What is Jaws Rated?

The classic 1975 film Jaws was originally rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Understanding Jaws' Rating History

When Jaws was released in 1975, the MPAA film rating system had not yet introduced the PG-13 category. This category was established nearly a decade later in 1984. Consequently, a film like Jaws, which contains suspense, some violence, and frightening scenes, would fall under the PG rating, as it was considered to require parental guidance but not restrict viewers under 17 like an R rating would.

Why the Rating Might Differ Today

If Jaws were to be rated using today's classification standards, its rating would likely be higher. Given the evolution of rating criteria and audience expectations, the film would probably receive a PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned, Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) or, in some interpretations, potentially even an R (Restricted, Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian).

This potential reclassification is primarily due to:

• Graphic Violence: The film features several intense and bloody shark attack sequences, which are significant for its horror element.
• Depiction of Drug Use: There is a scene depicting drug use early in the movie, which is a factor that often contributes to higher ratings in modern classifications.

Evolution of Movie Ratings

The MPAA rating system has adapted over the decades to reflect societal changes and provide more nuanced guidance to parents. The introduction of PG-13 was a direct response to films that fell between PG and R in terms of content intensity.

Here's a simplified overview of common MPAA ratings:

For more details on the film and its ratings, you can visit its official page on reputable movie databases like IMDb.