1,110,526,981)

2012 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 24m

Skyfall
Daniel Craig attends the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England Indigo/Getty Images

James Bond chases an assassin through Europe to recover a flash drive carrying top-secret data.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date."

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ($1,120,224,046)

2003 ‧ Fantasy/Adventure ‧ 4h 11m

The Lord of the Rings: Return of
Barrie M Osborne and Peter Jackson, winners of Best Picture for The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, pose backstage at the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 29,... Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Frodo and Gandalf and the rest of the former Fellowship members prepare for the epic final battle.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a moving and satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy."

Transformers: Dark of the Moon ($1,123,794,079)

2011 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 37m

Transformers 3
Shia LaBeouf is seen on location for "Transformers 3" on November 8, 2010 in Los Angeles, California Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage/Getty Images

An enemy alien spacecraft hidden on the Moon triggers another race to save the world.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Its special effects—and 3D shots—are undeniably impressive, but they aren't enough to fill up its loud, bloated running time, or mask its thin, indifferent script."

Captain Marvel ($1,129,727,388)

2019 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 5m

Captain Marvel
A general view of atmosphere at the Captain Marvel Canadian Premiere held at Scotiabank Theatre on March 06, 2019 in Toronto, Canada GP Images/Getty Images for Disney Studios

An alien warrior gets separated from her friends and teams up with S.H.I.E.L.D's Agent Fury.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Packed with action, humor, and visual thrills, Captain Marvel introduces the MCU's latest hero with an origin story that makes effective use of the franchise's signature formula."

Spider-Man: Far From Home ($1,131,219,645)

2019 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 9m

Spider-Man: Far From Home
Actors Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal attend the press conference for Spider-Man: Far From Home Seoul premiere on July 01, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea Han Myung-Gu/WireImage/Getty Images

Peter Parker's European school trip is interrupted when superhero Mysterio arrives on the scene.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "A breezily unpredictable blend of teen romance and superhero action, Spider-Man: Far From Home stylishly sets the stage for the next era of the MCU."

Aquaman ($1,143,758,700)

2018 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 22m

Aquaman
People in their cars watch Aquaman with US-Australian actress Nicole Kidman at the opening of Cinemacar drive-in cinema in Alicante JOSE JORDAN / AFP/Getty Images

A superhero born with the ability to communicate with marine creatures attempts to save the world.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Aquaman swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun."

Captain America: Civil War ($1,151,918,521)

2016 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 28m

Captain America: Civil War
American actor Chris Evans interacts with fans during the Southeast Asia premiere of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War at Marina Bay Sands on April 21, 2016 in Singapore Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

Bitter tensions loom between the Avengers when a faction support a controversial decision to implement a law controlling their powers.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes."

Minions ($1,159,631,140)

2015 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 31m

Minions
Actress Sandra Bullock arrives at the premiere of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles Kevin Winter/Getty Images

A pair of minions embark on an epic journey to search for a new master when they encounter a female super-villain.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "The Minions' brightly colored brand of gibberish-fueled insanity stretches to feature-length in their self-titled Despicable Me spinoff, with uneven but often hilarious results."

Iron Man 3 ($1,215,392,272)

2013 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 11m

Iron Man 3
Robert Downey Jr attends a special screening of Iron Man 3 at The Odeon Leicester Square on April 18, 2013 in London, England Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Tony Stark battles an enemy and sets off on a journey of self-discovery after failing to defeat his foe.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "With the help of its charismatic lead, some impressive action sequences, and even a few surprises, Iron Man 3 is a witty, entertaining adventure and a strong addition to the Marvel canon."

The Fate of the Furious ($1,236,703,796)

2017 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 29m

The Fate Of The Furious
Actor Jason Statham attends The Fate Of The Furious New York Premiere at Radio City Music Hall on April 8, 2017 in New York City Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Dom gets involved in the world of international terrorism and the gang battle to help him escape.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "The Fate of the Furious opens a new chapter in the franchise, fueled by the same infectious cast chemistry and over-the-top action fans have come to expect."

