History MediaNotes / MediaClassifications

* Without age restrictions

* A (All Ages)
* B (Ages 12+)
* C (Ages 15+)
* D (Ages 17+)
* Z (Ages 18+) - These titles are legally obligated to be held behind counters and advertising for these titles is forbidden. They may only be purchased online if the individual has a credit card account (since, with very rare exceptions, minors under 18 cannot get their own credit cards).

Here, the only legally enforceable rating is the Z rating. So if you're under 17, you can get a D-rated game. As with the PEGI system, it adds icons that show why the game got this rating: romantic themes, sexual content, violence, horror, gambling, crime, use of tobacco and alcohol, use of drugs, and language. It originally had 4 age ratings when it started in 2003:
* Free (All Ages)
* Ages 12+
* Ages 15+
* Ages 18+

Since there was a gap between 15+ and 18+, the rating system was redesigned in 2006.

Sega Japan had their own rating system between 1994 and 2000 (i.e. the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn era and first half of the [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]] phase), with a different colored label for each rating: a green label for "all ages," a yellow label for "18+ recommended," and a red label for the 18+ "X" rating (which was mostly applied to strip mahjong games, though it was also applied to ''VideoGame/MortalKombatII'' and, strangely enough, a ''Anime/TenchiMuyoRyoOhki'' fan disc). Sega also had a "violent content" advisory label, which is still used to supplement the CERO ratings.

As a far as rating systems go, Japan can be pretty lax for an Asian country (according to Website/IMDb, at least), though it is not the most lenient one. Notable for the sheer number of horror flicks that are rated G, which could make you believe that, adult content aside, scaring children to death isn't something that is frowned upon there. Aside from the usual concerns of sex, violence, and drug use, one notable issue that is frowned upon is underage smoking and drinking (hence why films as diverse as the ''Back to the Future'' trilogy, ''Sing Street,'' and ''Dead Poets Society'' are all rated PG-12).

PG-12 already includes a lot of R-rated stuff; a film usually has to be very gory or adult to get a R-15 (''Battle Royale'', ''Sausage Party'', and ''Joker'' have this rating, for instance), though the boundaries between ratings may seem a little random by Western standards. When a film does get an R-18, it’s nearly always for sexual content.

Similar to the BBFC, although the R-18 rating isn’t considered box office poison, some studios have opted to cut their films for an R-15 in theaters to expand their audience, and release them on video uncut. In the case of the first ''Fifty Shades of Grey'', this method backfired horrendously; after Universal was widely criticized for the censored R-15 version on Twitter, it released the uncut R-18 version in theaters several months later, and the other two installments did not suffer the same cuts.

Some countries do not have a classification rating system for television (i.e The United Kingdom or China) while others do. Television ratings are there for a reason -- to inform and warn both children and sensitive viewers about the content that is shown on television. The television rating systems reflect the political, cultural and religious attitudes of different societies.

Sega Japan had their own rating system between 1994 and 2000 (i.e. the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn era and first half of the [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]] phase), with a different colored label for each rating: a green label for "all ages," a yellow label for "18+ recommended," and a red label for the 18+ "X" rating (which was mostly applied to strip mahjong games, though it was also applied to ''VideoGame/MortalKombat2'' and, strangely enough, a ''Anime/TenchiMuyoRyoOhki'' fan disc). Sega also had a "violent content" advisory label, which is still used to supplement the CERO ratings.

This is rare in the United States, due to the First Amendment, and the fact that the rating system is voluntary. However, distributors may consider passing on a certain work if it's too controversial.

* US: G (film, "General Audiences -- All Ages Admitted"); TV-G and TV-Y7 [both with and without the FV for fantasy violence sub-rating] (television). [[AvoidTheDreadedGRating The G rating is almost never used these days.]] Initially, the rating merely meant that the film was suitable for [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin all audiences]] with relation to content -- early G-rated films could have some violence and profanity, and include films that really aren't intended for kids like ''Film/TwoThousandOneASpaceOdyssey'' and the very first film ever to be rated by the MPAA, the Hammer Horror film ''Film/DraculaHasRisenFromTheGrave''.

* US: PG (film, "Parental Guidance Suggested – some material may not be suitable for children"); TV-PG(television).

* US: PG-13 (film, "Parents Strongly Cautioned – some material may be inappropriate for children under 13"); TV-14 for television.

* US: R (film; "Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian" [[note]]for a brief period at the very beginning of the MPAA ratings, from 1968 to 1970, the age limit for R-(and ''X''!)rated movies was 16[[/note]]); TV-MA (Television) - TV-MA rarely appears on broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) and then only during the "UsefulNotes/SafeHarbor" period of 10 pm - 6 am. You're more likely to see it on original pay cable programs - probably the most popular TV-MA show is ''Series/GameOfThrones''.

