10 PG-13 horror movies that are actually scary


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SCARY TOWN — Last year I gave you a list of seven PG-13 horror movies that deliver. Well, it's Halloween time again and I think it's time I upped the ante.

Often people like to get a good scare, but they aren't fans of the gore and intense violence that often accompanies horror films. For those of you out there here are 10 PG-13, or under, horror films that will give you a scare this Halloween.

When a Stranger Calls
When a Stranger Calls

When a Stranger Calls

The 2006 remake "When a Stranger Calls" takes the overused, "The call is coming from inside the house," and actually makes it work.

The film has its issues, much like every horror movie, but it manages to get you jumping and constantly looking over your shoulder.

If you want a good scare while skipping all the blood and guts give "When a Stranger Calls" a chance. Just don't do it while babysitting.

White Noise

White Noise
White Noise

The 2005 horror flick "White Noise" seems to have slipped through the cracks, but the Michael Keaton led film manages to get your heart pumping on several occasions.

Personally I was really digging this movie until the very end where I thought it got a little hokey, but for the most part it's an effective scare. Keaton is solid as always and the movie keeps you guessing up until the end.

Even if you don't really like the film too much you will jump a few times and you'll never hear white noise again without getting a little creeped out.

The Others

The Others
The Others

The 2001 horror film "The Others" starring Nicole Kidman is actually a really solid scary movie that had the unfortunate timing of being released after "The Sixth Sense."

This is too bad because overall these two films are incredibly different, but just because there are a few similar moments "The Others" was billed as a copycat, but I assure you, it's not.

"The Others" will sufficiently creep you out and the jumps are effective to the point you'll be laughing at yourself afterwards because you're embarrassed you screeched like a 9-year-old girl.

Lady in White
Lady in White

Lady in White

The 1988 horror flick "Lady in White" scarred an entire generation. Who knew a school's coat closet could be so terrifying?

The movie isn't quite as scary as it was in 1988, but it still packs a punch.

Don't let the rating on IMDb fool you, this is in fact rated PG-13. IMDb has it listed as a R, but it's actually rated PG-13. It's definitely scary enough at times to not be for the little ones, but it is a PG-13 rating with PG-13 content.

Devil
Devil

Devil

The 2010 horror film "Devil" was somewhat forgotten, but it's better than you think. It's not a classic by any means, but it's worth a watch for a Halloween scare.

The claustrophobic film keeps you guessing and manages to get a little yelp out of you from time to time. The tension builds and when it finally breaks it does so like a slap in the face.

The "twist" ending isn't quite as twisting as it had hoped, but the movie overall still left you satisfied with a few frights. At the very least it's streaming on Netflix, so what do you have to lose?

Insidious

Insidious
Insidious

2010 also gave us "Insidious." The film is creepy and directed by the new master of horror, James Wan.

Wan has a way with manipulating the audience into feeling secure and then scaring the Dickens out of them and "Insidious" is a perfect example.

Led by a great cast including Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, "Insidious" is one of the better horror films to come out in recent years.

Signs

Signs
Signs

I know that the name M. Night Shyamalan is now synonymous with box-office poison, but there was a time he made some pretty good movies.

His 2002 effort "Signs" is actually a well-crafted thriller that serves up a fair dose of laughs and scares.

I have seen this movie several times and there are certain moments where I tell myself, "OK, John. You know it's coming. Don't jump. Don't you jump," and just like every time I use a Jack-in-the-box I fail miserably.

"Signs" is one of those rare scary movies that inserts a deeper meaning between the scares that make it not just a good scary movie, but a good movie.

Wait Until Dark

Wait Until Dark
Wait Until Dark

If you haven't seen the 1967 film "Wait Until Dark" starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin repent of your ways and watch it now.

The film all takes place inside Hepburn's small apartment and is the precursor of modern horror films like "The Strangers."

"Wait Until Dark" is beyond effective when it comes to scares and you will find yourself clutching to the person next to you or possibly the pillow at your side if you're alone.

"Wait Until Dark" is one of those rare gems that is over 45 years old and it still manages to get you jumping.

The Mothman Prophecies

The Mothman Prophecies
The Mothman Prophecies

Not too many people have seen the 2002 horror film "The Mothman Prophecies" and I'm not sure why. The movie is far from perfect, but it is effective in creeping you out to the point on insanity.

The film loves to point out the fact that it's based on true events, which is somewhat true. There have been reports of a Mothman throughout the years, but the story itself isn't directly based on true events.

Regardless, the movie will get you heart pumping and squirming in your chair.

Red Eye

The 2005 film "Red Eye" starring Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams isn't really a horror film, but it will scare you to death.

The film is directed by master-of-horror Wes Craven and man, does that guy know how to deliver a scare? The film is 85 minutes of fist-clinching intensity and it's all but a guarantee that you will jump out of your seat on multiple occasions.

Red Eye
Red Eye

I don't know is anyone plays a charming creeper better than Murphy and he is at his creepiest in this one.

"Red Eye" is proof that gore is not a requirement for a great scary movie.

What suggestions do you have for those who don't stomach the gore but love the fright from scary movies? Let us know on the comment boards, Facebook, Twitter or email me.

Also, make sure to catch the Flick Junkies Podcast Friday where we'll chat about this list and what movies you'd put on there. Let me know and you could win movie tickets and OK.com t-shirts.

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John Clyde

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