The Motion Picture Association of America adopted its film-rating system, ranging from “G” for general audiences to “X” for adult patrons only

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is an American trade association that represents the six big Hollywood studios.  It was founded in 1922 and fights against sharing copyrighted works.

On this day, October 7th, in 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America adopted the current film-rating system.  Before they had this system, they adopted the Hays Code.  This code specified what was acceptable and what wasn’t for motion pictures aimed for the general audience in the US.  As time passed and as the administration of the association changed, the MPAA began to rate films’ thematic and content suitability for certain audiences.  The primary ratings are G (for general audiences), PG (parental guidance suggested), PG-13 (parents strongly cautioned), R (restricted), and NC-17 (no one 17 and under permitted).

There is no requisite or law for films to have a rating. It is completely voluntary for studios to obtain, however many theaters refuse to show unrated films.