Whilst 2022 brings a ton of new action releases including movies like Thor: Love and Thunder and Jurassic World: Dominion, they seem to almost exclusively be PG-13 movies, aimed at a slightly older audience. Considering so many iconic action romps of the past are PG-rated, it reflects an apparent trend moving away from action films that cater to a slightly younger audience.
Luckily, there are still tons of iconic PG action options from the past that are perfect for watching with the family. Ranker left it to movie fans to decide which of these awesome films are the best to watch today, with some interesting results.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
10 National Treasure (2004)
With the prospect of a third National Treasure movie still not off the table and an upcoming television series on Disney +, National Treasure may yet grow into a franchise. There is certainly enough audience interest. A wild adventure starring true national treasure Nicholas Cage as an ingenious treasure hunter who uncovers a huge secret about America’s past, National Treasure is pure fun in movie form.
Though it did not receive a positive critical reception, its box office success spoke for itself as audiences turned up for a good old-fashioned rollercoaster ride with some thrilling action to boot. Its family-friendly nature can not hurt the popularity of a film that never takes itself too seriously.
9 The Incredibles (2004)
Pixar’s foray into the superhero genre meant a more action-focused approach, but it was still the wonderfully unique characters that made it work so well both for the older and younger audience. Centered on a 1960s crime-fighting superfamily, The Incredibles is a stylish feast of animated action that did not lose any of the depth that sets Pixar movies apart.
Crucially, the movie is funny too, with simple jokes that kids can enjoy as well as the more subtle satire of superhero tropes that run throughout. Aside from a 2018 sequel, Pixar has moved away from making action movies in more recent years but, with the overwhelming popularity of both, the many fans that voted for the movie will be hoping they return to the genre in the future.
8 Night At The Museum (2006)
Effortlessly blending fantasy, comedy, and non-stop excitement, Night at the Museum is a movie that manages to tick every box for a brilliant family adventure. Starring Ben Stiller at his best in the role of an incompetent night watchman at a natural history museum where the exhibits begin coming to life, the movie’s wild twists and turns proved an instant hit with audiences.
Its popularity has endured thanks to its heart and sense of fun, which means no matter how absurd things get, it’s easy to get swept along. Although the movie received praise for its special effects, the critical reception to the movie was lukewarm. The best family action movies are crowdpleasers rather than masterpieces, however, and that’s the case here.
7 The Rocketeer (1991)
A movie about a 1930s stunt pilot who finds a jetpack and becomes the titular superhero, The Rocketeer is an exciting adventure driven by the charisma of its characters. Adapted from a comic book character of the same name, there is plenty of fun to be had as the character tries to dodge the FBI and Nazis who both want their hands on the jetpack.
Despite receiving a positive critical response, The Rocketeer did poorly at the box office, which makes its popularity amongst the film fans on Ranker surprising. Despite not being remembered as well as similar adventures like the Indiana Jones movies, there’s a cult charm to The Rocketeer that means it’s still winning admirers, and a future Disney + sequel was announced last year.
6 The Princess Bride (1987)
An incredible family fantasy movie that became one of the most beloved cult classics, The Princess Bride‘s story of going from box office disappointment to worldwide fan favorite is almost worthy of the movie’s fairytale story. The story is centered on a farmhand called Westley and his quest to rescue Princess Buttercup from an evil prince.
Though it’s a romance at heart, there’s more than enough action to keep even younger kids entertained, and the movie has a great sense of humor, especially with its iconic side characters. When it comes to PG action, anyone who’s watched The Princess Bride knows it hits all the right notes.
5 The Three Musketeers (1993)
Starring Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Oliver Platt as the title characters, along with Chris O’Donnell as the aspiring Musketeer D’Artagnan, 1993’s The Three Musketeers represents perhaps the best attempt at a movie adaptation of the novel. Full of spectacle and, of course, thrilling swordplay, The Three Musketeers is a true popcorn movie.
A more family-friendly alternative to the more recent 2011 adaptation that still contains plenty of thrilling moments as well as some decent laughs, it’s nevertheless surprising to see the movie so highly rated on Ranker, as it did not perform particularly well at the box office and received a mixed critical response.
4 Star Wars Franchise (1977-Present)
Although the original trilogy of Star Wars movies were released before the creation of the PG-13 label, it’s fair to assume the movies would have kept their family-friendly status regardless, as most of the action is cartoonish despite some big explosions and some brutal moments. Sadly, ever since Revenge of the Siththe movies have shifted towards the PG-13 label, but that does not mean much of the franchise is not perfect for families.
With a simplistic story of heroes trying to fight for good in a galaxy being corrupted and eventually ruled with an iron fist by forces of evil, Star Wars tends to effortlessly bring out many fans’ nostalgia. With death-defying space battles and lightsaber sword fights, Star Wars is an easy choice for great PG action for a huge amount of people.
3 Jaws (1975)
Receiving a PG certification before PG-13 had been invented, its status as a PG action movie is debatable. While blood, shark-based violence, and some very real fear might mean PG is inadequate for Jawsthere’s a quaintness to Spielberg’s thriller that means it keeps the feel of a family movie.
For viewers who do not mind its questionable status, it’s no surprise to see the movie as a popular choice. With a frantic plot of a group’s attempts to bring down a killer shark, great special effects for the time, and John Williams’ timeless minimalist composition, Jaws is a true classic that’s just as appreciated by its fans now as it was by audiences and critics alike when it was released.
2 Indiana Jones Franchise (1981-Present)
Though Spielberg has established his reputation for PG action through a huge amount of iconic filmography, the Indiana Jones The franchise is the glittering jewel in his crown. Based on a desire to modernize the classic 20th-century serial films, the movies star Harrison Ford as an archeologist almost constantly in search of a shiny MacGuffin sought by nefarious forces.
It sounds simple, but with constant swashbuckling action and an effortlessly charismatic central character, Indiana Jones had a winning formula. Though the prospect of a fifth movie next year is likely putting the franchise back into movie discussions, the Indiana Jones The franchise is one that’s always been beloved by movie buffs and adventure fans alike.
1 Ghostbusters (1984)
Charming, hilarious, iconic, and full of ghostbusting action, Ghostbusters has a special place in cinema history. From an all-star cast including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis to a theme song that’s almost too catchy, almost everything about the movie is perfect and it became a cultural phenomenon.
Almost forty years on and, though there have been countless attempts at rebooting the franchise including an upcoming Netflix animated series, it still stands alone as a cultural touchstone. The best part of the movie is that no one seems to dislike it, leading to an overwhelmingly positive result with the movie fans on Ranker.
