The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a non-governmental organization funded by the film industry that is responsible for classifying and censoring films in the United Kingdom. The BBFC uses a ratings system of U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18 to indicate the age suitability of a film's content such as violence, language, sex, and other themes. An R18 rating is a legally restricted classification primarily for explicit adult films that may only be viewed in licensed venues.

1. BBFC Ratings
The British Board of Film Classification
(BBFC) is a non-governmental organisation,
funded by the film industry and responsible
for the national classification and censorship
of films within the United Kingdom.

2. Universal
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A U film is suitable for audiences aged four
years and over.
Films or DVDs with a U ratingshould raise no
significant issues in terms of discrimination,
drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language,
nudity, sex, theme or violence.
U films only allow mild language such as ‘hell’
or ‘damn’
A U film can explore most themes, as long as
it is appropriate for the young audience

3. Parental Guidance
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A PG film should not disturb a child
aged eight or older.
Certain scenes may be unsuitable for
young children. Such as use of mild
language and/or moderate violence.
Mild language such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a
bitch’ may be used, but not aggressively
or too much within the film.
Dangerous behaviour which children
might copy is unlikely to be acceptable
at PG.

4. 12 +12A
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Anyone over 12 can go to see a 12A
unaccompanied, anyone under 12 may see the film
when being accompanied by an adult.
A film which has a very dark tone which could
disturb the audience would be less likely to be
passed 12A even if the themes are accepted by the
BBFC.
Guidelines state that there may be strong language
at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. At 12A,
moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell
on detail.
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or
12A.
Dangerous behaviour (such as hanging or self
harm) may be present but will not dwell on details.

5. 15
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A 15 film is not suitable for people under
the age of 15.
15 rated films may feature strong
violence, frequent strong language,
portrayals of sexual activity, strong
references to sex, brief sexual violence
or reference to sexual violence, drug
taking, discriminatory behaviour.
Along with all previous guidelines.

6. 18
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No theme is prohibited in 18 rated films
18 works are for adults and can
contain strong issues such as:
strong violence
frequent strong language (eg 'f***')
and/or very strong language (eg ‘c***’)
strong portrayals of sexual activity
scenes of sexual violence
strong horror
strong blood and gore

7. R18
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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.