In the United States, movie ratings are given by the Motion Picture Association’s rating board, which classifies films as G, PG, PG-13, R or NC-17 to help parents decide what their children watch. The ratings are voluntary guidance, not laws, and each rating comes with short descriptors explaining why it was given. This Almawadahit.com explainer covers what each rating means, who decides it and how to use it well.
Key Takeaways
- The MPA film rating system was established in 1968.
- Ratings are decided by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), a board of parents.
- PG-13 was added in 1984, and NC-17 replaced the X rating in 1990.
- Rating descriptors explain the specific content behind each rating.
Where Movie Ratings Come From
Before 1968, Hollywood followed the Production Code, a set of rules about what films could show. As attitudes changed, the Motion Picture Association replaced it with a rating system designed to inform parents rather than censor films.
According to the Motion Picture Association, ratings are determined by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) through a board made up of an independent group of parents. The idea is that ratings should reflect what most American parents would think about a film’s content.
What Each Rating Means
| Rating | Full Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| G | General Audiences | Nothing that would offend parents of younger children |
| PG | Parental Guidance Suggested | Some material may not be suitable for children; parents should decide |
| PG-13 | Parents Strongly Cautioned | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| R | Restricted | Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| NC-17 | Adults Only | No one 17 and under admitted |
G Is Not the Same as “For Children”
The official Film Ratings website notes that a G rating is not a “certificate of approval” and doesn’t mean a film is made for children. It simply means the board found nothing that would offend parents of younger viewers.
PG-13 and the 1984 Change
PG-13 was introduced in 1984 after several PG-rated films drew complaints from parents about intense content. It created a middle ground between PG and R.
NC-17 and the End of the X Rating
In 1990, NC-17 replaced the original X rating, which had become associated with adult films. The rating board stresses that NC-17 isn’t a judgment that a film is obscene; it signals content appropriate only for adults.
How Rating Descriptors Help
Every rating above G usually comes with a short descriptor, such as “for intense sequences of action violence” or “for language and brief drug use”. These details matter: two PG-13 films can be very different, one with fantasy action and another with strong language.
Here at Almawadahit.com we suggest reading the descriptor as well as the letter. It tells you why a film received its rating and helps you decide what is right for your family.
Who Enforces the Ratings?
Ratings are voluntary. Filmmakers aren’t legally required to submit a film, although most major releases are rated. Movie theaters choose to enforce age limits for R and NC-17 films, and streaming services often use the same ratings in parental controls.
Filmmakers who disagree with a rating can re-edit and resubmit the film, or appeal the decision to a separate appeals board.
Using Ratings as a Family
- Check the rating and the descriptor before watching.
- Watch trailers together to gauge tone and intensity.
- Remember that children react differently; you know your child best.
- Use parental controls on streaming services and devices.
- Note that TV shows use a separate system, the TV Parental Guidelines.
Planning a group movie night is a great way to connect with friends. Our guide on how to make friends as an adult has more ideas, and the Social Life section covers gatherings. Curious about how films are honoured once they’re released? Read how Oscar voting works or browse more in our Entertainment category.
Ratings Outside the United States
Other countries use their own classification systems, so the same film can carry different labels around the world. In the United Kingdom, for example, the British Board of Film Classification uses categories such as U, PG, 12A, 15 and 18, and many other countries have their own boards with their own age bands.
That is why a film’s rating on an international streaming service may not match the rating you’d see on a US cinema poster. If you’re unsure, check the rating and the content information for the country you’re watching in.
Ratings and Home Viewing
At home, ratings matter just as much as at the cinema. Many streaming services, smart TVs and game consoles let parents set a maximum rating for each profile, and some require a PIN to watch anything above it. Setting these controls once can save a lot of awkward moments during family movie nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does PG-13 Mean?
PG-13 stands for “Parents Strongly Cautioned”. It warns that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, such as stronger violence, language or mature themes than a PG film. It does not ban younger viewers; it asks parents to decide. The rating’s descriptor explains what content led to the PG-13 rating.
Can a Child Watch an R-Rated Movie in a Theater?
Under the MPA system, children under 17 may see an R-rated film in a theater only with a parent or adult guardian. Theaters enforce this voluntarily, so policies can vary. The rating board strongly urges parents to learn more about R-rated films before taking their children to see them.
Who Decides a Movie’s Rating?
Ratings are decided by the Classification and Rating Administration, known as CARA, which is part of the Motion Picture Association rating program. CARA uses a board of independent parents who watch each film and vote on a rating, aiming to reflect what most American parents would consider suitable for children.
Are Movie Ratings Required by Law?
No. The MPA rating system is voluntary, and filmmakers are not legally required to submit their films. However, most major releases are rated because many theaters and retailers expect a rating. Theaters choose to enforce age restrictions, and ratings also feed into parental controls on many streaming services.
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Final Thoughts
Movie ratings are a quick guide, not a final verdict. Combine the rating, its descriptor and your own knowledge of your family to choose films with confidence. For more clear entertainment explainers, visit Almawadahit.com.
