Why is scary makeup allowed in PG-13 movies?

For example the orcs' faces in The Lord of the Rings are very scary, but the movies got a PG-13 rating. Another example would be The Mummy (1999), whose title character also has a very scary face but which is still PG-13 rated.

content-rating

Best Answer

According to the wiki on the MPAA:

Rated PG: Parental guidance strongly suggested – some material may not be suitable for children

Rated PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned – some material may be inappropriate for children under 13

Rated R: Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian

So why are LOTR and The Mummy rated as PG13 movies?

The violence and fear are intended to provide a small scare, there is no explicit violence really, and in fairness, the parents are strongly cautioned.

If a 13 year old can't handle a movie like The Mummy, I don't think the PG13 rating is the problem.