Q&A for How to Sneak Into an R‐Rated Movie

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.

If you have an ID, bring it with you.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

There may be some exceptions, but yes, generally you can see R rated movies if you're accompanied by a parent.

Probably not. They don't care about your wish to get in, and wouldn't want to lose their job over letting underage kids see movies.

Yes.

No. If you are caught unaccompanied in a rated R movie, you will be ejected from the film.

Yes, if you are underage but want to see an R-rated movie, just have a parent/guardian or someone who is at least 17 or 18.

You can say you forgot it, or something happened to it. Another possible excuse is it is broken and you just ordered a new one. Of course, they've heard it all before so you'll probably be sent away, as they are advised to not let people in without ID.

Some locations will only allow you to buy one ticket if you're 17, so you can try it and see if it works.

Try to use the method where an older (sufficiently aged) sibling or friend lets you in through the exit or buys the ticket. Or, wait until the DVD is rented at home and your parents agree to you watching it. At least that way, everyone has made a decision together that the movie can be watched by you and if it traumatizes you, your parents are responsible for picking up the pieces.

Running away isn't a good choice, because they have cameras and facial recognition software with which they can still identify you, and possibly then ban you from the theater.

It depends on the age of the underage person. if you are around 11 or younger, then they may not let you in. If you are older, they, depending on who is running it, may not mind letting you in. As long as your parent/guardian is at least 18 or so, you should get in with no problems.

They could still stop you when checking your ticket on the way into the movie screens. But as you already have a ticket, you'll almost definitely be let in.

The best method is to go with a group of friends who are 17 or older. When asked for your ID, say you don't have one and that you haven't started driving (for a license) yet, and your friends gave you a ride. Have them back you up to claim you are 17. But never say your age unless you are asked. It'll look like you're trying too hard to blend into that age group and you'll be suspicious. Never theater hop; if caught, you could be banned from the theater.

It has very explicit sex scenes, nudity, and a lot of cursing. Rated R is not only exclusive to violence.

Yes, usually you can get in as long as an adult is with you. If you needed to, you could say he was your guardian.

You'll probably be fine. You can lie if caught and say you were confused. Keep in mind this is illegal and could get you banned from the theater.

This is unlikely to happen, no matter how short you are. If you show them your driver's license, they should let you buy a ticket. If they don't, ask to speak to the manager. You're 17, and entitled to buy a ticket.

Have her buy a ticket to another movie, then sneak in to watch the R-Rated movie with you.

This may depend on how old the two of you look and the thoroughness of the ticket taker but generally they will ask for ID.

You could probably pass for 17, but if ID is required, then no. In this case, ask an adult to buy you a ticket.

Absolutely not. Theater employees are trained to spot fake IDs, don't even try it.