Film Ratings

Film Ratings


All classifications decisions are based on the BBFC's published and regularly updated guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultations, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflected current views on the film, DVD and video game regulations


The film ratings are used to classify what age group the film will be suitable for, they judge this on the issues that come up within the film such as sex violence and strong language this is normally called a classification. 

These are the classifications:

U – The “U” rating indicates the film in question is suitable for all, or is universal. Despite this name, it is generally used as mere guidance and suggests that the film may still be unsuitable for children younger than four as it is extremely difficult to ascertain or predict how they may react. A U-rated film will have a positive message and be generally upbeat.

PG – A film rated a PG (parental guidance) may be seen by all, including children without their parents. Parents are advised that some scenes may be unsuitable for children below the age of eight and it is therefore a judgement call for them to make as to how their child will react. Although a PG may be seen by all, it is perhaps unlikely a child of less than eight years old will be allowed to see a film without an adult.

12 or 12A – There is no appreciable difference between a film marked 12 or 12a and they are thus treated as one group of film classification. Anybody wanting to see a film marked with this classification must be either over 12 years old or be accompanied by an adult. Therefore, if in the parent’s judgement the film would not be unsuitable for their child then they may take their child to watch it with them.

15 – If you wish to see a film marked 15 you must be at least that age. Even if you go to see the film with your parents, by law you should not be able to see the film if you are not yet 15.

18 – The 18 category is simply that, you must be 18 or over or you will not be allowed to watch the film. You cannot therefore simply go in with someone who is 18 and expect to be let in with them.

R18 – This category of films will only be shown in certain licensed cinemas and will not be available at your local video shop. They generally contain explicit sexual content and there is therefore far stricter regulation of the supply of this category of film