How Movie Ratings (G/PG/PG‑13/R) Evolved — and Why It Matters
From the Hays Code to the modern MPAA system, understanding how films are rated and why it shapes what we see.
The Shifting Sands of Censorship: A Brief History
For decades, the question of what is appropriate for audiences, particularly children, has been a contentious issue in Hollywood. Before the familiar G, PG, PG-13, and R ratings, the film industry operated under a strict self-censorship system known as the Hays Code. Enforced from 1934 to 1968, this code dictated everything from moral content to language, ensuring that films adhered to a rigid set of guidelines. However, as societal norms evolved and foreign films challenged Hollywood’s conservative stance, the Hays Code became increasingly outdated and ineffective. In 1968, it was replaced by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) film rating system, a voluntary system designed to provide parents with information about a film’s content. This shift marked a significant turning point, moving from censorship to classification. This article will delve into the evolution of movie ratings, exploring the reasons behind their creation, the changes they’ve undergone, and why understanding them still matters in today’s diverse cinematic landscape.
From Hays Code to MPAA: The Birth of a New System
The Hays Code, officially the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of moral guidelines that governed the production of most American motion pictures released by major studios from 1934 to 1968. It prohibited depictions of excessive violence, nudity, illicit sex, and drug use, among other things. While it aimed to maintain a moral standard, it also stifled artistic expression and became increasingly out of touch with a changing society. By the mid-1960s, films like ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (1966) and ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ (1967) pushed the boundaries, leading to a crisis for the code.
In response, Jack Valenti, then president of the MPAA, introduced the new voluntary film rating system in November 1968. The initial ratings were: G (General Audiences), M (Suggested for Mature Audiences – later changed to GP, then PG), R (Restricted – under 16 requires parent or guardian), and X (No one under 16 admitted – later changed to 17). The goal was to provide parents with advance information about the content of films, allowing them to make informed decisions for their children, rather than outright censoring content. This marked a significant philosophical shift, empowering parents instead of dictating what filmmakers could create.
The Evolution of the Ratings: PG-13 and Beyond
The initial MPAA rating system underwent several modifications to better reflect audience needs and address public concerns. The most significant addition came in 1984 with the introduction of the PG-13 rating. This rating was created in response to public outcry over films like ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘Gremlins,’ which, despite being rated PG, contained scenes of violence and frightening imagery that many parents felt were too intense for young children. Steven Spielberg himself suggested the need for an intermediate rating.
The PG-13 rating (Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) quickly became one of the most common ratings, allowing filmmakers to explore more mature themes and action without crossing into the restrictive R category. This rating proved to be a commercial sweet spot, as it allowed films to appeal to a broader audience, including teenagers, while still providing a warning for parents. Later, the NC-17 rating replaced the X rating in 1990, aiming to differentiate adult-themed films from pornography, though it still carries a stigma for many mainstream distributors and exhibitors.
How Ratings Are Determined: The Classification and Rating Administration (CARA)
The MPAA’s Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) is responsible for assigning ratings to films. A board of anonymous parents, who are full-time employees, watches films and assigns ratings based on content descriptors such as violence, language, nudity, and drug use. The process is confidential, and the board members are kept anonymous to protect them from external pressure. Filmmakers can appeal a rating, and sometimes, after making cuts or edits, a film can receive a different rating. This system, while not without its critics, aims to provide a consistent and objective assessment of film content for parental guidance.
Why Ratings Matter: Influence on Filmmaking and Audience Choice
Movie ratings have a profound impact on both filmmaking and audience behavior. For filmmakers, the desired rating can influence creative decisions, from scriptwriting and casting to editing and marketing. A studio might push for a PG-13 rating to maximize box office potential, leading to self-censorship or changes to a film’s original vision. Conversely, an R rating can allow for more artistic freedom and a deeper exploration of mature themes, but it also limits the potential audience.
For audiences, ratings serve as a crucial guide, helping parents decide what films are appropriate for their children. They also help adult viewers gauge the content of a film and determine if it aligns with their preferences. While some argue that ratings are subjective or overly conservative, they remain a widely accepted tool for navigating the vast landscape of cinematic content. They are a constant reminder that film, as a powerful medium, carries a responsibility to its audience, particularly its youngest members.
The Future of Ratings: Streaming and Digital Content
In the age of streaming services and digital content, the traditional MPAA rating system faces new challenges. Many streaming platforms have their own content advisories or use different rating systems (e.g., TV-MA, TV-14). The proliferation of content and the ease of access mean that parents have to be more vigilant than ever in monitoring what their children watch. While the MPAA system primarily applies to theatrical releases, its influence extends to home video and digital distribution, as many platforms still use its ratings as a baseline. The future may see a more integrated or personalized rating system, but the core need for content guidance will likely remain.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the iconic “This film is rated…” card that appears before movies was designed by graphic designer Saul Bass? He also designed famous corporate logos for AT&T, Girl Scouts, and United Airlines, and film posters for movies like ‘Psycho’ and ‘Vertigo.’ His minimalist and impactful designs became an integral part of the movie-going experience.
Summary and Takeaways
The evolution of movie ratings reflects a continuous dialogue between filmmakers, audiences, and societal values. From the restrictive Hays Code to the more informative MPAA system, the goal has always been to provide guidance on film content. While the system has adapted over time, and continues to face new challenges in the digital age, its fundamental purpose remains: to help audiences make informed choices about what they watch. Understanding the history and impact of these ratings provides a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of art, commerce, and social responsibility in the world of cinema.