Generally, used to indicate harm is being done (or intends to be done) to one or more characters (persons, animals, monsters, aliens…); will often be paired with a qualifier to indicate the type, amount and/or intensity of the violence
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Common Descriptor Elements
Generally, used to indicate harm is being done (or intends to be done) to one or more characters (persons, animals, monsters, aliens…); will often be paired with a qualifier to indicate the type, amount and/or intensity of the violence.
Generally, includes scenes of mayhem/chaos/destruction; adrenaline-fueled, dangerous and/or fast-paced activity such as chases/pursuits, explosions, property damage, collisions, natural disasters, man vs. nature scenarios, etc. Often very VFX and/or stunt-heavy; May be associated with some violence but such violence is usually exaggerated/over-the-top and doesn’t result in obvious or detailed injury. Often paired with amped up music. Can also indicate some physical altercations, hand-to-hand combat, or sports action like boxing/martial arts. Can induce feelings of excitement, anxiety or concerns for outcome. Often requires a certain level of willing suspension of disbelief.
Generally, indicates the use of profanity/expletives/blasphemous words/name calling/words meant to hurt or offend/racial or ethnic slurs/homophobic slurs or other derogatory words used against someone or a class of people. May also include sexual references or references to body parts.
Ratings and descriptors involving sexually-related content/activity/situations take into account varying degrees of sexually-related content. References to sexual activity, the presence of sexual material such as gestures or sexual paraphernalia, and visuals of sexual acts, are all taken into account, with the level of detail or graphicness factoring into the rating determination. Sexually-related content may include some nudity (usually only at R or NC-17).
Generally, indicates the presence of at least one scene where a character(s) is shown naked to some degree. May also indicate the presence of nude artwork, sculptures, paintings, photos, etc.
Ratings and descriptors involving drugs take into account varying degrees of drug-related content. References to drugs, the presence of drug paraphernalia, visuals of illegal drugs, the use of any illegal drug, the improper or overuse of a legal or prescription drug, the manipulation of a household item (i.e. inhaling glue, freon, gas from whipped cream cans etc.), and designer drugs; and depictions of the after-effects of taking any such drugs are all taken into account.
Generally, refers to the smoking of a cigarette, pipe, cigar or hookah. Also refers to vaping tobacco. A character does not have to be actively smoking. Examples of inactive smoking include visuals of characters holding a lit or unlit cigarette, pipe, or cigar; chewing tobacco; cigarette butts in an ashtray; packs of cigarettes or other tobacco related products; may also include still photos of smoking or other tobacco related imagery.
Generally, encompasses those themes or subject matters or situations that may be of concern to parents but which are not generally covered by Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Nudity, Drug Content or Smoking. Examples include grief, death, illness, divorce or other family discord, bullying, coming of age issues, reproductive issues, etc. [PG, PG-13]. The more mature the theme, the more likely it will elevate the rating to PG-13. No film can be rated above PG-13 for theme or subject matter alone. It is the depiction of a theme that determines whether a rating of R or NC-17 is warranted.
SEE OUR BREAKDOWN OF COMMONLY USED DESCRIPTORS BELOW
The descriptors are meant to provide parents with information on the content found within movies. We encourage parents to use this important information when making movie choices for their families.
CURRENT EXAMPLES
Violence
Violence by rating
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Generally, does not contain violence. To the extent there is violence, it’s usually presented in a comedic, absurd or very mild manner and doesn’t result in any harm to any character. |
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Generally, violence is mild in nature. May include pushing and shoving, fist fights or brawls. Violence may be cartoonish, comedic or slapstick, or fantasy-like. If weapons are used, they are usually unrealistic (i.e. laser guns, glowing swords, magical powers etc.). If guns are present, they are used infrequently and, generally, bullet impacts to characters will not be observed on screen. Usually, there are no real details of lasting harm observed on-screen (i.e. no blood, visible wounds, characters dying onscreen). |
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Violence may have some realism to it or there may be frequent scenes of violence, but generally, violence will not be both realistic and pervasive or extreme. May include some blood but there is little to no lingering details. May contain some stronger scenes of violence but such scenes are infrequent. |
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Violence is more realistic than PG-13, usually with injury details more evident or distinct. Violence may be graphic in nature. May include varying amounts of blood or gore, torture, dismemberments, decapitations, etc. The injury is usually evident, such as gunshot, stab wounds, and knife/sword slashes. Can be intense in nature. |
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Violence is very realistic and may be exceptionally graphic or brutal, with a focus on details which highlight the realism and/or graphicness of the violence. May include prolonged and detailed depictions of violence, including torture, dismemberment, or other forms of bodily harm. Leaves little to the imagination. |
Common Violence Qualifiers
Graphic
Depiction of particularly brutal or realistic violence. Very detailed. [R, NC-17]
Bloody
Focus is on the blood that accompanies the act of violence. An elevated amount of blood splatter, spurting, dripping, pooling, etc. is present. [Generally R, but may also indicate a strong PG-13]
Bloody Images
Usually refers to the presence of blood in visuals of the aftermath of violence or other injury; may also indicate there is some blood that actively accompanies the act of violence but not strong enough to warrant the “bloody violence” descriptor. [Generally R and PG-13, occasionally PG]
Strong
Violence feels particularly strong or brutal or harsh; the violence may or may not be accompanied by blood, but the blood is incidental. [At PG-13, this qualifier is meant as a stronger warning to parents that the violence is upper-level PG-13/may border on R level violence; at R, this is meant to warn parents that violence is upper-level R]
Strong Bloody
Violence is both particularly strong and is accompanied by a lot of blood or a particular focus on the resulting blood (i.e., much of the violence is both strong and bloody). [upper-level R].
