Age Ratings Of Filmsaccording to the BBFC ratings

A U stands for Universal. A film rated U should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and over.

A PG stands for Parental Guidance. Suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. It should not unsettle a child roughly aged eight or over.

U and PG

Contains material that is not suitable for children aged under 12. The 12A is used to rate films in cinemas - it means that any child under the age of 12 has to be accompanied by an adult to see the film. As this rule cannot be enforced in homes, DVDs/Blu-rays are rated 12.

12 and 12A

No one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 film. Films rated 15 are not suitable for children under 15 years old.

15, 18 and R18

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18 videos may not be supplied by mail order.

Differences between 15 and 18 films

15 18Strong violence Very strong violenceFrequent strong language (e.g. f***) Frequent strong/very strong

language (f***, c***)Portrayals of sexual activity Strong portrayals of sexual activity

Strong verbal references to sex Scenes of sexual violence

Sexual nudity Strong horrorBrief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence

Strong blood and gore

Discriminatory language or behaviour Real sex (in some circumstances)

Drug taking Discriminatory language and behaviour

Limits on what 15 and 18 films can have

15: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

18: No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the material is not illegal or potentially harmful, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.