Why the Biggest Blockbusters Aren’t R-Rated: A Family-Friendly Twist in Movie Magic

The Financial Power of Family-Friendly Movies

Let me throw something at you that might surprise you.
Of the top 100 highest-grossing movies of all time (worldwide, adjusted for inflation or not—pick your metric), the overwhelming majority are rated PG or PG-13. Not R. Not NC-17.
Not “cover your eyes, kids!”
Nope.
The films that pull in the big bucks are, more often than not, family friendly flicks; movies you can actually watch with your grandma and your 12-year-old.

Isn’t that a bit of a plot twist?
In a world that seems obsessed with pushing boundaries, diving into dark themes, and showcasing “gritty realism,” the most beloved and financially successful films tend to go light on the gore, language, and nudity.
Instead, they pack theaters with sweeping adventure, laugh-out-loud humor, big heart, and stories that stick with us.

Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a good R-rated flick.
“The Godfather”? Masterpiece.
“Gladiator”? Epic.
“Matrix”? A mind-bender.
But there’s something wildly interesting (and, okay, a little bit delightful) about the fact that, despite all our societal hand-wringing about decaying morals and desensitized viewers, the movies we flock to in droves are, well… pretty wholesome.

Let’s take a stroll through some familiar territory.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe?
PG-13 across the board.
You can have epic battles, witty one-liners, and galaxy-saving drama without dropping F-bombs every ten seconds.
“Avatar” and “Avatar: The Way of Water”? PG-13.
“The Lion King”? “Frozen”? “Toy Story 3”? All PG.
Even the more intense entries like “Jurassic World,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and “The Dark Knight” kept it PG-13.

These aren’t just moderately successful films.
They’re box office Goliaths.
We’re talking billions with a “B.”

So what gives?
Why do the family friendly, PG and PG-13 movies dominate the silver screen while R-rated fare, even when critically acclaimed, often lags behind in ticket sales?

While your family is waiting for movie to stream, the popcorn to finish “popping,” or everyone to get their blankets and pillows, have these fun cards on hand for a great couple of rounds of laughter.

It’s All About the Audience

Here’s the deal: a PG or PG-13 rating opens the door to everyone.
Studios love money (shocker, right?), and the broader your audience, the more seats you fill.
A movie rated R automatically loses out on the under-17 crowd (unless they’re accompanied by an adult), and many families skip it entirely.
But a PG-13 movie?
That’s teen-approved, adult-enjoyable, and usually safe enough that parents feel okay bringing the whole crew.

Plus, these movies tend to offer something magical: universal appeal.
You don’t need to be in a specific demographic to enjoy the rush of swinging through New York with Spider-Man or piloting the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo.
These stories tap into timeless themes: heroism, adventure, friendship, loss, redemption.
They’re layered enough for adults but accessible enough for younger viewers.
And honestly, that’s a pretty impressive storytelling feat.

Escapism That Feels Good

R-rated movies often lean into the darker aspects of humanity—and sure, there’s a place for that.
But when the world feels heavy (which, let’s face it, is often), there’s something comforting about sitting down for a movie that uplifts, entertains, and maybe even inspires.
PG and PG-13 films often offer that sweet spot of excitement and emotional depth without leaving you emotionally wrecked or morally exhausted.

In a way, it’s a cultural contradiction: we talk a lot about how edgy and extreme entertainment has become, yet the stories we return to, the ones we share with our kids and rewatch a dozen times, are often… kind.
Hopeful.
Big-hearted.

Isn’t that kind of beautiful?

