US movie ratings run from G to NC-17, and each letter tells parents how much mature content a film contains. G means all ages are admitted, PG and PG-13 are warnings for parents, R means anyone under 17 needs a parent or adult guardian, and NC-17 means no one 17 or under is admitted. The short line of text printed next to the rating explains why the film got it.
At Buddymagazine.org we get a lot of questions from readers who see these letters on every poster but are not sure what separates a PG-13 from an R. This guide covers who assigns the ratings, what each one means and how to use them.
Key Takeaways
- The five ratings are G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17, and each one signals a level of content rather than film quality.
- Ratings are assigned by a board of current parents at the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), part of the Motion Picture Association.
- The system is voluntary, and theaters enforce it at their own box offices, not the government.
- The descriptor line, such as “violence and some language,” is often more useful than the letter itself.
- NC-17 means adults only. It does not mean a film is obscene or pornographic.
Who Decides a Movie’s Rating?
Ratings in the US come from the Classification and Rating Administration, known as CARA, which is part of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). The ratings are made by a Rating Board whose job is to pick the rating most American parents would agree with.
The members of that board are themselves parents. According to the official MPA film ratings FAQ, raters are all current parents, the ratings are voluntary, and most US movie theaters enforce them at their locations as members of the trade group Cinema United. No law requires a film to be rated, and no government agency hands out the letters.
Because the system is voluntary, many independent films are never rated, though most theaters prefer rated films.
Each Rating Explained
G: General Audiences
The official line is “All ages admitted.” A G film contains nothing the board thinks would bother parents of younger children. Language stays mild, violence is minimal, and there is no nudity, sex or drug use.
A G rating is not a seal of approval, and it does not mean the film was made for kids. It only means the content is mild.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested
The official line is “Some material may not be suitable for children.” Parents are encouraged to look into a PG film before younger children watch it. It may include some profanity, some violence or brief nudity, but not at a level that calls for a stronger warning. The board states there is no drug use content in a PG film.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned
The official line is “Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.” The board describes PG-13 as a sterner warning to parents. A PG-13 film may go beyond PG in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language or other adult activities, but it does not reach the restricted R category.
R: Restricted
The official line is “Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.” An R film contains some adult material, which can include adult themes, strong language, intense or repeated violence, sexual nudity or drug use. The board encourages parents to learn more about an R film before taking children, and it generally advises against bringing young kids.
NC-17: Adults Only
The official line is “No One 17 and Under Admitted.” Children are not admitted even with a parent. The MPA’s NC-17 rating page states that the rating does not mean “obscene” or “pornographic” and should not be read as a negative judgment. It simply signals content meant for adults.
Ratings at a Glance
| Rating | Official short description | Who can buy a ticket alone | What it usually signals |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | All ages admitted | Anyone | Mild content, no nudity, sex or drug use |
| PG | Some material may not be suitable for children | Anyone | Some mild language or violence, brief nudity possible |
| PG-13 | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 | Anyone (theater policies vary) | Stronger themes, violence or language than PG |
| R | Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian | Ages 17 and up; under 17 with a parent or guardian | Adult material such as strong language, violence or drug use |
| NC-17 | No One 17 and Under Admitted | Adults only | Content the board considers too adult for anyone 17 and under |
Why the Descriptor Line Matters Most
Every rating except G comes with a short descriptor, such as “strong violence and language” or “thematic elements and brief mild peril.” The MPA calls descriptors an equal part of the rating. They are written for each film to explain what pushed it into its category.
Two PG-13 films can be very different. One might earn it for fantasy action, another for a frank story about addiction. The descriptor tells you which kind you are dealing with, and it takes a few seconds to read on the poster, trailer or ticketing page. That is why the advice on Buddymagazine.org is to read it before the letter.
How to Use Ratings for Your Family
Ratings are a starting point, not a final answer. A few simple habits make them more useful:
- Read the descriptor, not just the letter. It tells you whether the concern is violence, language, themes or something else.
- Watch the trailer together. Trailers for rated films are reviewed for where they can be shown, so they give a fair preview of tone.
- Check the theater’s own policy. Some chains have stricter rules for R films or late screenings.
- Remember unrated is not the same as mild. An unrated film has simply not been through the process, so look up details first.
Ratings describe content, not quality or a film’s message. A highly praised drama can be rated R, and a G film can still include scenes that upset a sensitive child. Use the rating and descriptor as information, then make your own call.
Movie Ratings and Other Media
Film ratings are one of several voluntary systems in entertainment. Games have their own system, explained in our guide on how video game age ratings work, which uses different letters and adds notes about online play and in-game purchases.
For more guides like this, browse the Entertainment section. To judge headlines about a rating dispute, our walkthrough on how to check a news story is a practical companion, and the Blog collects more media literacy tips.
You can find more plain-English explainers on the Buddymagazine.org homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the movie rating system required by law?
No. The US film rating system is voluntary and run by the film industry through CARA, part of the Motion Picture Association. No government agency assigns ratings. Most theaters choose to enforce them at the box office, and many independent films are released without a rating at all, especially outside major theater chains.
Can a 15-year-old see an R-rated movie?
Yes, if they are with a parent or adult guardian. The official R description is “Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.” Some theaters add stricter policies of their own, so it is worth checking the chain’s rules before you go. The rating board also encourages parents to research R films first.
Does NC-17 mean a film is pornographic?
No. The MPA states that NC-17 does not mean obscene or pornographic and is not a negative judgment of the film. It means the rating board believes most parents would consider the content too adult for anyone 17 and under, so no one in that age group is admitted, even with an adult.
Who are the people who rate movies?
Films are rated by the Rating Board of the Classification and Rating Administration. According to the MPA, the raters are all current parents, and their goal is to give each film the rating most American parents would agree with. Filmmakers who disagree with a rating can ask CARA’s Appeals Board to review it.
