TL;DR: The MPAA rating system is a marketing tool as much as a safety guide. A PG-13 rating for Barbie means something entirely different than a PG-13 for The Dark Knight. To protect your kid’s "digital wellness," you have to ignore the letter and look at the "descriptors" (the fine print) and the actual context.
Quick Links for the Weekend:
- Inside Out 2 (PG) - Safe bet for almost everyone.
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (PG) - High intensity, but manageable for ages 8+.
- Deadpool & Wolverine (R) - Hard pass for the middle school crowd, regardless of how much they beg.
- Check out our guide on movie rating creep
We’ve all been there. You’re looking at a movie poster, you see that little "PG-13" box, and you think, "Okay, my kid is 12, we’re probably fine." Then, twenty minutes in, there’s a scene so intense or a joke so "adult" that you find yourself doing that awkward sideways glance to see if your kid is traumatized or just confused.
The reality is that the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) rating system is a bit of a relic. It was created in 1968, and while it’s been updated, it often feels like it’s grading movies on a curve that doesn't match modern parenting. It’s a system run by a small, anonymous group of parents in Los Angeles who decide what the entire country should consider "appropriate."
But here’s the No-BS truth: The MPAA isn’t a government agency. It’s a trade organization. Their goal isn't just safety; it's to help studios categorize films so they can make the most money.
At its core, the system is a set of five letters: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17.
- G (General Audiences): Essentially an endangered species. Studios avoid this now because kids think G-rated movies are "for babies."
- PG (Parental Guidance Suggested): This is the ultimate "vibes" category. It can range from Bluey levels of sweetness to the nightmare fuel of Jaws (yes, Jaws is PG).
- PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned): The "Sweet Spot." This is where most blockbusters live because it allows for enough "edge" to attract teens but doesn't lock out the family demographic.
- R (Restricted): Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian.
- NC-17: No one 17 and under admitted.
The reason we can’t just trust the letter is "Rating Creep." What was considered an R-rated level of violence in the 90s often slides into a PG-13 movie today. Conversely, the system is weirdly sensitive about some things (like a single F-bomb) while being totally chill about massive, city-level destruction and "fantasy violence."
If you’re trying to raise a kid who isn't constantly overstimulated or exposed to "brain rot" content, you have to look past the "PG-13" and look at the why.
The most important part of the rating isn't the letter; it's the tiny text underneath it. Here is how to translate MPAA-speak into Parent-speak:
"Thematic Elements"
This is the vaguest term in the history of cinema. It usually means the movie deals with "heavy" stuff—death, grief, divorce, or existential dread. Inside Out 2 has thematic elements because it deals with anxiety. A Monster Calls has them because it’s about a kid losing his mom. Verdict: If your kid is sensitive or going through a tough time, "thematic elements" are a bigger red flag than a "mild language" warning.
"Brief Sensuality"
This is code for "there’s a scene that’s going to make you want to stare at your phone until it’s over." It’s usually not full-blown sex, but it’s definitely more than a kiss. Barbie got a PG-13 partly for "suggestive references," which is the verbal version of this.
"Pervasive Language"
This means they used the "allowed" number of curse words and then some. In a PG-13 movie, you’re usually allowed one non-sexual use of the F-word. Use it twice? You’re R-rated. It’s an arbitrary rule that tells you nothing about the actual quality of the film.
"Sci-Fi Violence" or "Fantasy Violence"
This is the MPAA saying, "A lot of things explode and people get hit, but there’s no red blood, so we’re cool with it." This is how movies like Avengers: Endgame stay PG-13 despite having a body count in the thousands.
Learn more about the difference between cartoon and realistic violence
Every kid is different, but here is a general rule of thumb for how to navigate these ratings in 2025:
Ages 5-8: The "G" and "PG" Era
Stick to PG, but check the descriptors. Avoid anything with "scary images" if you want them to sleep in their own bed.
- Safe Bet: Moana 2
- Watch Out: Older PG movies like The Goonies have way more swearing than modern PGs.
Ages 9-12: The PG-13 Transition
This is the hardest age. They want to watch what the "big kids" (and YouTubers) are talking about.
- Safe PG-13: Wonka or Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
- Boundary PG-13: The Batman. It’s technically PG-13, but it’s a three-hour dark, gritty detective noir. It’s "Ohio" (weird/bad) for a 10-year-old’s attention span and mental health.
Ages 13+: The R-Rated Discussion
At this point, they’re likely seeing R-rated clips on TikTok or YouTube anyway. Instead of a hard "no," focus on why a movie is R. Is it R because it’s a thoughtful drama like Oppenheimer, or is it R because it’s Deadpool?
Studios often "edit for the rating." They will cut out just enough blood to get a PG-13 so they can sell more lunchboxes. As a parent, you need to know that a "sanitized" PG-13 action movie can still be incredibly overstimulating. The lack of blood doesn't mean the intensity isn't red-lining your kid’s nervous system.
If you’re looking for a movie that isn't just "not bad" but is actually "good," don't just look at the rating. Look at the WISE Score on our media pages. We look at educational value, positive messaging, and whether the movie is actually worth their (and your) limited time.
When your kid asks, "Why can't I watch that? It's only PG-13!" try these angles:
- The "Brain Fuel" Argument: "Ratings are like food labels. PG-13 is like a spicy energy drink. You're not 'in trouble' for wanting it, but your brain isn't quite ready for that much caffeine yet."
- The "Context" Talk: "That movie is rated PG-13 because it deals with adult problems that aren't really interesting or helpful for you to worry about right now. Let's find something that’s actually fun."
- The "Screenwise Check": Show them the descriptors. "See this? It says 'intense sequences of creature terror.' Remember how you felt after that one YouTube video? This is 2 hours of that."
Check out our guide on how to handle 'everyone else is watching it' syndrome
The MPAA is a blunt instrument. It’s a "better than nothing" guide, but it’s not a parenting strategy.
- G and PG are generally safe but can be boring or surprisingly scary.
- PG-13 is a massive umbrella that covers everything from "basically PG" to "basically R."
- The Descriptors are your best friend. Read the fine print.
Don't be afraid to be the "uncool" parent who says no to a PG-13 movie. There is so much incredible content out there—from The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (read the book, then see the movie!) to educational gems on National Geographic Kids—that you don't need to rush them into "adult" content just because a board in LA said it was technically allowed.
- Check the app: Before you head to the theater, search the title on Screenwise.
- Read the "Parents Guide" on IMDb: If you want a play-by-play of every swear word and scary moment, using IMDb's Parents Guide is a great supplemental tool.
- Trust your gut: If the trailer makes you feel anxious, it’s probably a "no" for your kid.
Ask our chatbot for a curated list of movies for your kid's specific age