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Home / How Old Do You Have to Be to Watch Rated R Movies

How Old Do You Have to Be to Watch Rated R Movies

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If you're tired of being limited to watching animated movies at the movie theater, you might be wondering how you could slip into an R-rated one that you really want to see. While it goes against the rules and there's a risk factor involved, you may be able to go see an R-rated movie before you turn 17. Try buying a ticket to one movie and then going into the R-rated theater. Improve your chances of success by looking the part, flying under the radar, and asking an adult for help.

  1. 1

    Purchase a ticket to a different movie. Go up to the ticket stand and purchase a ticket for a film that is rated G, PG, or PG-13. This way, you won't be obviously trying to break the law. Pay the ticket seller and thank them before you head to your theater.

    • To make the switch as easy and discreet as possible, buy a ticket for a movie that's being shown in a theater that's near the R-rated movie theater.

  2. 2

    Give the ticket to the ticket taker. Once you're ready to go in and enjoy your movie, walk over to the ticket taker. Give them your ticket just like you would if you were seeing the movie you bought the ticket for. It's best to do this when many others are in the area and in line to get their ticket torn.

  3. 3

    Go into the theater that's playing the R-rated movie. Walk by the ticket taker and follow a crowd of people so as to not be noticed. However, instead of going to the movie you bought a ticket for, go into the theatre that is playing the R-rated movie.[1]

  4. 4

    Avoid employees at the theater entrance. Sometimes, movie theaters have employees stand out in front of the entrance to theaters that are showing R-rated movies and check IDs.[2] If you see an employee by the entrance, change your plan and go into the theater that's showing the movie your ticket is for. Wait a minute or two and then walk through the lobby again to see if the employee is still there. Walk in as soon as you see that they're gone.

    • Try not to make it obvious that you're walking through the lobby for this reason. You might blend in more if you scope out the theater entrance on your way to the bathroom or concession stand.
    • Go see the R-rated movie a few weeks after it premiers to raise your chances of success. Once the movie has been out for a while, it's less likely that an employee will be standing at the theater entrance.

  1. 1

    Purchase your tickets at a kiosk. The fewer others see and notice you, the better. Buy your tickets online beforehand so that you can just walk up to the kiosk in the lobby and print off your ticket. To play it safe, still buy the ticket to the wrong movie. This will give you an advantage because only the ticket taker will interact with and be aware of which movie you're supposed to see.[3]

  2. 2

    Dress and act like you're older. Dress and act like you would if you were 17 or 18 years old. Don't wear young, trendy clothing, and resist the urge to giggle and act silly. Opt for a slightly dressy outfit or wear a t-shirt that has a college logo on it to increase your chances of being perceived as slightly older than you are. This way, you might be able to ask to buy a ticket to an R-rated movie without the ticket seller asking to see your ID.

    • If you're male and you're able to grow facial hair, don't shave for a couple of days before you go to see the movie so that you appear older.

  3. 3

    Go with older friends. If you can, go with friends that are over 17. Many theaters will allow minors in with people over 17, but even if not, going with friends might make it a bit less nerve-racking.

    • Also, if you do get caught, you won't be alone.

  4. 4

    Stay cool, calm, and collected if someone questions you. If you get caught sneaking in, don't panic or run away. This will only make you look obviously guilty and it may anger the person who caught you. Instead, calmly and confidently think of a good excuse and say something like, "Oh, my parents are in there. I just had to go to the bathroom."

  5. 5

    Don't go to a theater that serves meals and alcohol. Movie theaters that serve full meals and have a full bar, like Alamo Drafthouse or Cinebarre, don't let in anyone under the age of 18. If you try to see a movie there, your youthfulness will be obvious because no one there will be under 18 years old. Not only will this make seeing an R-rated movie more challenging, but you may struggle to even get through the front door.[4]

  1. 1

    Go see the same movie as a parent or older sibling. If your parents are okay with you seeing a movie that's R-rated, it might be easiest just to ask them if they want to go with you. While this isn't ideal, they could get all of your friends in, and then you could just sit far away from them in the theater. If this is too embarrassing or they won't allow it, ask an older brother or sister if they want to see the movie and if they could go in with you and your friends.[5]

  2. 2

    Have a parent or older sibling purchase the tickets. While this isn't as foolproof as going with them, you may be able to sneak in if your parent or sibling buys the R-rated ticket and then gives it to you. Just make sure you ask someone who is at least 21 years old, or else the ticket seller may ask to see the IDs of the people they're buying tickets for.[6]

    • In this situation, the hardest part is getting past the ticket taker. Put extra effort into looking a little older than you are and act calm and nonchalant while interacting with the ticket taker.