* US: NC-17 (film, "No children under 17 admitted" [1990–1996], "No one 17 and under admitted" [[note]]The confusing wording (probably intended to preserve the trademarked "NC-17") actually means that the movie is restricted to those 18 and older [[/note]] [1996–present]), Previously X (film, "Persons Under 16 Not Admitted" [1968-1970][[note]]Though at least [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEzKlDXP3dg one theater informational bumper]] suggests X was briefly raised to 18 in 1970[[/note]], "No one under 17 admitted" [1970-1990], officially discontinued in 1990).

** The two ratings serve functionally the same purpose, the one real distinction between them is that NC-17 is trademarked by the [=MPAA=] and can only be applied by them. The X rating was deliberately left ''un''trademarked, and so free for any filmmaker to use as they saw fit. The reason behind this was that the [=MPAA=] originally (according to Wiki/TheOtherWiki) only planned three ratings [G, M, and R] and were perfectly fine with parents exercising discretion on what films they decided to take their children to. However, the National Association of Theater Owners balked at this, fearful that in some locales, that attitude could lead to prosecutions of theater owners for showing obscenity to minors and so urged the [=MPAA=] to include an "adults-only" category. To quell their concerns, the [=MPAA=] added the fourth X rating. The [=MPAA=] envisioned the rating to be self-applied to films like ''Film/MidnightCowboy'' or ''Film/AClockworkOrange'' or other similar mature fare [[note]]This may also explain the rather low age bar -- a person has to generally be 18 to view porn, but only 17 (or even ''16'' from 1968 to 1970) to see an X-rated or NC-17 film pre-1996.[[/note]]. \\\

* Japan: [=PG12=]

* Singapore: PG13

* Singapore: PG, [=PG13=].
* South Africa: PG.

Unlike their US neighbours, Canada tends to be more lenient towards coarse language, sex and nudity as long it is aired after 9pm. Canada's only Francophone province Quebec follows similar procedures.

Canada tends be more lenient towards coarse language than their neighbours to the South the United States as well as sex and nudity as long it is shown after the 9pm watershed.

* -10 (Déconseillé aux moins de 10) (English: Not recommended for children under 10) Unsuitable for persons under the age of 10
* -12 (Déconseillé aux moins de 12) (English: Not recommended for children under 12) Unsuitable for persons under the age of 12
* -16 (Déconseillé aux moins de 16) (English: Not recommended for children under 16) Unsuitable for persons under the age of 16
* -18 (Déconseillé aux moins de 18) (English: Not recommended for persons under 18) Suitable only for adults only 18 years and over

* D (Dewasa)(English: Adult/Mature) Suitable only for Mature Audiences (NB: The D rating does not excuse them to air adult content because due to Indonesian broadcasting laws as well as Indonesia’s strict decency laws, such material such as explicit violence, coarse language, sex and nudity are severely censored for cultural and religious reasons as well as political).

* Hong Kong: Category II, and the II sub-categories ([=IIa=] and [=IIb=])

* Brazil: 10 (blue seal), 12 (yellow seal), 14 (orange seal), 16 anos (red seal). As of 2021, children 10 and older may see a film with a 12, 14, or 16 rating unaccompanied, provided that they show a consenting permission slip, from their parents or guardians. Children under 10, however, may only watch a higher rated film if they are accompanied by an adult.

* Brazil: 18 anos (black seal, this is the highest rating). As of 2021, children 16 and 17 years may see an 18 rated film, if they are accompanied by an adult 18 years or above, '''or''' with a consenting permission slip, from their parents or guardians, if the teen would like to see the film unaccompanied.

Some countries do not have a classification rating system for television (i.e The United Kingdom or China) while others do. Television ratings are there for a reason. To inform and warn both children and vulnerable viewers about the content that is shown on television. The Television rating system reflects different societies, political attitudes, cultural and religious attitudes, and values

Australia does have a reputation of being strict on all media and television is one of them. Even with an R18+ classification, it is still prohibited on television even on Pay television and would require to be edited down for [=MA15+=]

Some countries do not have a classification rating system for television (i.e The United Kingdom or China) while others do. Television ratings are there for a reason. To inform and warn both children and vulnerable viewers about the content that is shown on television. The Television rating system reflects different societies, political attitudes, cultural and religious attitudes and values

* United States: NR for Not Rated. For theatrical releases, ratings systems are voluntary. The enforcement of such is directed by NATO ( [[UsefulNotes/{{NATO}} no, not that one]] ), the National Association of Theater Owners. This organization is [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin the national organization of movie theater owners]], to which virtually all US movie exhibition companies belong. To best serve their mass audience, the MPAA rates and the NATO enforces. A production company can choose not to submit their film to the MPAA for rating, and mark themselves as NR; however, much like with Germany, this is considered a de-facto NC-17, albeit with fewer unsavory connotations. For this reason, this is typically only seen with documentaries, or independent "art" productions with little-to-no budget, as they're more likely to decide that saving the money needed to submit is worth the loss of potential audience. (In other words, if the producers already know they would likely be rated as NC-17, there's no need to have confirmation - they can just run it as NR instead, and be treated in the same way, if not with slightly more leniency.) Even if a film has already been rated NC-17, which is considered an industry KissOfDeath, it's trivial to perform a few insubstantial cuts that add up to a minute, then claim it as a new, unrated version.

