The document discusses the 12A and 12 film rating classifications in the UK. It explains that 12A films can be seen in cinemas by children under 12 only if accompanied by an adult, while 12 rated films cannot be sold or rented to those under 12. It also notes that while 12A content is suitable for ages 12 and over, very young children may still find some elements upsetting. The tone and frequency of horror or disturbing elements in a film can impact its rating between 12A and 15. Some examples of horror films that received 12 or 12A ratings are provided.

1. ROHIMA BEGUM 13A3

2. WHAT DOES THE 12A SYMBOL MEAN?
• Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain
material that is not generally suitable for children aged
under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a
cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to
take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider
whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them
decide, we recommend that they check the BBFC insight
for that film in advance
•

3. WHAT I S THE DI FFERENCE BETWEEN
A 12 & 12A FI LM?
• The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12
seeing a 12A film at the cinema. This is enforced by cinema
staff and a cinema may lose its license if adult
accompaniment is not enforced for children under 12
admitted to a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be
enforced in the home, so the 12 certificate remains for
DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler
system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the
item unless the customer is over the age of 12.

4. I S THERE A LOWER AGE LIMI T FOR
12A FI LM?
• However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated
films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we
would not recommend taking very young children to see
them. Works classified at these categories may upset
children under 12 or contain material which many parents
will find unsuitable for them.
Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film
should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.
To help adults make this decision, we provide BBFC insight
for all films.

5. HOW IMPORTANT I S THE TONE OF A
FI LM AT 12A OR 12?
• The overall tone of a film or video, and the way it makes the
audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a
work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could
disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A
even if the individual issues in the film were considered
acceptable under the BBFC Guidelines. Similarly, if a work
is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being
pushed up a category from 12A to 15.
•

6. CAN HORROR FI LMS BE PASSED 12
OR 12A?
• Yes, some horror films are passed at this category.
Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at
12A or 12A as long as horror sequences are not too
frequent or sustained and the overall tone is not
disturbing.
•

7. SOME EXAMPLES ARE:
• The Addams Family
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Scary Movie
• Monster House
• Sleepy Hollow
• The Mummy
• The Birds
• The Women in Black
• The Hole
• The Others
• JAWS
• Jurassic Park
•