How to Get an Official Rating for Your Film: Complete 2026 Guide

You finished your film. Now a distributor tells you they need an MPA rating before they can book it into theaters. Or a streaming platform asks what your content rating is for their parental controls. Or you realize that without a rating, certain theater chains will not touch your film.

The MPA rating system is voluntary, meaning no law requires you to get one. But in practice, most theatrical distributors and many streaming platforms expect or prefer rated films. Understanding how the system works, what it costs, and how to navigate the process is essential for any filmmaker planning a theatrical or broad commercial release.

Quick Answer

To get an official rating for your film, submit it to the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), the body that issues MPA ratings. The process involves completing a submission application, paying a fee based on your film's budget and your submitter's revenue, and sending a screener for the Rating Board to view.

As of January 1, 2026, CARA's new fee structure ranges from $2,675 for films with a negative cost under $500,000 (Category B, for independent submitters not involved in production) to $27,800 for films over $75 million (Category A). For most independent filmmakers, the fee falls between $2,675 and $5,400.

The Rating Board views your film, discusses it, and issues a rating (G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17) within 24 to 48 hours of the screening. You can accept the rating, appeal it, or modify your film and resubmit. The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission to receiving your rating certificate.

Understanding the MPA Rating System

Rating Categories

The MPA uses five rating categories, each accompanied by a descriptor that explains why the film received that rating:

The PG-13 rating is the commercial sweet spot. It allows access to the widest possible audience while still permitting the intensity that most commercial films need. According to box office data, PG-13 films consistently outperform R and NC-17 films at the theatrical box office.

How Ratings Are Determined

The Rating Board is composed of parents who are chosen to reflect a diversity of backgrounds, communities, and perspectives. The board considers factors including violence, sex, nudity, language, drug use, smoking, and thematic elements, always in the context of the whole film.

Here is how the process works, according to the MPA Film Ratings website:

1. The Rating Board watches the entire film.
2. Each rater submits a preliminary ballot with their recommended rating and reasoning.
3. A Senior Rater leads a group discussion.
4. The rating and descriptor are determined by a simple majority vote.
5. The submitter is notified of the rating within 24 to 48 hours.

The identities of all raters except Senior Raters are kept confidential to prevent outside pressure or influence. This is an important design feature of the system.

Rating Descriptors

Every rating except G comes with a descriptor that explains the reasoning. For example, a film might be rated "PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and brief strong language." The descriptor is an equal part of the rating and appears on all marketing materials. It gives parents specific information about what to expect.

The CARA Submission Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Determine Your Submission Category

CARA uses a tiered fee structure based on two factors: the negative cost of your film (its production budget) and the submitter's relationship to the film and their annual revenue. This determines whether you fall into Category A, B, or C.

Most independent filmmakers will fall into Category B, assuming they are submitting their own film and their production company's revenue is under $5 million. If a distributor is submitting on your behalf and they meet the Category B criteria, they can submit at the lower rates.

Step 2: Complete the Submission Application

Visit carafilmratings.com to start the submission process. You will need:

• Film title and production information
• Name of the submitting party (you or your distributor)
• Negative cost (production budget) of the film
• Contact information for the rating contact and advertising contact
• Payment of the applicable fee

CARA recommends submitting your application as early as possible, even before your film is finalized. They can accommodate urgent release and delivery deadlines if needed.

Step 3: Send Your Screener

Once your application is approved, CARA will schedule a screening date. You need to deliver a screener by 9:00 AM on the day of the screening. Screeners can be delivered the day before or any time prior.

If your film is not 100% complete, you can still submit it, but you must provide a list of unfinished items, their completion percentage, and your target rating. CARA may issue a tentative rating subject to change when the finished version is submitted. They reserve the right to withhold the official rating until all unfinished elements are resubmitted.

Step 4: Receive Your Rating

Within 24 hours of the screening, you will receive an email with the rating assigned to your film. You can expect to receive the rating certificate within 48 hours after you accept the rating.