Strong/Bloody
Generally a step down from “strong bloody.” Meant to convey some of the violence may be strong and bloody but much of the violence is not both — there is some violence that is on the stronger side but not particularly bloody and there is some violence that is bloody but not particularly strong. Essentially, the violence is strong and/or bloody. [R]
Horror
Violence typically associated with the horror genre, including stabbings, slashings, bludgeoning; victims are usually stalked/hunted down/terrorized. Brutal killings or maiming. Exceptionally evil or wicked character or element involved. [PG-13, R; in PG-13, the presence of blood, if any, is minimal]
Bloody Horror
Similar to “horror violence” with a particular grotesqueness to the killing or focus on blood. [R]
Disturbing
Includes acts of violence of a particularly unsettling nature; leaves the viewer feeling disturbed, shocked or troubled; may include, for example, particularly hateful violence, violence of a discriminatory nature, violence against children, violence against oneself. [PG-13, R]
Violent Content
Generally used to indicate a wider range of violent activity/images/themes, than the typical person-on-person violence. May include depictions of injury or death not intentionally inflicted on a character, self-harm, car crashes or accidents which are particularly impactful (usually showing the aftermath of the crash/accident), violence inflicted by a supernatural entity, or an animal or other creature. May also include scenes depicting the aftermath of a violent event or activity (e.g., the presence of bodies hanging from a noose, dead bodies strewn on the ground or being carried out on stretchers, crime scene photos showing dead or injured victims, etc.). [PG, PG-13, R]
Rape/Sexual Assault/Sexual Violence
Any act of non-consensual sex (intercourse or oral) or touching/groping of another person. [Rape is R or NC-17 only; at PG-13, sexual assault/violence is usually non-consensual touching/groping or more implied or thematic in nature]
Suicide
SEE “OTHER”
Grisly Images
Often indicates images of graphic bodily injury. Injuries may be result of murder, mutilation, sickness, war, fire, car accident, etc. (May also be described as Gore or Gruesome Images) [R]
Gore
Focus is on extremely bloody bodily injury. May include dismemberment, disembowelment, decapitations, exposed entrails or other images of exposed innards or organs; blood and guts; open wounds, torn flesh, exposed brain matter, explosions of blood, etc. (May also be described as Grisly or Gruesome) [R]
War
Violence related to wartime scenarios; realistic; usually takes place on battlefield or in warzone. [PG-13, R]
Sci-Fi
Often takes place in futuristic or space setting. Lacks realism. May include non-human combatants and/or high-tech weaponry/currently non-existent weapons (e.g., lasers, light sabers, etc.) [PG, PG-13]
Fantasy
Set in fantastical/otherworldly setting; usually not among humans; lacks realism. [PG]
Creature
Indicates that the perpetrator of the violence is not human; may be creature on human or creature on creature. [usu. PG-13]
Cartoon
Usually associated with animation. Unrealistic consequences/no real harm to characters. [PG].
