According to the Motion Picture Association (MPA), an R (Restricted) rating means the film contains adult material and is generally intended for audiences aged 17 and older. Specifically, anyone under the age of 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian to view the film in a theater. In 2026, most theater chains enforce this strictly, requiring a valid government-issued photo ID for anyone appearing to be under the age of 21 who is attempting to purchase a ticket for an R-rated movie. Some theaters have "No Children Under 6" policies for R-rated screenings to ensure a quiet environment for mature viewers. An R rating is typically triggered by "hard" themes, such as persistent strong language, graphic violence, drug abuse, or explicit sexual content. While the rating itself is a "guideline" for parents, it serves as a legal-style boundary for theaters; unlike the NC-17 rating, which prohibits anyone under 17 entirely, the R rating allows for parental discretion as long as the guardian is present during the entire screening.