Rewatchability = Revenue

Want to know another secret to a film’s box office domination?
Rewatchability. (Okay, that may not be a word-but you totally get what I am saying!)
The best blockbusters don’t just get one ticket per person—they get repeat viewings.
Families see them once, then go back again with friends.
Kids drag their parents to another showing.
People stream it a dozen times at home.
And let’s be real: if your movie is filled with disturbing content, its rewatch potential tanks for many viewers.
A prime example: Schindler’s List, did you see it?
Did the red jacket rip you in half?
Was it an amazing piece of cinematography with a phenomenal story? Yes!
Am I going to watch it again-hard pass!
But if it’s fun, funny, and full of heart? Boom. Instant classic. Cha-ching.
I added some of my favs that are not on the “top” list, What About Bob? is one I watch every time I am blue.
I have probably seen it 15 times and laughed hard each time!

So maybe, just maybe, the big screen has a softer center than we give it credit for.
Maybe the reason PG and PG-13 movies rule the box office is because they remind us what we love most about stories in the first place: their ability to connect us across ages, backgrounds, and popcorn preferences.

And Now… 25 Hidden Gems for Family Movie Night (Aged 10+)

So, you’ve seen the “Harry Potter” series five times.
You could quote “Avengers: Endgame” in your sleep.
Are you curious about which movies made the most money in box office sales here in the US?
This is where the rubber hits the road!
I looked at the list and was amazed not only at how many I had seen, but also that of 25, there is only one rated R.

🇺🇸 Top Family-Friendly Films by U.S. Box Office Revenue

1.Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $936.7 million

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $858.4 million

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $814.9 million

4. Avatar (2009)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $785.2 million

5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $718.7 million

6. Black Panther (2018)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $700.4 million

7. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $684.1 million

8. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $678.8 million

9.Titanic(1997)  (ugh-I am not a fan-I wish I could petition for Guardians of the Galaxy instead, but, alas, it is money)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $674.4 million

10. Jurassic World (2015)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $653.4 million

11. Inside Out 2 (2024)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $653.0 million

12. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Rating: R (Note: Not family-friendly)
U.S. Box Office: $636.7 million

13. Barbie (2023)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $636.2 million

14. The Avengers (2012)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $623.4 million

15. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $620.2 million

16. Incredibles 2 (2018)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $608.6 million

17. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $574.9 million

18. The Lion King (2019)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $543.6 million

19. The Dark Knight (2008)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $535.0 million

20. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $533.5 million

21. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $515.2 million

22. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $504.5 million

23. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $487.6 million

24. Finding Dory (2016)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $486.3 million

25. Frozen II (2019)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $477.4 million

What does this list tell me?
We have a lot of Star Wars and Super Hero fans; eleven of 25 (almost half) of the top grossing movies in the United States fall into these two categories, and I did not include the two Avatars.

As impressive as these were, it made me think about some of my favs that had to have made a ton of money because they were so incredibly awesome!
So, I looked them up-they were significantly below on the money scale except for Guardians, yet, if you have not seen them, I encourage you to take a peek!

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $333.7 million
A vibrant space adventure filled with humor, heart, and a killer soundtrack. Great for teens and up.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Rating: PG-13
U.S. Box Office: $65.0 million
A college a cappella comedy with musical charm and a massive cult following. Best suited for older teens and up.

Mighty Joe Young (1998)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $50.6 million
A touching story about a giant gorilla and the woman who raises him. Safe for younger family viewing.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $30.9 million (original run)
A fantasy-adventure-romance-comedy classic. Universally beloved and endlessly quotable. Great for all ages.

What About Bob? (1991)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $63.7 million
A quirky comedy about a neurotic patient and his psychiatrist. Lighthearted and fun for older kids and parents.

Shrek (2001)

Rating: PG
U.S. Box Office: $267.7 million
A fairytale satire packed with humor for both kids and adults. A landmark in animated films.

So next time you hear someone complain that “everything is so dark these days,” just point to the box office.
The numbers don’t lie: family-friendly films win.
And lucky for us, we don’t have to sacrifice fun, heart, or excitement to find something everyone in the house can enjoy.

“Movies can make you feel things you’ve never felt before.”
– Meilin “Mei” Lee, Turning Red