Sequences [or Intense Sequences] of Violence and Action
Usually indicates extended scenes of violence and action; if the sequences of violence or action feels particularly intense, it will be called out as such. [PG-13]
Violence/Action or Action/Violence
Includes acts of violence accompanied by lots of action; usually fast-paced. Stunt-heavy and lacks realism. May see some violent impacts to persons but no realistic injury detail. Violence/action indicates the violence outweighs the action. Action/violence indicates the action outweighs the violence. [PG, PG-13]
Throughout
Indicates violence is frequent and generally spread over the length of the movie. [PG-13, R]
Some
Violence is infrequent and/or not the main focus of the storyline. [PG, PG-13, R]
Brief
Violence is very infrequent, usually contained to one or two scenes or one or two violent acts. [PG, PG-13, R]
Action
Generally, includes scenes of mayhem/chaos/destruction; adrenaline-fueled, dangerous and/or fast-paced activity such as chases/pursuits, explosions, property damage, collisions, natural disasters, man vs. nature scenarios, etc. Often very VFX and/or stunt-heavy; May be associated with some violence but such violence is usually exaggerated/over-the-top and doesn’t result in obvious or detailed injury. Often paired with amped up music. Can also indicate some physical altercations, hand-to-hand combat, or sports action like boxing/martial arts. Can induce feelings of excitement, anxiety or concerns for outcome. Often requires a certain level of willing suspension of disbelief.
Action by rating
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Action does not generally elicit feelings of anxiety; if there is any peril, the situation is resolved quickly without incident. |
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Action is on the milder side but still generally elicits a feeling of excitement and/or anxiety. May include some level of mischief or dangerous or reckless behavior that parents would generally not want kids to emulate. Violence, if any, is mild in nature, lacks realism and characters are not really in danger of being harmed. Action may include a certain level of threat/danger/peril (depending on the threat level, “Peril” may be used in addition to or in lieu of “Action”). |
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Action is intense in nature and feelings of excitement, anxiety or concern are elevated. May include scenes of characters in danger or exaggerated scenes of violence whereby characters are being shot at while on a high-speed pursuit, for example. In a PG-13, “Action” may elevate to “Peril” in extremely dangerous situations and where the danger feels more realistic. Often paired with some level of violence. |
Peril:
Indicates serious and immediate danger or threat to a character, but usually not at the hands of another character (which would normally fall under “Violence”). Induces a level of anxiety/stress as to the safety of the character(s); may be used in addition to or in lieu of “Action”. [Usually reserved for PG but may be used in PG-13 for elevated or more realistic or intense scenes of peril]
Common Action Qualifiers
Mild
Level of intensity is very low-grade. [usually reserved for PG and indicates the lower end of PG, borderline G].
Sci-Fi
Often set in a futuristic or space setting. Lacks realism. Can include aliens, robots, superheroes, non-human characters. Can include non-existent/futuristic weapons like lasers, blasters, etc. [PG or, if paired with Violence, may be PG-13]
Fantasy
Lacks realism. Usually involves imaginative characters and/or set in a non-existent world/realm. May include superheroes, fairytale characters, mystical/magical creatures and beings. [PG]
Peril
Indicates serious and immediate danger or threat to a character, but usually not at the hands of another character (which would normally fall under “Violence”). Induces a level of anxiety/stress as to the safety of the character(s); may be used in addition to or in lieu of “Action”. [Usually reserved for PG but may be used in PG-13 for elevated or more realistic or intense scenes of peril]
Action/Violence
Indicates there is action combined with some violence. Heavier on the action and usually amplified by the music. Scenes are usually fast-paced, and violence is not generally strong, detailed or bloody. Examples include chasing, fleeing, guns blazing, car chases where characters are being incessantly shot at or trying to run each other off the road. [PG, PG-13]
Intense Sequences of Action and Violence
Indicates there are extended scenes of action paired with violence. Although heavier on the action than the violence, the scenes have an elevated sense of intensity, although the violence itself is not generally strong or intense. [PG-13]
Language
Generally, indicates the use of profanity/expletives/blasphemous words/name calling/words meant to hurt or offend/racial or ethnic slurs/homophobic slurs or other derogatory words used against someone or a class of people. May also include sexual references or references to body parts.