* US: R (film; "Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian" [[note]]for a brief period at the very beginning of the [=MPAA=] ratings, from 1968 to 1970, the age limit for R-(and ''X''!)rated movies was 16[[/note]]); TV-MA (Television) - TV-MA rarely appears on broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) and then only during the "UsefulNotes/SafeHarbor" period of 10 pm - 6 am. You're more likely to see it on original pay cable programs - probably the most popular TV-MA show is ''Series/GameOfThrones''.

* T - Tutti or Everyone
* VM-14 - Restricted to 14 and over
* VM-18 - Restricted to 18 and over

The Italian rating system may be easily the most lenient one towards violence; sexual content is usually treated a bit more strictly, with explicit and/or crude sex references often garnering a VM-14 at minimum. That said, the dividing line between T and VM-14 on both of those topics often appears pretty random.

* US: TV-Y (television). Initially, this was used for pretty much all Nickelodeon shows except for ''Series/AreYouAfraidOfTheDark'' because of frightening scenes and ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'' for gross-out humor, as well as anime such as ''Anime/SailorMoon'' and ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' that was aimed at children, and most Disney-produced animated shows such as ''WesternAnimation/{{Recess}}'' but in recent years, the rating is mostly applied to shows aimed at preschoolers.

* Brazil: 10 (blue seal), 12 (yellow seal), 14 (orange seal), 16 anos (red seal).

* Brazil: 18 anos (black seal).

Sega Japan had their own rating system between 1994 and 2000 (i.e. the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn era), with a different colored label for each rating: a green label for "all ages," a yellow label for "18+ recommended," and a red label for the 18+ "X" rating (which was mostly applied to strip mahjong games, though it was also applied to ''VideoGame/MortalKombat2'' and, strangely enough, a ''Anime/TenchiMuyoRyoOhki'' fan disc). Sega also had a "violent content" advisory label, which is still used to supplement the CERO ratings.

* Brazil: Livre.

* Brazil: 10, 12, 14, 16 anos.

* Brazil: 18 anos.

The most prominent and well-known ratings system for video games is administered by the UsefulNotes/EntertainmentSoftwareRatingsBoard (or ESRB). The ESRB is a volunteer organization that was created in the mid-90s after ''Franchise/MortalKombat'' and ''VideoGame/NightTrap'' raised concerns about the content of violent or "mature" video games. The ESRB must review ''everything'' -- they see a full script, review all art assets, and even play through the game -- before they give a final rating, and they'll sometimes revise that rating post-launch if circumstances warrant. (The most famous example of this was when the original version of ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoSanAndreas'' was raised from "Mature" to "Adults Only" in the wake of the Hot Coffee scandal. When new versions were released, with the originally DummiedOut content now completely removed, the "Mature" rating returned.)

* UsefulNotes/EntertainmentSoftwareRatingsBoard

* MA -- ages 18+, explicit adult themes. Similar to NC-17 or AdultsOnlyRating. Controversially not allowed on Fanfiction.Net, at least in theory; in practice the administration seems to turn a blind eye to M-rated {{lemon}}s beyond a cosmetic purge occasionally when some group en masse complains about them to satisfy their concerns, usually the infamous "Critics United".

* Germany: [=FSK0=].

* Italy: [=VM14=], [=VM18=] (vietato ai minori di quattordici/diciotto anni).

** Filipino movies released in the US by Star Cinema in US theaters are not sent to the MPAA for classification (the MPAA system is voluntary), although they never carry the NR mark or "This movie is not rated" when advertised on Filipino channel TFC, or by print advertising in most Filipino stores. The same can be said for Spanish movies for the Hispanic community when shown in US theaters. The only exception is mostly on film sites like Fandango when said movies do show up on some theaters' screening schedules, which do get marked as not rated.

** Filipino movies released in the US by Star Cinema in US theaters are also exempt from getting rated by the MPAA, although they never carry the NR mark or "This movie is not rated" when advertised on Filipino channel TFC, or by print advertising in most Filipino stores. The same can be said for Spanish movies for the Hispanic community when shown in US theaters. The only exception is mostly on film sites like Fandango when said movies do show up on some theaters' screening schedules, which do get marked as not rated.

* US: TV-Y (television). Initially, this was used for pretty much all Nickelodeon shows except for ''Series/AreYouAfraidOfTheDark'' because of frightening scenes and ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'' for gross-out humor, as well as anime such as ''Anime/Sailor Moon'' and ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' that was aimed at children, and most Disney-produced animated shows such as ''WesternAnimation/{{Recess}}'' but in recent years, the rating is mostly applied to shows aimed at preschoolers.

* Canada: C8+ and G.