G-rated movies earn more than R-rated movies

by Tony Perkins

A study recently released by the Dove Foundation shows that the average G-rated flick is considerably more profitable than its R-rated counterpart. However, at least 12 times more R-rated movies were made in the time period of the study — 1989 to 2003. In addition, films with a PG rating consistently report higher profits and rates of return than PG-13 and R-rated films. The study found that family-friendly movies, on average, made a $79 million profit. In contrast, R-rated films, on average, resulted in a deficit of $6.9 million. This trend is being recognized by some in Hollywood ,, according to Daily Variety magazine, as there has been a drop in R-rated movies made since 1999.

While the media and politicians like to divide the country up by red and blue states, the simple fact is that parents everywhere want to be able to occasionally bring their children to a movie that has no gratuitous sex or violence, but simply entertains. Too often on our televisions and in movie theaters, family values are ignored. But now that we are responding with our pocketbooks, Hollywood is finally taking notice. The Dove Foundation Web site (Link) routinely reviews recent movies and suggests what ages are suitable audiences. This is a great resource for parents, as is Focus on the Family's Plugged In site at www.pluggedinonline.com.

(Tony Perkins is the president of the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C.)
(from Pastor's Weekly Briefing - June 17, 2005 - a ministry of Focus on the Family)