How Movie Ratings Are Decided

Have you ever wondered how movie ratings are decided or who determines whether a film gets a PG-13 or an R rating? Movie rating systems exist to help viewers especially parents understand the nature of the content they’re about to watch. These ratings can influence how a film is marketed, who can watch it, and in some cases, even its commercial success.

In this article, we’ll break down the movie rating process, who rates movies, what each rating means, and why it matters especially in today’s streaming-focused world.

Who Rates Movies?

The first step to understanding how movie ratings are decided is knowing who is responsible for evaluating and assigning them. In most countries, rating boards or film classification authorities are tasked with reviewing films and assigning age-appropriate categories.

Here are some major examples:

• United States: Motion Picture Association (MPA), formerly known as the MPAA

• United Kingdom: British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

• Canada: Provincial film review boards

• India: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

• Australia: Australian Classification Board

• Germany: Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (FSK)

These organizations typically consist of panels of reviewers who assess a film’s content and decide how it should be classified based on national or regional standards.

The Movie Rating Process

To understand the film classification process, let’s use the MPA as an example. When a studio or filmmaker finishes a movie, they can submit it to the MPA’s Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) for review. This step is optional in the U.S., but most films that seek wide distribution go through the process.

Here’s how the process usually works:

1. Submission: The filmmaker submits the final cut of the movie.

2. Review: A panel of raters often parents or individuals from diverse backgrounds watch the film and assess its content.

3. Evaluation: The panel considers elements such as language, violence, sexual content, nudity, drug use, and thematic material.

4. Rating Assigned: Based on these factors, a rating is assigned. If the filmmaker disagrees with the rating, they can choose to edit the content and resubmit it or appeal the decision.

This same general process is followed by rating bodies in other countries, though the specific guidelines and rating labels differ.

What Do Movie Ratings Mean?

Let’s take a closer look at what movie ratings mean in the U.S., which is one of the most widely referenced systems. Understanding these categories is key when trying to determine whether a film is appropriate for certain age groups.

• G (General Audiences): Suitable for all ages. No content that would offend parents.

• PG (Parental Guidance Suggested): Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents should review content.

• PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned): Content may be inappropriate for children under 13. Often includes moderate violence, language, or suggestive material.

• R (Restricted): Viewers under 17 require an accompanying adult. Strong language, violence, sexual content, or drug use may be present.

• NC-17: No one under 17 admitted. Typically contains explicit adult content.

These categories help parents and viewers make informed decisions, but it’s important to understand what factors contribute to these classifications.

What Influences a Movie’s Rating?

Several types of content can affect how a film is rated. Here are the most common factors:

• Language: Frequent or strong profanity can push a film from PG-13 to R.

• Violence: The intensity, realism, and context of violence are carefully considered.

• Sexual Content & Nudity: Even brief nudity can lead to a higher rating, especially if it is sexual in nature.

• Drug Use: Any depiction of drug use usually triggers at least a PG-13 or R rating.

• Mature Themes: Topics like suicide, abuse, or war may elevate a movie’s rating depending on how they’re portrayed.

The cumulative impact of these elements is also considered. A film with mild language and mild violence might stay PG-13, but combining strong language with graphic violence could bump it up to an R rating.

Why Movie Ratings Differ Around the World

One interesting aspect of the film classification process is how ratings can vary from country to country. Cultural norms, religious values, and societal attitudes toward violence, sex, and language all influence rating decisions.

For example:

• A movie rated PG-13 in the U.S. may receive a 15 rating in the UK by the BBFC.

• A romantic scene acceptable for PG in France could earn an R rating in the U.S.

• In India, political or religious references may lead to censorship or a stricter rating.

Understanding international rating differences can be useful, especially for filmmakers aiming for global audiences.

Controversies and Criticisms

The movie rating system isn’t without criticism. Over the years, filmmakers and critics have raised concerns about its consistency and fairness. Some common complaints include:

• Lack of transparency: The criteria for assigning ratings aren’t always clear or publicly documented.

• Perceived bias: Some argue that large studios get preferential treatment over independent films.

• Harshness on certain themes: Sexual content often leads to harsher ratings than violence, especially in the U.S.

• Inconsistent decisions: Similar content in two films may receive different ratings.

These criticisms have led to calls for reform and more detailed content descriptors to help viewers make informed choices beyond just the age label.

Do Movie Ratings Still Matter Today?

In the era of streaming platforms and digital content, many viewers wonder whether movie ratings still hold the same weight. While the format of media consumption has changed, ratings still play a crucial role in:

• Parental controls: Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu use ratings to help parents filter content.

• Marketing and distribution: Some theaters and advertisers avoid showing NC-17 films.

• Viewer expectations: Ratings still help audiences anticipate the type of content they’re about to see.

That said, streaming platforms often go beyond basic ratings by offering detailed content warnings, such as “language,” “graphic violence,” or “sexual situations,” which provide greater context.

Conclusion

Now that you know how movie ratings are decided, you can better understand the intent behind those small letters next to a film’s title. The rating system helps guide audiences, especially families, in choosing age-appropriate entertainment. While the process varies globally and isn’t without its flaws, the core idea remains the same: helping viewers make informed decisions.