Early teen flicks need new rating category

The Classifications Board says a new generation of movies with dark themes and moderate violence needs a new category just short of the M rating.

The Classification Board recommends a new film category just short of the M rating. (AAP)

Australia should consider introducing a PG-13 classification for a new generation of movies which border in content between PG and M ratings.

That's the conclusion of Classification Board director Margaret Anderson in the board's latest annual report.

Australia currently has a tiered system, ranging from G to X-18+.

Ms Anderson said in the report the board had been tracking a trend, particularly in theatrical release films, of "an increasing level of pervasive dark themes, or a sense of peril, threat and menace" which appeals to teenagers.

This was seen in movies including Mowgli, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Maleficent which were rated PG.

There had also been a trend towards a greater level of violence which went beyond the PG category and led to films such as Jurassic World and Thor Ragnarok being given an M rating.

"The board is of the opinion that these films are broadly representative of an increasing volume of films which could more appropriately be rated at a classification level in between PG and M ... at PG-13 for example," she said.

PG-13 is used in the US, with the warning "parents strongly cautioned".