Jaws (1975)
Shocking Moment: Farewell and Adieu Spielbergs classic is one of the most oft-debated PG rated films of all-time. It managed to pass as a PG due to the violence being infrequent and too brief for a restrictive rating - but Jaws is definitely gruesome. The brief shot of a chewed off leg or a fountain of blood as the young Alex Kitner is eaten are both distressing - as is the manky decomposing head of Ben Gardner, complete with a gaping eye socket. But it's Quints (Robert Shaw) painful demise that sticks out as the most traumatic PG moment being chewed up like a fleshy stick of gum as the water runs red with blood.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Questionable Moment: Burning Love Disney films have often dealt with dark themes of death and abandonment, preparing children for the dangers that they can later be faced with in life. Notable examples include the death of
Bambis mother, or an almost equally heartbreaking demise of Mufasa in
The Lion King. Recently, their collaborations with
Pixar have continued this trend, such as the tragic 'married life' montage in
UP and a relentlessly dark third act in the
Toy Story series. Sure, there are plenty of laughs to be had in
Toy Story 3, and it ultimately ends with a heartwarming conclusion. Yet theres no denying the sheer horror of the incinerator sequence. Faced with death after falling into a huge pit of fire, the toys react to the situation in the only way they can, by holding hands and preparing for the very worst - while grown men try their hardest not to weep. John Lasseter and the folks at Pixar thankfully didnt decide to end one of the most successful movies of all time by traumatizing families around the world. But although Woody and co are ultimately saved, its a powerful and distressing sequence which speaks volumes about mortality and the value of friendship and family.