Film Ratings

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and The National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) operate the film rating system. The ratings are issued by a board of parents who review the films.

A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture.

A PG-rated motion picture should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the Rating Board, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision.

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category.

An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

An NC-17 rated motion picture is one that, in the view of the Rating Board, most parents would consider too adult for their children 17 and under. An NC-17 rating can be based on violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse or any other element that most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children. No children are admitted to these motion pictures.


For additional information on film ratings, please visit mpaa.org. For information on the rating of a specific film, please visit filmratings.com.