Language by rating
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May include some snippets of language that go beyond polite conversation, but are common everyday expressions. |
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Has minimal use of Language. May contain infrequent use of offensive words such as “sh*t” or “*ss” or “g*dd*mn” (or variations thereof). Language is often in the vein of name calling (“idiot, loser”), impolite (“crap,” “h*ll,” “suck”) or words used to convey more profane words in a less profane way (“screwed,” “freaking.” …). |
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May indicate an accumulation of PG-level language. May also contain stronger language such as b*tch, *ssh*le, d*ck, j*ck*ss, etc. May contain one use of the F-word and possibly a couple more if the uses are inconspicuous or don’t feel out of place in the context of the movie as a whole. May contain some impolite references to male or female body parts (but not the “harsher sexually derived words”). May contain racial/ethnic/homophobic or other offensive slurs. Depending on the context of slurs, may be called out specifically as “racial slurs,” “racial epithets,” “ethnic slurs,” “offensive slurs” or even just “slurs.” |
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Includes more vulgar or harsher/stronger profanity or slurs. An accumulation of slurs may elevate to an R, depending on the context in which the slurs are used. May also include profanity used in a sexual context (if not called out separately as “Sexual References” or similar). |
Common Language Qualifiers
Brief
Very few uses of Language (usually limited to 1-3 instances) [PG, PG-13, R]
Some
Infrequent use of Language but more than brief. [PG, PG-13, R]
Throughout
Frequent use of Language throughout the film. [Usually reserved for R]
Pervasive
Constant use of Language. Aggressively stands out. Almost feels like every other word is one most parents would find offensive. [R]
Strong
Used to indicate the presence of harsher or more vulgar Language. For example, used in PG-13 to indicate the use of the F-word. “Brief strong language” in a PG-13 usually means there is one use of the F-word; “Some strong language” or “strong language” in a PG-13 usually means there may be more than one use of the F-word or the F-word in conjunction with an accumulation of other Language. Sometimes racial or other offensive slurs will be included in “strong language” depending on the context in which the words are used and if they are not called out separately as “slurs” (or similar). [PG-13 or R]
Mild
Usually indicates the presence of words such as “idiot,” “loser,” “hell” “crap” “suck”… [PG]
Racial or Ethnic Epithets/Slurs
Any uses of derogatory words/comments focused on a person(s) of a specific racial/ethnic background. Aggressive, attacking, bullying comments. May also be referred to as “Slurs” or “Offensive slurs” if there are other types of slurs present. Sometimes slurs will be encompassed in “Language” or “Strong Language” depending on context. [PG-13, R; rarely PG]
Offensive Slurs
Any uses of derogatory words/comments focused on a person(s) of a specific group of people (i.e. LGBTQ+ community, developmentally challenged community, people struggling with mental health issues, people with disabilities, etc.) Aggressive, attacking, bullying comments. May also be referred to as “Slurs.” Sometimes slurs may be encompassed in “Language” or “Strong Language” depending on context. [PG-13, R; occasionally PG]
Sex
Ratings and descriptors involving sexually-related content/activity/situations take into account varying degrees of sexually-related content. References to sexual activity, the presence of sexual material such as gestures or sexual paraphernalia, and visuals of sexual acts, are all taken into account, with the level of detail or graphicness factoring into the rating determination. Sexually-related content may include some nudity (usually only at R or NC-17).
Sex by rating
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Does not contain any sexually-related content/activity/situations. |
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Generally, does not contain any sexually-related content/activity/situations that arise to more than suggestive. May include some mild sexually Suggestive References or Suggestive Material, such as innuendo or double entendre, flirting, kissing, a couple seen briefly in bed together under the sheets. Does not contain any sexually related nudity. |
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May include muted depictions of Sexuality or Sexual Content which lack any real detail. Generally, if sexual activity is depicted, it is brief or infrequent, is not graphic, and does not involve nudity. Sexual References generally encompass dialogue that alludes to sexual activity or situations. May include innuendo, slang (e.g., screw, bang, smash, laid, etc.), or direct references to sex, which are generally not overtly crude, graphic or profane. Generally, use of the f-word in a sexual manner will not be present, nor will any other harsher sexually-derived terms. Sexual Material may include brief background sounds associated with sexual activity, brief visuals of sexual props (e.g., sex toys), gestures of a sexual nature (e.g., simulating thrusting motion), “gentlemen’s” club or burlesque-type scenarios (without nudity), illustrations, photos or other artwork of a sexual nature, none of which is overtly detailed, graphic, or contains nudity. Sexual Material may also include Sexual References. |
