Film rating
All classification decisions are based on the BBFC's published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulations.
In theory, anyone can see a U or a PG, although you and your parents and teachers are encouraged to think carefully about whether a PG film will be suitable for you if you are younger than 8 or 9 years old.
With 12A films you must be 12 or older to go and see them, unless you have an adult with you. It is up to that grown-up to decide that you won’t be upset or disturbed by anything you see.
Anyone wanting to release a film, video or DVD for showing in cinemas or watching at home has to make sure that their film has a BBFC age rating symbol. It's against the law to try and sell videos and DVDs without this. Films that you see at the cinema also have to display the right rating.
Age rating issues for U
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Theme/Topics - Films and DVDs should be about subjects which are generally suitable for younger audiences.
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Language – At the most there may be occasional very mild bad language.
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Nudity - There can be occasional glimpses of people who have no clothes on, as long as they are not linked to romantic activities.
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Sex and relationships - Only mild references (e.g. to 'making love') and mild behaviour (e.g. kissing) are allowed.
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Violence and Threat - Mild violence only. Some mild threat and menace is allowed.
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Dangerous Behaviour - There should be no dangerous behaviour that can be easily copied by young children.
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Weapons - There should be no focus on weapons that are realistic or easy to get hold of.
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Horror - Moments with ghosts, witches and monsters should be over quickly and not be too scary. Nothing at U should really frighten or disturb young viewers. The film or DVD should tell children that everything is okay.
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Drugs - Drugs should not be mentioned, unless the film or DVD teaches that drugs are dangerous.
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Discrimination - There can be no language or behaviour shown that would offend a person’s religion, colour, gender, sexuality or disability, unless the film or DVD teaches it to be wrong.
Age rating issues for PG
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Theme/Topics - Films and DVDs may be about more grown up topics such as crime, racism, bullying or violence in the home. There must be nothing which suggests these are good things.
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Language - Mild bad language only.
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Nudity - Some nudity is allowed, but not if it is linked to romantic activities.
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Sex and Relationships - Sex can be mentioned, suggested or joked about, but only discreetly.
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Violence and Threat - There can be stronger violence than at U, but without detail. Violence which takes place in a comedy, fantasy, or historical film may be treated less strictly.
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Dangerous Behaviour - There should be no detail of fighting techniques or other harmful and dangerous activities that children might easily copy.
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Weapons - There should be no focus on weapons that are realistic or easy to get hold of. Weapons should not be made to look attractive.
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Horror - Frightening scenes should not be too long or scary. Scary scenes which are part of a fantasy film may be treated less strictly.
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Drugs - There should be no mention of illegal drugs or drug taking unless completely harmless, or the film carries an anti-drug message.
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Discrimination - There can be no language or behaviour shown that would offend a person’s religion, colour, gender, sexuality or disability, unless the film or DVD teaches it to be wrong or is presented within a film that is educational or showing historical scenes. Discrimination by a character who is seen as a hero by the audience is also unlikely to be allowed.
Age rating issues for 12A & 12
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Theme - Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
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Language - The use of strong language (e.g. 'f***') must be infrequent. Racist language used as abuse is also a concern.
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Nudity - Nudity is allowed, but it must be brief and discreet if there is any suggestion of sex.
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Sex - Sex can be suggested. Sex references may reflect what 12 year olds are likely to have heard about from school, but there should be nothing unsuitable for young teenagers. Frequent rude sex references may not be allowed.
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Violence - Violence must not dwell on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.
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Imitable techniques - Dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on things which can be copied or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be shown as glamorous.
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Horror - There can be some threat and menace, including scary scenes which are intense or last a while. Only occasional gory moments can be shown.
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Drugs - Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be shown as glamorous, or attractive, or teach viewers how to take drugs.
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Discrimination - The film or DVD as a whole must not approve of language or behaviour that would offend a person’s religion, colour, gender, sexuality or disability. Aggressive use of this type of language and behaviour is unacceptable unless it is clearly disapproved of.
General / Age rating issues at 18
18 rated films, videos and downloads can contain very strong material which is only suitable for adults.
This can include very strong language, horror, and violence.
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