Step 5: Accept, Appeal, or Modify

If you disagree with the rating, you have options:

Accept the rating. Most filmmakers do this. The rating is final, and you can proceed with distribution.

Appeal the rating. You can file a formal appeal with the Classification and Rating Appeals Board. The appeals board views the film and hears arguments from the submitter. A two-thirds vote is required to overturn the original rating. There is an additional fee for appeals.

Modify your film and resubmit. If you receive an R but want a PG-13, you can edit your film and resubmit for a new rating. This is common practice. Many filmmakers make targeted cuts (removing specific language, trimming violent scenes) to achieve their desired rating. The re-rate fee is $2,775 as of January 2026.

CARA Fee Schedule (Effective January 1, 2026)

Category A: Submitter Involved in Production or Revenue Over $5M

Category B: Independent Submitter Not Involved in Production, Revenue Under $5M

Category C: Re-rates, Re-screens, Re-issues, and Short Subjects

These fees were implemented on January 1, 2026, based on Consumer Price Index adjustments. CARA is a self-funded division of the MPA and relies solely on rating fees to sustain its operations. Future rate increases will be published in October prior to annual CPI increases taking effect in January.

Do You Actually Need a Rating?

Theatrical Distribution

If you plan a theatrical release, you almost certainly need a rating. Most theater chains, particularly AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, prefer to exhibit rated films. MPA members (the major studios) are required to submit all their films for rating. Independent filmmakers are not required to do so, but unrated films face significant booking resistance.

Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms have their own content rating systems. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others use a combination of MPA ratings and their own internal classifications. If your film already has an MPA rating, platforms will typically use it. If not, they will assign their own rating based on their internal standards.

For ad-supported platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV, content ratings help advertisers feel comfortable about where their ads appear. An unrated film may face limited advertising placement options.

Film Festivals

Most film festivals do not require an MPA rating. Festivals screen unrated independent films all the time. However, having a rating can be a signal of professionalism and commercial intent that some festivals appreciate, particularly those with industry market components.

Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Release

If you are self-distributing your film online through platforms like Vimeo OTT or your own website, you do not need an MPA rating. You should still provide content warnings or descriptions so viewers can make informed choices.

Alternative Rating Options

Unrated Releases

You can release your film unrated. This gives you complete creative freedom and avoids the rating fee. But it limits your theatrical distribution options, as many theaters will not book unrated films. Some streaming platforms will accept unrated content but will assign their own internal classification.

The "unrated" label can actually be a marketing tool for certain genres. Horror and comedy films sometimes use "unrated" or "uncut" versions as a selling point for home video and streaming, suggesting the content is too intense for an R rating. This is a niche strategy, not a broad distribution plan.

TV Parental Guidelines

If your film is being distributed for television (broadcast, cable, or streaming with TV-style ratings), you may need TV Parental Guidelines instead of or in addition to an MPA rating:

TV ratings are typically assigned by the broadcaster or streaming platform, not by an external board like CARA. Check with your distribution partner about their specific requirements.

International Rating Systems

If you plan international theatrical distribution, you will need ratings from each country's classification body:

• UK: British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) - Ratings: U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18, R18
• Canada: Provincial rating systems vary by province - Ratings: G, PG, 14A, 18A, R
• Australia: Australian Classification Board - Ratings: G, PG, M, MA15+, R18+, X18+
• Germany: FSK - Ratings: 0, 6, 12, 16, 18

Each country has its own submission process, fees, and criteria. A film that receives a PG-13 in the US might receive a 15 in the UK or an MA15+ in Australia. Plan for multiple ratings if you are pursuing international theatrical distribution.

Strategic Rating Decisions

The PG-13 Advantage

PG-13 is the most commercially desirable rating for theatrical releases. It allows access to the widest audience while still permitting the intensity that most commercial films need. According to Box Office Mojo data, PG-13 films consistently generate the highest domestic box office revenue year over year.

