In the United States the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) film rating system is used to classify films with regard to their suitability for certain audiences based on their content. The MPAA rating system is a voluntary scheme that is not enforced by law; films can be exhibited without a rating although certain theaters refuse to exhibit unrated films.
The MPAA rating system is now almost always given in conjunction with the content advisory system used by the television industry which provides a brief description of why a film or television program has been rated as it has. The two systems are distinct and separate although they use the same terminology (e.g. “PG-13”).
The MPAA’s ratings are as follows:
G: General audiences. All ages admitted.
PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
NC-17: No one 17 and under admitted.
X (reserved for pornographic films): No one under 18 admitted.
The MPAA also rates films that are not yet assigned a final rating by assigning them a “temporary” rating of “RP” (for “ratings pending”) “TV-MA” (for mature audiences only) or “UR” (unrated). These ratings are intended to be used by the film industry for marketing purposes and do not reflect the final rating that will be assigned to the film once it has been viewed by the rating board.
In addition to the MPAA ratings system there are also ratings systems used by other countries and organizations. These include the Canadian Home Video Rating System the UK’s BBFC ratings and the GERMANY’s FSK ratings.
What does ‘rated MA’ mean?
