G-Rated = Top Rated

Want your movie to turn a profit? Then shun the sex and violence. This article confirms what has been known for awhile.

While the movie industry produced nearly 12 times more R-rated films than G-rated films from 1989-2003, the average G-rated film produced 11 times greater profit than its R-rated counterpart.

"Profit" in this study does not include revenue derived from merchandising, licensing or fast-food tie-ins. If those revenue streams were included, the average profit for G, PG and PG-13 films would rise dramatically, while the average profit for R-rated films would not, because sales of toys and other licensed products are rarely associated with R-rated films

And this isn't a pharisaical anti-R-rated rant. The study says it does "not seek to eradicate R-rated films, and has endorsed select movies that have a redemptive message, including "Saving Private Ryan," "Schindler's List," "Amistad" and "The Passion of the Christ." "

The study also says the industry is figuring this out. The number of R-rated films is dropping and the number of G-rated films is increasing.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting with baited breath for the "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." See the trailer here.