Film rating system

A scheme that classifies films by suitability for audiences, often by age. Ratings guide viewing choices and may determine where or how a film can be shown.

Motion Picture Association film rating system: The United States film classification system administered by the Motion Picture Association. Its ratings show how a national scheme turns content assessments into familiar labels.
Film censorship: The suppression or alteration of films by authorities or other powerful institutions. Rating can inform choice without removing material, unlike censorship that restricts or alters it.
Motion Picture Association film rating system in the United States: The US film rating scheme whose categories include G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. Its labels directly affect theatrical access and inform home viewing decisions.
Hays Code: A production code that governed content in Hollywood films from the 1930s until the late 1960s. It preceded the MPAA ratings system as Hollywood's main content-control framework.
Self-censorship: The voluntary restriction of expression in anticipation of sanctions or disapproval. Filmmakers may alter content to avoid a restrictive rating and preserve access.
British Board of Film Classification: The UK organization that classifies films and video works for release. It illustrates how a national authority assigns categories and age guidance.
Voluntary rating system: A classification scheme adopted by participants without a general legal mandate. Many film boards rely on industry participation rather than government classification.
BBFC age ratings: The British Board of Film Classification's age categories and accompanying content advice. These categories guide UK cinema admission and film distribution.
Jack Valenti: An American film industry executive who led the Motion Picture Association from 1966 to 2004. He helped introduce the voluntary US ratings system in 1968.
Film censorship in the United States: Governmental and industry efforts to restrict or regulate film content in the United States. US ratings emerged within a longer struggle over public control of films.

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