Table of Contents

Is NR Worse Than Rated R? Decoding Movie Ratings

The world of movie ratings can be a confusing landscape, filled with acronyms and age restrictions. One of the most common questions revolves around the NR (Not Rated) and R (Restricted) ratings. Is an NR film automatically worse than an R-rated one? The short answer is: not necessarily, but it can be. It’s essential to understand the nuances of each rating to make informed viewing decisions.

An R-rated movie has undergone the Motion Picture Association (MPA) review process and has been deemed to contain adult content that may not be suitable for children under 17 without a parent or adult guardian. This content can include strong language, violence, drug use, and nudity. On the other hand, an NR movie simply means it hasn’t been submitted to the MPA for a rating. This lack of submission can be for several reasons, and it’s this ambiguity that makes comparing NR and R ratings complex. So, while R gives a clear marker, NR is a question mark, which can be intriguing or concerning, depending on your perspective.

Understanding the NR Rating

What Does “Not Rated” Really Mean?

The “Not Rated” (NR) designation typically means that a film has not gone through the standard MPA rating process. This could be because the film is:

Uncut or Extended: Some directors’ cuts or extended editions include additional scenes that weren’t in the original, rated theatrical release. These added scenes might include content that would push the rating higher, so the studio might opt not to re-submit it. This is often seen on streaming services.
Independently Produced: Independent films or foreign movies might not be submitted to the MPA for rating due to cost or because they are intended for a niche market.
Intentionally Unrated: Sometimes, filmmakers choose to release a film unrated as a marketing tactic, often to give it an edgier, less restrained appeal.
Unpublished or Unreleased: Certain video content may be labelled as NR because it does not have a defined release date for the market or is not intended for wide release.

Unlike R-rated movies, NR films don’t necessarily fall into any specific content category. Their content could range from being completely benign to containing graphic material that would earn them an NC-17 rating, if it was submitted. The lack of a rating provides no indication of content appropriateness for any particular age group.

Contrasting NR and R Ratings

R-Rated: A Clear Guideline

A film bearing the R rating has a clear set of parameters. The MPA uses certain guidelines that, while not definitive, provide a baseline for its rating. An R-rating signals to audiences that the movie will likely include:

Strong Language: Frequent use of swear words, including the F-word.
Violence: Potentially graphic or disturbing violence.
Nudity and Sexual Content: Possible nudity and implied sexual situations.
Drug Use: Scenes depicting drug use.

The Uncertainty of NR

NR films, on the other hand, offer no such guarantees. They could be films that were initially R-rated, but added material to the home release pushes it beyond the R rating parameters without the filmmaker opting to pay for the rating. They could also be films that would qualify for a PG or PG-13 rating but have never been submitted to the MPA.

Making Informed Decisions

Which is “Worse”?

The concept of “worse” is subjective and depends on individual sensitivities and viewing preferences. A movie that some find shocking, others might find harmless. However, when it comes to movie ratings, NC-17 is considered worse than an R-rating. A movie that would easily qualify as an NC-17 might be left unrated to avoid the marketing challenges that such a label creates.

If you are concerned about graphic content, an NR film is more unpredictable than an R-rated one. An R rating gives a viewer some certainty, while an NR rating does not provide any guidance.
For parents seeking guidance for their children’s viewing, NR films present a higher risk. In such instances, R-rated films are more transparent, given their known content warnings.

How to Approach NR Content

Read Reviews: Look for reviews from trusted sources that give details on the movie’s content. Reviews can provide details on violence, language, and other aspects.
Check Streaming Services: Streaming platforms will often provide viewer age suggestions or content warnings for NR movies.
Err on the Side of Caution: When in doubt, it is best to assume the unrated content could be unsuitable for children or those sensitive to strong content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “UR” mean?

UR stands for Unrated. It’s often used interchangeably with NR and means a film has not been submitted for a rating or is an uncut version of a rated film.

2. Is a TV-MA rating worse than an R movie?

A TV-MA rating indicates mature content intended for adult audiences, often containing strong language, violence, and sexual content. It’s comparable to an R rating in terms of maturity level.

3. What is the difference between PG and PG-13?

PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) means some material may not be suitable for young children. PG-13 indicates that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. PG-13 rated movies often contain stronger language, violence, or suggestive content than PG films.

4. What is a K+ rating?

A K+ rating denotes content that may not be suitable for young children, usually those below nine. It’s a children’s rating with some guidance.

5. What does an ‘L’ rating mean?

An ‘L’ rating is often a content label used with film and television ratings, and it indicates that the film or show has some coarse or crude language.

6. What does ‘S’ rating mean?

An ‘S’ rating indicates that the film or show contains sexual situations.

7. What are ‘D’ and ‘V’ ratings?

‘D’ indicates suggestive dialogue while ‘V’ indicates violence. These are content labels used in rating systems.

8. Can a movie have multiple content labels like D, L, S, or V?

Yes, a film can have several of these content labels if it contains multiple types of flagged material, such as suggestive dialogue (D), crude language (L), sexual situations (S), and violence (V).

9. Is the NC-17 rating the worst rating a movie can get?

Yes, NC-17 (No Children Under 17 Admitted) is the highest and most restrictive rating a movie can get in the US, indicating that the film is considered strictly for adults.

10. Why do streaming services use the NR label so often?

Streaming services often use NR for several reasons. Firstly, they may have films that have extended versions or cuts that were never submitted to the MPA for ratings. Secondly, they may license films from independent studios that may never be submitted to the MPA.

11. How does the MPA determine movie ratings?

The MPA uses a group of parents to evaluate films and assign ratings based on content. Their assessment of a film is based on guidelines around the level of violence, language, and sexuality that is included.

12. Why is “Barbie” rated PG-13?

“Barbie” received a PG-13 rating for its suggestive references, including discussions about Barbie and Ken dolls’ lack of genitalia, although there is no actual nudity or explicit sexual content in the film.

13. Are there ever movies that have an F-bomb and still aren’t rated R?

Yes, the use of the F-word does not automatically mean an R-rating. A single use of the F-bomb will result in a PG-13 rating. Multiple uses usually require an R rating, but exceptions and interpretations do exist.

14. Can a TV-14 show use the F-word?

While uncommon, a TV-14 show can sometimes use the F-word, depending on the context and frequency of its use.

15. What does rated T mean in books?

A book rated T is appropriate for most readers, but parents are advised to consider reading before or with younger children. It falls in between an “all ages” rating and “teen” rating.

Conclusion

The question of whether NR is “worse” than R isn’t straightforward. An R-rating provides a basic understanding of potential content. An NR rating provides no information beyond that the movie was not rated. Ultimately, understanding the nuances behind both ratings helps in making informed viewing decisions. When in doubt, always check reviews, content warnings, and be sure to consider the age and sensitivities of all viewers.

Is NR worse than Rated R?