2. Universal
U, or Universal has to be suitable for all ages.
This is typically associated with children’s films.
The guidelines for a U rated film are as follows:
• A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four
years and over, although it is impossible to predict
what might upset any particular child.
• U films should be set within a positive framework and
should offer reassuring counterbalances to any
violence, threat or horror.
Examples of U rated films include:
• Monsters Inc.
• Bee Movie
• Madagascar
3. Parental Guidance (PG)
A PG film can be viewed by children of all ages,
however some scenes may be unsuitable for
young children.
The guidelines for a PG rated film are as follows:
• A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight
or older.
• Any references to violence or drugs must be innocuous.
• Mild sex references and nudity only.
• Frightening scenes must not be prolonged or intense.
Examples of PG rated films include:
• Moana
• Despicable Me
• Harry Potter series
4. 12 and 12A
12 and 12A rated films contain material that isn’t appropriate
for children under 12 years old. No one younger than 12 can
see a 12A film in the cinema unless with an adult.
What’s the difference between a 12 and a 12A film?
The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A
film at the cinema. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the
home, so the 12 certificate remains for DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the
12A.
The guidelines for a 12 and 12A film are as follows:
• Discriminatory language must not be endorsed by the work as a
whole
• Drug use and violence must not dwell on detail, and must not be
glamorised.
• Sexual references and nudity must be discreet.
Examples of 12A films include:
• Spiderman 2
• Mean Girls
• Fast and Furious 5
5. 15
15 rated films can only be viewed by people over the age
of 15. 15 rated works aren’t appropriate for children under
the age limit.
This is the certificate that we chose for Snitch. Considering
that the film contains numerous scenes of violence and fast
paced scenes, with swearing included, it would be classified as a
15 under BBFC regulations.
The guidelines for a 15 rated film are as follows:
• No theme is prohibited, as long as it is fit for viewing by a 15 year old.
• Strong violence is permitted, however it should not dwell on pain or
infliction.
• Drug taking is allowed, however the work must not promote drug
misuse.
Examples of 15 rated films include:
• Shawshank Redemption
• Forrest Gump
• The Matrix
• Anchorman
6. 18
18 rated films can only be viewed by adults. No-one under
18 is allowed to view or buy an 18 rated film.These films
are not suitable for children.
The guidelines for an 18 rated film are as follows:
• There is no limit on the amount of strong language
used in an 18 rated work.
• There may be racist and discriminatory language in an
18 rated film.This must not break any existing
legislation.
• Adults are free to view what they wish. However, the
works must not breach criminal law or show sexual
content with no context, this is reserved for R18 works.
Examples of 18 rated works include:
• Wolf ofWall Street
• Fifty Shades of Grey
• Trainspotting
7. R18
An R18 rated film is exclusively legally restricted
classification primarily for explicit works of sex
or strong fetish material containing adults. R18
films may only be shown to adults in specially
licensed cinemas, and video works must be
provided through licensed sex shops. R18 films
are not provided through mail order.
