 Neither film was approved for an MPAA rating, thus limiting their commercial distribution, and prompting criticism of the rating system's lack of a designation for such films.<ref></ref><ref></ref>

In September 1990, the MPAA introduced the rating "NC-17" ("No Children Under 17 Admitted").<ref name="articles.latimes.com"></ref> "Henry & June" – previously to be assigned an "X" rating – was the first film to receive the "NC-17" rating instead.<ref></ref> Although films with an "NC-17" rating had more mainstream distribution opportunities than "X"-rated films, many theaters refused to screen them, most entertainment media did not accept advertising for them, and many large video outlets refused to stock them.<ref name="Weinraub"></ref> In 1996,<ref></ref> the minimum age for "NC-17" films was raised to 18, by rewording it to "No One 17 and Under Admitted".<ref></ref>

The ratings used from 1990 to 1996 were