What is Jaws rated?

The classic film Jaws was originally rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested).

Original Rating in 1975

When Jaws first premiered in 1975, it received a PG rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This rating was assigned at a time when the film classification system had fewer categories than it does in the present day. Notably, the PG-13 rating category, which is now common for films with content that might be too intense for young children but not warranting an R rating, had not yet been established.

Modern Rating Considerations for Jaws

If Jaws were to be released in theaters today, its content would likely prompt a different rating due to evolving classification standards and the introduction of new rating categories. The film contains several elements that would typically lead to a stricter classification under current guidelines:

• Bloody Depictions: The movie features multiple intense and bloody scenes portraying shark attacks and their aftermath, including gruesome injuries and dismemberment.
• Drug Use: There is a brief scene in the film's opening that depicts drug use.
• Intense Sequences: Beyond the blood, the sheer suspense and terror invoked by the shark's presence are potent and could be considered more impactful for younger audiences by today's standards.

Considering these elements, it is widely believed that under the current MPAA rating system, Jaws would likely be awarded a PG-13 rating. Some discussions even suggest it might receive an R (Restricted) rating, particularly due to the graphic nature of the violence and the aforementioned drug use.

Comparison of Jaws' Ratings

The table below summarizes the film's original rating versus its potential rating under contemporary standards:

For more information on how films are rated, you can explore general resources about the MPAA film rating system.