How the Motion Picture Association Film Ratings System Works

The Motion Picture Association film ratings system provides unique ratings for films and motion pictures. That are used to help parents and adults decide what films are most suitable for various audiences. Including children and young adults. The current film ratings system has been integral to motion picture productions. Since 1968 when it was first introduced. Born out of the notion that educating parents. So that they could make conscious decisions on what films are best for their family. The Classification & Ratings Administration (CARA) provides cautionary warnings about movie content. To help parents decide what’s right for them and their children.

Throughout the history of film ratings systems, a number of methods of rating movies have evolved. While today’s film ratings systems have been in place for nearly 60 years.

Modifications as to the language and the individual expectations of each rating have evolved during that time.

The letter ratings and brief descriptions apply to each rating. These help moviegoers to identify films that are “suitable” for their intended audience. Let’s take a look at how it all breaks down.

G- Rating for General Audiences

The most basic, safest for all age groups rating from the Motion Picture Administration is the G or General Audiences rating. Films that are G-rated do not contain sexual material, violence, nudity, or offensive language. It would not be suitable for children and young viewers.

This does not necessarily signify a “children’s show” or “children’s approved rating”. But you can expect that a film with the G rating will not depict nudity or sex. There will be no drug use and any instances of violence will be minimal.

PG- Rating in Which Parental Guidance is Suggested

The next rating, movies with a PG-rating, represent those in which a parent might want to investigate prior to allowing a child to engage. The PG rating indicates that some of the content in the film might not be suitable for a child.

There could be brief depictions of violence or nudity. Although they will be incredibly minimal still and there will be no drug use.

PG-13 Rating in Which Parents are Strongly Cautioned

For the PG-13 rating, parents are cautioned not to allow children under the age of 13 to view. In fact, some of the content may not be suitable for the average 13 year old, either. But this decision is left to the discretion of the parents.

Drug use might be seen, although minimal in these film. But the risk for nudity, violence, adult themes and activities to be found in the film is strong.

R- Rating in which Children Under 17 Require Parental Consent & Accompaniment

The R-rated motion picture film ratings system represents a film that will contain adult material which is not suitable for children.

In order to view these films in a theater, a child’s parent or legal guardian will be required to accompany the viewing with the child. Additionally, parents are strongly urged to watch R-Rated films before allowing their children to do so.

NC-17 Rating in Which No One Under 17 Will be Admitted

This is the strongest of all of the ratings in the Motion Picture Administration film ratings system. The NC-17 Rating means that there is explicit adult content included.

And no child under the age of 18 will be permitted to watch. This rating does not necessarily mean that there will be pornography.

But there could be obscenity and the sex, violence, and behaviors. Aspects included in the film are not ideal for children of any ages.