Movies and Television - Ratings and Formats

In the U.S.A., there are various rating systems for movies, television, video games, etc., which are created and maintained by the various industries. I've started with the movie rating system, and I'll add more later. I might also include brief guides regarding audio and video recording media and codec formats.

Movie Ratings

From the MPAA website:

The movie ratings system is a voluntary system operated by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). The ratings are given by a board of parents who comprise the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). CARA's Board members view each film and, after a group discussion, vote on its rating. The ratings are intended to provide parents with advance information so they can decide for themselves which films are appropriate for viewing by their own children. The Board uses the same criteria as any parent making a judgment: theme, language, violence, nudity, sex, and drug use are among content areas considered in the decision-making process.

The MPAA's rating system was announced on November 1, 1968, although the ratings have been applied to some films that pre-date the system. Click on any of the ratings below for a more detailed description. Films that are not rated are typically labeled "NR." The "XXX" rating was coined by the adult film industry, not the MPAA. "XXX" films typically feature blatant nudity and sexual activity.





("PG" was formerly "M" and later "GP")






("NC-17" was formerly "X")