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May include Sexuality, Sexual References, Sexual Material or Sexual Content of a more adult nature. Sexual References may be direct, crude, profane, graphic or explicit. Sexual Material may include more frequent Sexual References than PG-13 or more frequent or detailed visuals of sexual props or paraphernalia, sexual gestures, “gentlemen’s” club scenarios, sounds associated with sexual activity. Sexuality or Sexual Content may include sexual activity that is depicted in a somewhat realistic or graphic manner. May contain nudity, including graphic nudity. |
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Generally indicates any sexual activity that feels particularly realistic, graphic or explicit in nature. May also include pervasive Sexual Content. |
Suggestive References:
References/material that “suggest” at something sexual, but without any real visuals to confirm (i.e. couple kisses, then cuts to couple under covers in bed, next day). [PG. PG-13]
Suggestive Material:
References/material that “suggest” at something sexual, but without any real visuals to confirm (i.e. couple kisses, then cuts to couple under covers in bed, next day). [PG. PG-13]
Sexuality:
Usually indicates the presence of one or more scenes of sexual activity between two consenting adults, often of an intimate nature. May also include scenes of self-pleasure. Generally, no Sexual Material or Sexual References are present [PG-13 and R]
Sexual Content:
Indicates the depiction of sexual activity, in addition to other Sexual Material and/or Sexual References. [PG-13, R]
Sexual References:
Comments that refer to, or imply, any acts of a sexual nature. [PG-13, R]
Sexual Material:
Generally includes anything sexually rated, EXCEPT visual depictions of sexual activity (i.e., there is no Sexuality or other active sex). May include Sexual References, sexual paraphernalia, photos of a sexual nature, strip clubs, sounds of characters engaged in sexual activity, etc. May also include sexual activity that is more than Suggestive Material but stops short of Sexuality or Sexual Content [PG-13, R]
Common Terms for Sexual Situations
Sexuality
Usually indicates the presence of one or more scenes of sexual activity between two consenting adults, often of an intimate nature. May also include scenes of self-pleasure. Generally, no Sexual Material or Sexual References are present [PG-13 and R]
Sexual References
Comments that refer to, or imply, any acts of a sexual nature. [PG-13, R]
Sexual Material
Generally includes anything sexually rated, EXCEPT visual depictions of sexual activity (i.e., there is no Sexuality or other active sex). May include Sexual References, sexual paraphernalia, photos of a sexual nature, strip clubs, sounds of characters engaged in sexual activity, etc. May also include sexual activity that is more than Suggestive Material but stops short of Sexuality or Sexual Content [PG-13, R]
Sexual Content
Indicates the depiction of sexual activity, in addition to other Sexual Material and/or Sexual References. [PG-13, R]
Strong Sexual Content
Indicates the sex scenes are upper-level, perhaps just shy of NC-17. Scenes are more detailed in their depiction and of a more sexually mature nature. Usually realistic, more intense, and frequent or longer in duration than seen in Sexual Content. There may be depictions of oral sex, various sexual positions or multiple partners, usually accompanied by nudity and/or graphic nudity. The sexual activity may also be accompanied by crude or graphic sexual dialogue. [R]
Graphic or Explicit Sexual Content
Sexual activity is explicit; scenes are very detailed and leave little or nothing to the imagination. [sometimes R; usually NC-17]
Sensuality
Used to describe intimate interactions or flirtation that do not rise to the level of Sexuality; couples making out, caressing each other etc.; there may be an implication that the activity may go further but it doesn’t. [PG, PG-13]
Suggestive References/Material
References/material that “suggest” at something sexual, but without any real visuals to confirm (i.e. couple kisses, then cuts to couple under covers in bed, next day). [PG. PG-13]
Nudity
Generally, indicates the presence of at least one scene where a character(s) is shown naked to some degree. May also indicate the presence of nude artwork, sculptures, paintings, photos, etc.
Nudity by rating
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No nudity present. |
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Generally, any nudity is brief and is never associated with sexual activity. Nudity is usually limited to an exposed backside and is often depicted in the form of cartoon/animated backsides; may include classical artwork one would commonly find on display in a museum or similar; may also be in the form of a mother breastfeeding, or some educational/documentary features which may briefly show nudity inherent to cultural lifestyle. Does not include full frontal nudity or graphic nudity. |
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Nudity is brief or infrequent and may include naked backside or breasts. Generally, any nudity will not be sexual in nature. May include nude artwork, including statues, paintings, photographs and drawings, but generally will not be sexual or graphic in nature. Very rarely will full frontal nudity be depicted. |
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When not sexual in nature, nudity may include more than brief depictions of bare breasts or even just one brief depiction of full-frontal nudity (male or female). When sexual in nature, nudity may also include brief depictions of bare backsides, breasts or full-frontal nudity (male or female). Generally, any nudity associated with any sexual content/activity/situation will result in at least an R. |
