Photos: Shifting ratings for children’s films

“Despicable Me 2” got a PG rating for “rude humor and mild action.” A critic attributed that to the presence of weapons. Universal Pictures

“Monsters University” is the only G-rated movie released this year.

Pixar Animation Studios/Walt Disney Pictures | July 16, 2013

“Despicable Me 2” got a PG rating for “rude humor and mild action.” A critic attributed that to the presence of weapons.

Universal Pictures | July 16, 2013

PG-rated ”Epic” features a flirty-talking slug and tiny forest people, but also armed battles with fanged, ogreish foes and a somber tone.

Blue Sky Studios/20th Century Fox | July 16, 2013

BU’s Paul Schneider says the tide shifted with the release of Pixar’s G-rated “Toy Story,” the 1995 animated blockbuster.

Pixar Animation Studios/Walt Disney Pictures | July 16, 2013

“Finding Nemo” was rated G in 2003 despite some themes that could be scary to young children — death of a parent, getting lost, mean children.

Pixar Animation Studios/Walt Disney Pictures | July 16, 2013

“Brave,” a commercially and critical successful 2012 film about an archer girl in the Scottish highlands, was rated PG.

Pixar Animation Studios/Walt Disney Pictures | July 16, 2013

Assuming a film is “little kid-friendly” just because it’s G-rated can be a mistake -- Bambi’s mother is shot and killed.

Walt Disney Productions | July 16, 2013