See that graphic above? According to Armin Vit at the graphic design community blog Speak Up, it’s empirical evidence that in order for a G-rated film to succeed, its poster needs to be predominantly white and blue.

In what he describes as “an exercise in color trends,” Vit analyzed the predominant color breakdowns of the theatrical posters representing the five highest grossing films from each MPAA rating. The top grossing NC-17 films (none of which grossed more than about $20 million, due to the restricted release that rating brings) were all advertised via posters predominantly made up of black and red tones. Successful films with more lenient ratings are marketed with lighter colors; blue begins to replace black as the dominant background color, and imagery moves from stark and high-conrast to soft and airy.

In terms of color psychology, it all makes sense. While Showgirls (rated NC-17) and Finding Nemo (rated G) are each the highest grossing films in their rating’s rubric, in terms of design elements, their posters could not be more diametrically opposed. I haven’t seen Finding Nemo, but from what I remember of Showgirls, I imagine the films are equally discrepant in terms of content. Unless Nemo is a manipulative, glorified prostitute with a taste for Ver-sayss.

Vit’s full, illustrated analysis can be found here, via BoingBoing.