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Nudity which is very graphic or explicit in nature, showing female and/or male genitalia to a high-degree of detail and/or realism, including male genitalia in an aroused state. May also include nudity associated with graphic or explicit sexual content/activity/situations. Frequent depictions of full-frontal nudity (male or female), especially sexual in nature, may result in an NC-17. |
Full Frontal:
Usually indicates the presence of full-frontal male or female nudity which is very brief and/or in the background or at a distance. May have decreased visibility due to shadows, blurs, etc. The full-frontal nudity is not the focus of the scene; the nudity is not associated with a sexual situation [usually R]
Graphic:
Generally indicates a full-frontal view of female or male pubic region, whether or not sexual in nature. May also include full frontal nudity seen in photos, drawings, statues or other artwork [R or NC-17; some artwork may be PG-13 if not sexual in nature and if akin to classical artwork commonly on display in museums]
Nudity:
Usually indicates visuals of a woman’s bare breasts or an accumulation of partial nudity [R or PG-13]; Also indicates varying degrees of nudity (excluding Graphic or Full nudity) associated with any sexual content/activity/situation. [R]
Cartoon:
Used in connection with an animated film and usually applies to visuals of a bare backside; may also be include as Rude Humor [PG]
Common Nudity Qualifiers
Graphic
Generally indicates a full-frontal view of female or male pubic region, whether or not sexual in nature. May also include full frontal nudity seen in photos, drawings, statues or other artwork [R or NC-17; some artwork may be PG-13 if not sexual in nature and if akin to classical artwork commonly on display in museums]
Full
Usually indicates the presence of full-frontal male or female nudity which is very brief and/or in the background or at a distance. May have decreased visibility due to shadows, blurs, etc. The full-frontal nudity is not the focus of the scene; the nudity is not associated with a sexual situation [usually R]
Nudity
Usually indicates visuals of a woman’s bare breasts or an accumulation of partial nudity [R or PG-13]; Also indicates varying degrees of nudity (excluding Graphic or Full nudity) associated with any sexual content/activity/situation. [R]
Partial
May include views of a bare backside, side of a bare breast, breasts with pasties, or a fully nude character strategically covering all private parts. [PG or PG-13]; [Partial nudity associated with any sexual content/activity/situation may be called out at an R]
Cartoon
Used in connection with an animated film and usually applies to visuals of a bare backside; may also be included as Rude Humor [PG]
Nude Image or Nude Artwork
Usually refers to still images of nude people. May include paintings, photographs, sculptures, illustrations or other artwork. [PG, PG-13, R]
Drugs
Ratings and descriptors involving drugs take into account varying degrees of drug-related content. References to drugs, the presence of drug paraphernalia, visuals of illegal drugs, the use of any illegal drug, the improper or overuse of a legal or prescription drug, the manipulation of a household item (i.e. inhaling glue, freon, gas from whipped cream cans etc.), and designer drugs; and depictions of the after-effects of taking any such drugs are all taken into account.
Drugs by rating
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Does not contain any Drug Use, Drug References, Drug Material or Drug Content. |
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Generally, does not contain any Drug Use. May include mild or brief Drug References. |
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May include Drug References, Drug Material, Drug Use or Drug Content. Drug Use is usually limited to infrequent marijuana use or improper use of prescription drugs. Drug Use is usually limited to adults, although there may be brief Drug Use by teens. Rarely does Drug Use involve the use of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroine, crack, meth, LSD or other hallucinogens, Ecstasy, etc., although use of such drugs may be implied. Effects of Drug Use are not usually evident, but if they are, drugs are not glamorized or made to look fun. May also include Drug Abuse or Substance Abuse, depictions of which are usually more thematically driven. |
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May include Drug References, Drug Material, Drug Use or Drug Content. Drug Use or Drug Content may involve frequent or prolonged scenes of marijuana use by adults or teenagers. May also include any use of hard illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroine, crack, meth, LSD or other hallucinogens, Ecstasy, etc. May also involve prescription drugs used in a non-prescribed matter. Depictions of use and after-effects may be graphic (e.g., may see character cooking drugs and/or injecting drugs, snorting drugs, entering a state of euphoria or passing out or “tripping” or other effects after taking drugs. May also include Drug Abuse or Substance Abuse, depictions of which may be graphic in nature. |
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Generally, includes Drug Use that is extremely realistic, graphic or explicit, and pervasive. |
Drug Use:
Generally indicates the active use of drugs. There may be other drug-related material but the use of drugs is what stands out. [PG-13, R, NC-17]
Drug References:
Generally, includes discussion or other mentions of drug-related material. For example, may refer to a drug by name or reference “getting high” or other effect of taking drugs. [PG, PG-13, R]
Drug Material:
Generally includes anything drug related, such as paraphernalia, production/manufacturing or selling of drugs, visuals of drugs. May include Drug References. Does not include active Drug Use but may include implied drug use or after-effects of drug use. May include an overall theme of drug-related activity. [PG-13, R]
