why would film makers WANT the MPAA to rate their films?

Because, unfortunately, many theatre chains refuse to show unrated films. "Unrated" has a pornographic/ultraviolent stigma.

The rating system is absurd and needs to be dropped or rebooted.

Not many people know that the movie ratings are voluntary-- the government cannot legally require filmmakers to rate their movies, as it is considered a violation of the First Amendment. Similarly, those ratings found on network TV shows (SDV, etc) are also voluntary-- paid for by the networks.

So, why would anyone want to have these ratings? As you pointed out, higher ratings do restrict audiences. However, audiences are the key factor here. A movie's rating tells potential viewers a lot about it and what kind of content to expect. Since children's attendance at movies is typically controlled and paid for by parents, the movie industry tells parents about the movies their kids want to watch, so that they can decide whether or not it's appropriate.

And while technically an R-rating restricts the audience, it also makes a movie much more appealing to a certain age group. Those who go to movies for that type of content are drawn to movies with higher ratings. Also, many teenagers will find a way to see that movie--whether in the theater or on video. The R-rating indicates appealingly inappropriate content. :)

Lots of long complicated answers here, but really the first answer is right because most theaters will not show a film that is unrated, it's that simple.

If you watch the documentary "This Film is Not Yet Rated" you will hear the filmmakers interviewed say that they do not like having to have their films sent to the MPAA but it's really the only way to get it released. Of course I am only quoting those filmmakers in the film and not all, but in general they felt they were being forced to have their moves rated and did not like it.

It's designed for parents and anyonw else who wants to know what the guidelines are for a movie. MOST parents think a movie with adult content, sexual content, language and violence is too much for a younger child or there child to bear witness too. This sets a guideline for everyone. Afterall, you don't want young children going to Horror movies.. They will get scared and have nightmares. Some people, young OR old, don't like nudity or language so it gives them the "opt out" so they are not subjected to it. It's like a church goer going to a R rated movie... They would not like it..

It is just a rating system to let the public be aware of what the film is about... It is just like a movie synopsis.. It tells you what the movie is about, well the MPAA is what content is in the movie. Movie studios and movie theatres think that this is a GREAT system and it is well worth the few negative remarks, cause overall, it works well.

You are obviously a younger person to have such an outlandish view on this, but wait til you are older and have kids of your own. You might not like them going to R movies when they are young... But then again.... maybe you might.....

I think if a major motion picture was unrated it would restrict their audience more. Obviously if they didn't do it they were trying to avoid an R or possibly NC-17 rating, so I honestly don't think not being rated will increase their audience.

Many movie theaters refuse to show unrated movies.

Otherwise, you get an automatic X rating and that's no good at all

Of course not, I would want my 7 year old child to see gore, sex, violence, drugs, smoking, slang, and all other good stuff.

Totally agree. . .