If your film is on the border between PG-13 and R, consider what minor changes could push it to PG-13. Reducing the number of f-words, trimming explicit violence, or adjusting sexual content can make the difference. The financial impact of moving from R to PG-13 can be significant, especially for wider releases.

When R Is the Right Choice

Some films should be R-rated. A gritty crime drama, a horror film with intense gore, or a comedy with pervasive strong language may lose its identity if sanitized for PG-13. In these cases, the R rating is a feature, not a bug. It signals to the audience what they are getting and can actually help with marketing to the right demographic.

NC-17: The Commercial Challenge

NC-17 is the rating most filmmakers want to avoid. It severely limits theatrical distribution, as many theater chains will not book NC-17 films. Most newspapers and online platforms restrict advertising for NC-17 content. If your film receives an NC-17, seriously consider editing for an R rating unless you have a specific niche distribution strategy.

Planning for Your Target Rating

Think about your target rating during pre-production, not after you finish the film. If you know you want a PG-13, be mindful of language, violence intensity, and sexual content while writing and shooting. It is much easier to shoot a scene with your target rating in mind than to try to edit around problematic content in post-production.

Rating and Marketing Strategy

Marketing Materials

Your rating affects how you can market your film. The MPA Advertising Administration reviews and approves all advertising materials for rated films, including trailers, posters, and TV spots. Trailers are rated separately (green band for all audiences, red band for restricted audiences).

A green-band trailer (approved for all audiences) can be shown before any film. A red-band trailer (restricted audiences only) can only be shown before R-rated films or online with age verification. Red-band trailers can be powerful marketing tools for R-rated films, as they can show more intense content.

Cross-Platform Consistency

Whatever rating your film receives, communicate it consistently across all marketing materials. Your poster, trailer, website, social media, and platform listings should all display the same rating and descriptor. Inconsistent rating communication creates confusion and can hurt audience trust.

Common Rating Mistakes to Avoid

Not Planning for Ratings in Your Budget

The CARA fee is a real cost that should be in your budget from the start. For an independent film with a budget under $500,000, the Category B fee is $2,675. If you need to resubmit after editing, add another $2,775. If you appeal, there are additional costs. Plan for at least one potential resubmission.

Submitting Too Late

CARA can accommodate tight timelines, but waiting until the last minute limits your options. If you receive an R and want to appeal or edit for PG-13, you need time. Submit your application early, even before your film is finalized. CARA can screen incomplete films and issue tentative ratings.

Misunderstanding Rating Criteria

The Rating Board evaluates content in the context of the whole film. A single violent scene in an otherwise mild film might not trigger an R, but pervasive violence throughout will. Research how similar films were rated. The filmratings.com FAQ provides detailed information about what the board considers.

Over-Editing for Rating

Some filmmakers cut so much from their film to achieve a PG-13 that the final product loses its identity. Balance commercial considerations with creative integrity. If your film needs to be R to work, accept the R. The audience for R-rated films is still substantial.

Ignoring International Requirements

If you plan international distribution, remember that each country has its own rating system. A film that is PG-13 in the US might receive a more restrictive rating elsewhere. Research international rating requirements early if you are planning a global release.

What Filmmakers Should Do Next

1. Determine if you need a rating. If you are planning a theatrical release, you almost certainly do. If you are going straight to streaming, check your platform's requirements.
2. Budget for the rating fee. Based on your production budget and submitter status, calculate your CARA fee using the 2026 fee schedule. Add a buffer for potential resubmission.
3. Plan your target rating during production. Know what rating you are aiming for and be mindful of content that could push you into a different category.
4. Submit early. Start the CARA application process as soon as possible, even before your film is finalized. This gives you time for appeals or modifications.
5. Prepare marketing materials. Once you have your rating, ensure all marketing materials display it correctly. Submit advertising to the MPA Advertising Administration for approval.
6. Plan for distribution. With your rating in hand, you can approach distributors and theaters with confidence. Check out our guide to film distribution and our self-distribution guide for next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get an MPA rating for an independent film?