Incredibles 2 ($1,242,805,359)

2018 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 2h 5m

Incredibles 2
Samuel L Jackson attends the Incredibles 2 UK premiere at BFI Southbank on July 8, 2018 in London, England Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

The Incredibles family takes on a new mission to catch a supervillain to help restore humanity's faith in superheroes.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Incredibles 2 reunites Pixar's family crimefighting team for a long-awaited follow-up that may not quite live up to the original, but comes close enough to earn its name."

Beauty and the Beast ($1,255,080,655)

2017 ‧ Musical/Romance ‧ 2h 10m

Beauty And The Beast
Emma Watson attends UK launch event for Beauty And The Beast at Spencer House on February 23, 2017 in London, England Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images

A girl begins a journey to save her father from a creature that has trapped him.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "With an enchanting cast, beautifully crafted songs, and a painterly eye for detail, Beauty and the Beast offers a faithful yet fresh retelling that honors its beloved source material."

Frozen $1,267,483,831

2013 ‧ Family/Musical ‧ 1h 49m

Frozen
Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel poses on July 28, 2015 with Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Disney's Frozen during "Frozen Summer Fun" at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida Matt Stroshane/Disney Parks/Getty Images

A brave girl begins an epic quest with an iceman and a reindeer to search for her sister.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Beautifully animated, smartly written, and stocked with singalong songs, Frozen adds another worthy entry to the Disney canon."

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom ($1,308,334,005)

2018 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 10m

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Chris Pratt poses during the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom photocall at London Bridge on May 24, 2018 in London, England David M. Benett/Getty Images

Two animal lovers race to reach the defunct Jurassic World to save the animals from extinction after a volcano erupts.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom adds another set piece-packed entry to the blockbuster franchise, although genuinely thrilling moments are in increasingly short supply."

Star Wars Ep. VIII: The Last Jedi ($1,332,539,889)

2017 ‧ Sci-fi/Action ‧ 2h 32m

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Toro, Kelly Marie Tran, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Domhnall Gleeson, Writer/Director Rian Johnson, Producer Ram Bergman, Composer John Williams and Producer Kathleen Kennedy at the world premiere of Lucasfilm's... Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Luke Skywalker's isolated life is transformed when he meets young woman Rey, who possesses strong signs of the Force.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Star Wars: The Last Jedi honors the saga's rich legacy while adding some surprising twists — and delivering all the emotion-rich action fans could hope for."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 ($1,334,392,544)

2011 ‧ Fantasy/Fantasy ‧ 2h 10m

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe attend the World Premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 at Trafalgar Square on July 7, 2011 in London, England Ian Gavan/Getty Images

The trio of young wizards attempts to destroy the remaining Horcruxes and defend their school against Lord Voldemort.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling, Deathly Hallows Part II brings the Harry Potter franchise to a satisfying – and suitably magical – conclusion."

Black Panther ($1,336,494,321)

2018 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 15m

Black Panther
Chadwick Boseman attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios' Black Panther at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on February 8, 2018 in London, England Gareth Cattermole/Disney/Getty Images

Following a family tragedy, a Marvel superhero returns home to Wakanda to inherit his throne.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories—and introducing some of its most fully realized characters."

Avengers: Age of Ultron ($1,395,316,979)

2015 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 22m

Avengers: Age Of Ultron
Actress Scarlett Johansson (L) and actor Chris Evans attend the world premiere of Marvel's Avengers: Age Of Ultron at the Dolby Theatre on April 13, 2015 in Hollywood Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Tony Stark and Bruce Banner create the artificial intelligence system Ultron, which then goes rogue and attempts to destroy humanity.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Exuberant and eye-popping, Avengers: Age of Ultron serves as an overstuffed but mostly satisfying sequel, reuniting its predecessor's unwieldy cast with a few new additions and a worthy foe."

Frozen II ($1,447,065,229)

2019 ‧ Family/Musical ‧ 1h 43m

Frozen 2
Idina Menzel attends the European Premiere of Disney's Frozen 2 on November 17, 2019 in London, England Gareth Cattermole/Disney/Getty Images

Elsa starts hearing a strange melodic voice calling to her that awaken elemental spirits.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Frozen II can't quite recapture the showstopping feel of its predecessor, but it remains a dazzling adventure into the unknown."

