Our Age Ratings

U (Universal)

Content with a U age rating is suitable for audiences of all ages, although not all U-rated content is aimed at children.

Children’s content should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or scary scenes. Generally, a U is unlikely to unsettle a four-year-old, although it is impossible to predict what might affect any particular child.

PG (Parental Guidance) 

Content with a PG age rating is suitable for general viewing.

A PG should generally not unsettle a child aged around eight, although parents and caregivers should be aware that some scenes may be unsuitable for more sensitive children.

12A/12

Cinema content classified 12A and age rating and home entertainment content classified 12 contains material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12.

No one younger than 12 may be permitted to attend a 12A cinema screening unless they are accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to a 12A film should consider whether the main feature is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the BBFC’s content advice for the film in advance.

No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12-rated video.

15

No one younger than 15 may see content with a 15 age rating in a cinema.

No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15-rated video.

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18

No one younger than 18 may see content with an 18 age rating in a cinema.

No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18-rated video.

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R18

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 video works may not be supplied by mail order.