Explained › Ratings › MPA film ratings (US movies)
MPA ratings explained: every level and descriptor
✅ Last verified: Oct 14, 2026 against official sources linked below.
Quick answer
- The Motion Picture Association's Classification and Rating Administration rates US movies.
- Levels: G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17.
- Ratings cover what's on screen, not online chat or ads.
The Motion Picture Association's Classification and Rating Administration rates US movies. Streaming services use these for films.
Every MPA level
| Rating | What it means | Typical content | Age context |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | General audiences — all ages admitted. | Nothing most parents would find offensive. | All ages. |
| PG | Parental guidance suggested. | Some material may not be suitable for children. | Check first for young kids. |
| PG-13 | Parents strongly cautioned. | Some material may be inappropriate under 13. | Ages 13+, or decide case by case. |
| R | Restricted. | Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian. | Older teens with a parent. |
| NC-17 | Adults only. | No one 17 and under admitted. | Adults. |
Each MPA rating comes with a short reason (e.g. "violence and language") shown on the poster and in many streaming apps.
Official source: www.motionpictures.org
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