Age ratings of films according to the BBFC ratings.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Differences between 15 and 18
films
15 18
Strong violence Very strong violence
Frequent 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 horror
Brief 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

6. 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.