Okay, let’s be real for a second. You’re scrolling through your streaming queue on a Friday night, and you see It staring back at you. A shiver runs down your spine, but also a question: “Can my niece watch this with me, or will I be in for a VERY awkward family dinner tomorrow?” We’ve all been there.
The good news is, figuring out what rating It has is pretty simple. The 2017 version (and its 2019 sequel It Chapter Two) is rated R by the MPA. That stands for “Restricted,” meaning no one under 17 can watch without a parent or guardian.
But hold on—you might be asking, “What about the old version from 1990?” That’s a TV miniseries, and it’s actually TV-MA. That’s basically the TV equivalent of an R rating, so the same rules apply: mature audiences only.
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So, How Old is “What Rating Is The Movie It” in 2026?
This feels like a trick question, but it’s actually a fun one. By 2026, the 2017 movie will be nine years old. Crazy, right? It feels like it just came out, but it’s almost a decade old.
And that 1990 version? By 2026, that will be 36 years old. That’s old enough to have its own mortgage and a mid-life crisis. It’s practically vintage horror at this point.
But here’s the thing: the movie’s age rating doesn’t change just because the movie is older. Even if you wait until 2026, It is still R-rated. Clowns don’t mellow with age, apparently.
British Board of Film Classification – New Logos! – Let's Go To The Movies
Why Should You Care About This Rating?
Think about the last time you brought a bag of chips to a party, only to realize they were “ghost pepper” instead of “sea salt.” You didn’t mean to cause a scene, but suddenly everyone’s crying. That’s what showing It to the wrong crowd feels like.
You care because ratings are your safety net. They prevent those “oops” moments where you accidentally traumatize your little cousin or your squeamish best friend. I remember showing my friend the 1990 Pennywise, thinking, “It’s just a TV movie!” She didn’t talk to me for a week.
Plus, knowing the rating helps you pick the right vibe for movie night. An R rating means you’re in for serious scares, gore, and language. It’s not a casual popcorn flick; it’s a “hug your pillow” experience.
Soar the Eagle Telling about Difference between Film and TV Age Ratings
A Real-Life Comparison
Imagine you’re making a sandwich. The 2017 It is like a five-alarm chili—spicy, intense, and not for beginners. The 1990 version? It’s more like a jalapeño popper—still spicy, but a little old-school and cheesy around the edges.
Both will definitely clear the room if you serve them to kids under 17. Nobody wants to explain Pennywise’s “mouth full of teeth” scene over chicken nuggets.
So in 2026, the answer is the same as today: It is R-rated. And it will remain R-rated forever. Pennywise doesn’t get a PG upgrade for his 30th birthday.
Rated R Movies and The Rating System
A Little History Lesson (Without Being Boring)
The 2017 It broke records. It was the highest-grossing horror film ever for a while. People loved it, but they also knew to leave the kids at home. The MPAA gave it an R for “disturbing violence, language, and disturbing content.”
The 1990 miniseries got the TV-MA label mainly for scary imagery and adult themes—though let’s be honest, the scariest part was the 1990s haircuts.
If you’re curious about a specific version for your 2026 watch party, just do a quick search. Type in “It 2017 rating” or “It 1990 rating” and you’ll see the same result: Not for kids.
Target audience for short film
The Final Scoop (Because We All Love a Conclusion)
Here’s your cheat sheet: If you’re under 17 in 2026, you still need a parent to watch It. If you’re over 17, you can watch it alone, but maybe keep a lamp on. And if you’re a parent wondering if your 13-year-old can handle it—ask yourself if they can handle a clown with razor teeth and a story about a sewer. Probably a hard pass.
So next time someone asks, “What rating is the movie It in 2026?” You can smile confidently and say, “Still R, and still terrifying.”
Now go make some popcorn—just maybe not the ghost pepper kind.