  3. 3

    Ask a stranger if they'll buy your tickets for you. Look around for an adult who looks at least 21 years old who is nearby and who doesn't seem preoccupied. Politely ask them if they could buy your ticket for you.

    • If they say no at first, be willing to pay them some money; a good amount is around $5 plus the cost of ticket.
    • Don't be pushy. If it seems clear that they don't want to help you, look for another adult and try asking them.[7]
    • Be very careful who you're giving your money to. The adult may be a scammer who will lie to you about purchasing the ticket to the R-rated film for you in exchange for a decent amount of money. In other words, if you trusted the wrong adult, not only are you not getting your ticket to the R-rated film, but you'll also get robbed. If they request more than $20, politely tell them you don't need them anymore and find another adult.

Add New Question

  • Question

    Is a 17 year old old enough to get in to an R rated movie?

    Community Answer

    Yes, the MPAA guidelines state that an R rating means an unaccompanied minor must be 17 to purchase a ticket. Be sure to have ID with you, as some cinemas strictly enforce this policy.

  • Question

    What do I do if I look too young to get into an R rated movie, but I'm old enough?

    Community Answer

    If you have an ID, bring it with you.

  • Question

    Can I watch an adult film at 17?

    Community Answer

    You can watch R-rated movies at age 17; for NC-17 films, you need to be at least 18.

  • Question

    What if someone in the theater reports me and I get kicked out?

    Community Answer

    If you get kicked out there's not much you can do about it. Don't try sneaking back in, you could get banned temporarily or permanently. However, it's not likely you'll get spotted once you're in the theater because it's dark and theater personnel don't go around to everyone seated to check for ID.

  • Question

    How do I pass as 18 as a short 15 year old?

    Community Answer

    Here, confidence is the key. Do your best to look and speak older, but the way that you carry yourself will be just as important.

  • Question

    If I am a 6'2 fifteen-year-old with a deep voice, will I have a problem?

    Community Answer

    Probably not, just act mature and make sure you follow the rules in this article about dressing appropriately.

  • Question

    I'm 5'7 and people always think I'm 18 years old, but I'm 12. Do you think they would let me in?

    NY Blossom

    They might ask for ID. You can follow these steps, but have a backup plan in case you are caught.

  • Question

    Will they let me in if I'm a 12-year-old dressed as an adult?

    Community Answer

    Probably not, because 12-year-olds look nothing like adults, no matter how hard they try.

  • Question

    What do I do if someone catches me and I say my parent is in there and they ask me to point to them out. Then I point at someone and they go to them and ask if they are parent?

    Community Answer

    They most likely wont do that (it would be disturbing them) but if they do maybe wink at them or make a gesture that they would know to go along with it. If they don't, you'll probably get kicked out. Go peacefully.

  • Question

    Can I get into an R-rated movie by lying to the usher?

    Community Answer

    No. They are trained to spot people lying and going to the wrong movie. A lot of times, someone from the box office will alert the usher of people that may seem suspicious.

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  • Try to sit towards the back where you are less noticeable. Sit quietly and keep to yourself.

  • If you go with friends, make sure that you go with mature friends who won't be loud and try to get you kicked out.

  • Alternatively, you could just purchase tickets online and odds are you'll be able to get in without much hesitation. In some theaters, they may request your ID for age verification, but most theaters won't care as long as you have a valid paid ticket to the R-rated film.

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  • Be very careful with ushers. In some theaters, an usher is an employee who patrols a theater to make sure viewers are complying with the law and theater policies. An usher may kick you out of the theater if you're caught sneaking in.

  • Keep in mind that watching a movie that you did not pay for is theft of services, which puts you at risk of getting into very serious trouble.

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To sneak into an R-rated movie, purchase a ticket to a different movie that you're old enough to see, such as a PG or PG-13 movie. If possible, choose a movie that's playing on a screen that's next to the R-rated movie. Once you have your ticket, give it to the ticket taker and follow any other people into the R-rated movie. If there's an employee standing by the entrance to the theater, watch them to see if they're checking tickets or ID's, and if they are, get out of line. Try to return when the employee leaves, which is usually after the previews begin. For tips on improving your chances of getting in and getting help from an adult, read on!

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Watch Rated R Movies

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Into-an-R%E2%80%90Rated-Movie