1. United States: Motion Picture Association (MPA)
In the United States, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), formerly known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), is responsible for rating films. The MPA uses the following rating system:
- G (General Audiences): Suitable for all ages. No content that would offend parents if viewed by children.
- PG (Parental Guidance Suggested): Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents are urged to provide "parental guidance."
- PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned): Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious.
- R (Restricted): Restricted to viewers 17 and older unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Contains adult material such as intense violence, language, or sexual content.
- NC-17 (Adults Only): No one 17 and under admitted. Content is only suitable for adults, often due to explicit sexual content or extreme violence.
2. United Kingdom: British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
In the United Kingdom, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for rating films. The BBFC uses the following rating system:
- U (Universal): Suitable for all ages. No content that would be harmful or inappropriate for children.
- PG (Parental Guidance): General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger children.
- 12A: Suitable for 12 years and over. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 15: Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a 15-rated film in a cinema.
- 18: Suitable only for adults. No one younger than 18 may see an 18-rated film in a cinema.
3. Canada: Provincial Film Classification Boards
In Canada, film ratings are handled by provincial film classification boards, such as the Ontario Film Review Board (OFRB) and British Columbia's Consumer Protection BC. The ratings vary slightly between provinces but generally include:
- G (General): Suitable for all ages.
- PG (Parental Guidance): Parental guidance is advised as some content may not be suitable for children.
- 14A: Suitable for persons 14 years of age or older. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 18A: Suitable for persons 18 years of age or older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- R (Restricted): Restricted to 18 years and older.
4. Australia: Australian Classification Board (ACB)
In Australia, the Australian Classification Board (ACB) is responsible for rating films. The ACB uses the following rating system:
- G (General): Suitable for all audiences.
- PG (Parental Guidance): Parental guidance is recommended for children under 15.
- M (Mature): Recommended for mature audiences aged 15 and over.
- MA15+: Restricted to viewers 15 and older unless accompanied by an adult.
- R18+: Restricted to adult audiences 18 and older.
- X18+: Restricted to adult audiences 18 and older. Contains explicit sexual content.