As of January 1, 2026, the CARA fee for an independent film with a negative cost under $500,000 submitted by an independent party (Category B-6) is $2,675. For films with budgets between $500K and $1.4M, the fee is $2,875. Fees scale up with budget and submitter revenue. See the full fee schedule for details.

Is the MPA rating system mandatory?

No, the MPA rating system is voluntary. Independent filmmakers are not required to have their films rated. However, MPA member studios must submit all their films for rating, and most theater chains prefer to exhibit rated films. In practice, a rating is effectively required for most theatrical releases.

How long does the rating process take?

CARA typically contacts you within 24 to 48 hours after the screening to communicate the rating decision. You can expect to receive the rating certificate within 48 hours after accepting the rating. The overall timeline from application to certificate depends on scheduling, but CARA can accommodate urgent deadlines if needed.

Can I submit an unfinished film for rating?

Yes. CARA can screen incomplete films and issue tentative ratings. You must provide a list of unfinished items, their completion percentage, and your target rating. The final rating may change when the finished version is submitted.

What if I disagree with my rating?

You can appeal to the Classification and Rating Appeals Board, which requires a two-thirds vote to overturn the original rating. Alternatively, you can modify your film and resubmit for a new rating. The re-rate fee is $2,775 as of January 2026.

Can I release my film without a rating?

Yes. Unrated films can be released, but most major theater chains will not book them. Streaming platforms will accept unrated content but will assign their own internal classifications. The "unrated" label can be a marketing tool for certain genres on home video and streaming.

Do streaming platforms require MPA ratings?

No, streaming platforms do not require MPA ratings. They use their own internal content classification systems. However, if your film already has an MPA rating, platforms will typically display it. Having an MPA rating can streamline the process of getting your film onto multiple platforms.

What is the difference between a green-band and red-band trailer?

A green-band trailer is approved for all audiences and can be shown before any film. A red-band trailer is restricted to R-rated films and online age-gated audiences. Red-band trailers can show more intense content and are commonly used for R-rated films.

Do I need separate ratings for international distribution?

Yes. Each country has its own film classification system. The UK uses the BBFC, Canada uses provincial systems, Australia uses the Australian Classification Board, and so on. A US PG-13 does not automatically translate to the same rating in other countries. Plan for separate rating submissions in each market where you plan theatrical release.

Can short films get MPA ratings?

Yes. CARA has a specific category for short subjects (films under 30 minutes) with a fee of $825 as of January 2026. However, most short films do not need an MPA rating unless they are being distributed theatrically as part of a program.

Conclusion

Getting an MPA rating is a straightforward process, but it requires planning and budgeting. Determine your submission category, calculate your fee, submit your application early, and be prepared to accept, appeal, or modify based on the Rating Board's decision.

For most independent filmmakers, the key decisions are: do you need a rating at all, and what rating are you targeting? If you are planning a theatrical release, you need one. If you are going straight to streaming, you may not. If you are targeting PG-13, plan for it during production, not in post.

The rating fee is a real cost, but it is a small fraction of your total budget. The access it provides to theatrical distribution and the marketing clarity it offers can be worth many times the investment.

Once your film is rated and ready for distribution, tools like Filmcane can help you create smart links across multiple platforms, track where your audience is coming from, and measure which marketing efforts are driving viewers to your film regardless of its rating.

Ready to Market Your Film More Effectively?

Whether your film is streaming on AVOD, TVOD, SVOD, FAST channels, or multiple platforms at once, having clear audience data is becoming increasingly important.

Filmcane helps filmmakers create smart links, organize platform destinations, track engagement, and measure marketing performance from a single dashboard.

Create your first Filmcane smart link and start understanding how audiences discover and watch your films.