Consider the alternative - people go with their kids to the latest Popeye movie only to find out that it’s a slasher horror.
The natural result is people push their representatives for something to protect themselves.
Some form of social contract will end up existing.
Pulling a wild bait and switch like that is also a death sentence for a movie. The parent could easily watch or read a review.
I was a kid before the video game rating system came out. Mom wouldn't let me buy Mortal Kombat.