Drug Content:
Generally includes Drug Use and either Drug References or Drug Material. Usually indicates that Drug Use is of equal concern to the other drug-related material present. May include an overall theme of drug use and drug-related activity. [PG-13 and R]
Drug Abuse:
Generally indicates an overindulgence/dependency on or addiction to illegal or prescription drugs. The more graphic the depiction, the higher the rating. [PG-13 and R]
Substance Abuse:
Usually indicates an overindulgence/dependency on or addiction to drugs (illegal or prescription) and/or alcohol. It is usually used when both drugs and alcohol are involved. However, sometimes the term is used in lieu of Drug Abuse or Alcohol Abuse. The more graphic the depiction, the higher the rating. [PG-13, R]
Common Drugs Qualifiers
Drug References
Generally, includes discussion or other mentions of drug-related material. For example, may refer to a drug by name or reference “getting high” or other effect of taking drugs. [PG, PG-13, R]
Drug Use
Generally indicates the active use of drugs. There may be other drug-related material but the use of drugs is what stands out. [PG-13, R, NC-17]
Drug Material
Generally includes anything drug related, such as paraphernalia, production/manufacturing or selling of drugs, visuals of drugs. May include Drug References. Does not include active Drug Use but may include implied drug use or after-effects of drug use. May include an overall theme of drug-related activity. [PG-13, R]
Drug Content
Generally includes Drug Use and either Drug References or Drug Material. Usually indicates that Drug Use is of equal concern to the other drug-related material present. May include an overall theme of drug use and drug-related activity. [PG-13, R]
Drug Abuse
Generally indicates an overindulgence/dependency on or addiction to illegal or prescription drugs. The more graphic the depiction, the higher the rating. [PG-13 and R]
Substance Abuse
Usually indicates an overindulgence/dependency on or addiction to drugs (illegal or prescription) and/or alcohol. It is usually used when both drugs and alcohol are involved. However, sometimes the term is used in lieu of Drug Abuse or Alcohol Abuse. The more graphic the depiction, the higher the rating. [PG-13, R]
Alcohol Abuse
Generally indicates an overindulgence/dependency on or addiction to alcohol. The more graphic the depiction, the higher the rating. [PG, PG-13, R]
Teen Drinking/Alcohol Use
Generally indicates alcohol is being consumed by characters under the legal age limit; consumption is fairly unambiguous. [PG-13, R]
Teen Drug Use
Generally indicates drugs are being used by non-adults; the usage is fairly unambiguous. [PG-13 and R]
Teen Partying
Generally indicates the presence of alcohol and/or drugs at a gathering where underaged characters are present but there is either no alcohol consumption or use of alcohol or drugs observed, or the consumption or use of alcohol or drugs by underaged characters is ambiguous or is not the focus of the scene. May sometimes be used in lieu of Teen Drinking or Teen Drug Use. [PG-13 and R]
Smoking
Generally, refers to the smoking of a cigarette, pipe, cigar or hookah. Also refers to vaping tobacco. A character does not have to be actively smoking. Examples of inactive smoking include visuals of characters holding a lit or unlit cigarette, pipe, or cigar; chewing tobacco; cigarette butts in an ashtray; packs of cigarettes or other tobacco related products; may also include still photos of smoking or other tobacco related imagery.
Smoking by rating
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Generally, no smoking or tobacco related imagery present. |
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Generally, smoking is brief or infrequent, usually in the background, is not glamorized, does not involve a minor and is not a main focus of any of the characters. Some leeway may be given to historically accurate depictions of smoking or depictions of negative consequences of smoking. |
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Generally, smoking is depicted in more than the occasional scene, is glamorized or made to look cool, is lingered on or is the focus of a particular scene or character. May include depictions of smoking by characters too young to legally smoke. |
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Generally, indicates very frequent depictions of smoking by characters too young to legally smoke. |
Common Smoking Qualifiers
Brief Smoking
Smoking (active or inactive) is very infrequently depicted (usually limited to one or two scenes) [PG, PG-13]
Smoking Throughout
Smoking (active or inactive) is depicted frequently in the film [PG-13]
Teen or Underage
Used to indicate depictions of smoking by characters identified as too young to legally smoke (teens and other minors). [PG-13, R]
Smoking Images or Tobacco Imagery
Usually refers to still images depicting individuals engaged in active or inactive smoking, e.g., holding a cigarette, pipe, cigar, etc. May also include visuals of tobacco related products used as props (e.g., pack of cigarettes, ashtray with cigarette butts, unlit pipe, etc.) [PG, PG-13]
Theme
Generally, encompasses those themes or subject matters or situations that may be of concern to parents but which are not generally covered by Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Nudity, Drug Content or Smoking. Examples include grief, death, illness, divorce or other family discord, bullying, coming of age issues, reproductive issues, etc. [PG, PG-13]. The more mature the theme, the more likely it will elevate the rating to PG-13. No film can be rated above PG-13 for theme or subject matter alone. It is the depiction of a theme that determines whether a rating of R or NC-17 is warranted.