The Avengers ($1,515,100,211)

2012 ‧ Adventure/Action ‧ 2h 24m

The Avengers
Actors Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddlestone, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo attend The Avengers photocall at De Russie Hotel on April 21, 2012 in Rome, Italy Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images

S.H.I.E.L.D agent Nick Fury decides to launch the Avengers Initiative after demigod Loki becomes a threat to the planet.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes' humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies."

Furious 7 ($1,516,881,526)

2015 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2h 20m

Furious 7
Actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (L) and recording artist/actor Tyrese Gibson attend Universal Pictures' Furious 7 premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 1, 2015 in Hollywood Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

The team of racers must race to save a crucial programme from falling into enemy hands.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Serving up a fresh round of over-the-top thrills while adding unexpected dramatic heft, Furious 7 keeps the franchise moving in more ways than one."

The Lion King ($1,654,381,934)

2019 ‧ Family/Adventure ‧ 1h 58m

"The Lion King
US singer/songwriter Beyonce arrives for the world premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at the Dolby theatre on July 9, 2019 in Hollywood Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images

Lion cub prince Simba escapes his kingdom after the murder of his father Mufasa.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "While it can take pride in its visual achievements, The Lion King is a by-the-numbers retelling that lacks the energy and heart that made the original so beloved—though for some fans that may just be enough."

Jurassic World ($1,669,979,967)

2015 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 5m

Jurassic World
Actors Bryce Dallas Howard (L) and Chris Pratt attend the Universal Pictures' Jurassic World premiere at the Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2015 in Hollywood Kevin Winter/Getty Images

A theme park showcasing genetically engineered dinosaurs turns into a disaster, after one predator escapes.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Jurassic World can't match the original for sheer inventiveness and impact, but it works in its own right as an entertaining—and visually dazzling—popcorn thriller."

Avengers: Infinity War ($2,044,540,523)

2018 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 40m

Avengers: Infinity War
Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost arrives at the Premiere Of Disney And Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War on April 23, 2018 in Los Angeles Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

The team of superheroes race to stop supremely powerful terrorist Thanos from destroying the galaxy.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Avengers: Infinity War ably juggles a dizzying array of MCU heroes in the fight against their gravest threat yet, and the result is a thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that (mostly) realizes its gargantuan ambitions."

Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens ($2,065,369,276)

2015 ‧ Sci-fi/Adventure ‧ 2h 15m

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Actor John Boyega, actress Daisy Ridley, actor Adam Driver and director J.J. Abrams attend the event for fans ahead of Star Wars: The Force Awakens South Korea premiere at the Octagon on December 9, 2015... Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

When a new order threatens to topple the New Republic members of the Resistance and the Republic race to stop them.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series' former glory while injecting it with renewed energy."

Titanic ($2,207,986,545)

1997 ‧ Romance/Drama ‧ 3h 30m

Titanic
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio dancing in a scene from the film Titanic, 1997 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images

A teenage girl from an aristocratic family boards the doomed Titanic, where she meets the boy of her dreams.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "A mostly unqualified triumph for James Cameron, who offers a dizzying blend of spectacular visuals and old-fashioned melodrama."

Avengers: Endgame ($2,797,800,564)

2019 ‧ Action/Sci-fi ‧ 3h 2m

Avengers: Endgame
Chris Evans attends the Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios' Avengers: Endgame at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California Alberto E. Rodriguez/Disney/Getty Images

Thanos obliterates much of the Universe, meaning the Avengers must assemble again for one last time.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel's epic Infinity Saga."

Avatar ($2,845,899,541)

2009 ‧ Sci-fi/Sci-fi ‧ 2h 42m

Avatar
Director James Cameron arrives at the premiere of Avatar, at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, California on December 16, 2009 ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

A paraplegic man replaces his twin on the Na'vi inhabited Pandora for a corporate mission.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus states: "It might be more impressive on a technical level than as a piece of storytelling, but Avatar reaffirms James Cameron's singular gift for imaginative, absorbing filmmaking."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer



To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go