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Examples of Thematic Elements/Material/Content
Bullying
Depictions of bullying may also be included in “Rude Material” if bullying is on the mild side and/or brief. If bullying is aggressive, hurtful, derogatory, and/or traumatizing in nature, it may be called out specifically as part of the descriptor.
Coming-of-age
Dealing with subjects such as sexual education, sexual orientation, puberty, general teenage angst, first crush/love, dealing with hardships at a young age, etc.
Death/Grief/Bereavement
Disease/Illness
Divorce
Domestic abuse
If violence is depicted, domestic abuse or domestic violence may be specifically called out in the descriptor or may be included in “Violence.”
Family discord
Historical Atrocities
Infidelity
Mental Health issues
Racist or other discriminatory behavior
May also be specifically called out depending on how central to the story or egregious the behavior
Religion
Reproductive issues
May include anything from a couple trying to conceive to the topic of abortion
Suicide
Discussions of suicide or implications that a character may have died by suicide. “Suicide” may be specifically called out in a descriptor depending on how central to the story or whether a suicide or attempted suicide is depicted. See also, “Suicide”
Other
Other Common Qualifiers
Terror
Generally, includes content that may illicit extreme fear or anxiety. May include serious and immediate danger, usually at the hands of another human or other being, the feeling of being inescapably stalked or hunted, heart-stopping moments or jump scares, and disturbing or particularly frightening images. There is often an overall sense of threat, dread, fear or terror throughout the movie. [PG-13, R]
Disturbing Content/Material/Images
Refers to themes, actions, visuals that leave the viewer feeling particularly disturbed, upset, troubled, unsettled, etc. Often used in the absence of a more descriptive term or as catchall when no other term seems adequate [PG-13, R] [See also, “Unsettling/Upsetting images” for PG]
Suggestive References/Material
Usually indicates references or material of a sexually suggestive nature, innuendo, double entendre, implied sexual activity. May also include references or material alluding to drugs. See also, “Sexually-Related Content.” [PG, PG-13]
Rude Humor/Material
Any content that would be deemed “rude” by parents. Can include things such as potty humor, farts/burps, insults of a more innocent nature, and mocking gestures. May also be used to encompass Rude Material may also include some bullying behavior, including name calling. See also, Language. [PG]
Scary/Frightening Images
Generally, encompasses scenes or images that may frighten a younger audience, perhaps causing them to cover their eyes, or may leave a lasting impression and/or creep into their dreams at night or cause nightmares. A snarling wolf’s face, a mean looking monster, a demon with glowing eyes, zombies or skeletons, scary clowns, and evil or demonic spirits or creatures are all examples of scary or frightening images. [Scary Images are generally PG; Frightening Images are generally a step up at PG-13]
Scary Moments
Generally, encompasses scenes which, like “scary images” may frighten a younger audience, usually because the images themselves are scary and because the audience may feel a certain level of peril for the character(s). [PG]
Suicide
Generally, includes the presence of themes of suicide central to the story, discussions of suicide, an attempted suicide, an implied suicide, an actual suicide, and/or the aftermath of a suicide. Depending on how the suicide is presented or depicted, including the level of detail provided, will determine the movie’s rating and whether “suicide” is specifically called out in the descriptor or included under the “Thematic” umbrella; may also be included in “Violent Content” or “Disturbing Violent Content.”
PG – brief mention or discussion of suicide but no visual. Generally, is not discussed in any detail and is not the focus of the movie; usually falls under the category of Thematic Elements/Material/Content.
PG-13 – may see an attempt at suicide or a suicide may be heavily implied, accompanied by sounds and/or non-graphic visuals of the aftermath.
R – May include visuals of the act of suicide; may also be heavily implied but with detailed or graphic visuals of the aftermath shown. May also include more detailed visuals of an attempt a suicide.
PG – brief mention or discussion of suicide but no visual. Generally, is not discussed in any detail and is not the focus of the movie; usually falls under the category of Thematic Elements/Material/Content.
PG-13 – may see an attempt at suicide or a suicide may be heavily implied, accompanied by sounds and/or non-graphic visuals of the aftermath.
R – May include visuals of the act of suicide; may also be heavily implied but with detailed or graphic visuals of the aftermath shown. May also include more detailed visuals of an attempt a suicide.
Unsettling/Upsetting Images
May include images that may be upsetting or unsettling to audiences, especially younger audiences, such as visuals of an injured or deceased animal or human; visuals are not detailed or lingered on. [PG]