This document outlines the different film rating certificates in the UK. A U certificate means the film is suitable for all ages and contains no bad language. A PG rating means parental guidance is advised as the film may contain mild language, sex references, or violence without detail. A 12 certificate allows those over 12 to view the film. A 12A is the same but only for cinema viewings. A 15 certificate prohibits those under 15 due to strong violence, language, sexual content or drug use. An 18 certificate is for adults only and can contain very strong violence, language, sexual scenes or gore without restriction.

1. Certificate Ratings…

2. U
The U certificate rating stands for universal. This
means that the film is suitable for audiences as
young as four and upwards.
There is no bad language in a U rated movie, the
only bad language used is maybe ‘damn’ or
‘bloody’. There will be

3. PG
PG means Parental Guidance this means the film
is suitable for general viewing, but maybe
unsuitable for younger children.
In a PG film there is mild bad language, some
sex references. There should be no detail of
violence in a PG.

4. 12
The 12 certificate rating means people from
over the age of 12 can view the film. There is
also a 12a certificate and the difference
between a 12 and a 12A is that a 12 certificate is
just for DVDS and Blu-rays, whereas the 12A
certificate rating is for films at the cinema only.

5. 15
The 15 rating certificate means no-one under
the age of 15 is allowed to see, rent or buy this
film. 15 films contain: Strong violence, strong
language, portrayals of sexual activities, strong
verbal references to sex, sexual nudity,
discrimination and drug taking.

6. 18
An 18 film rating certificate are for adults,
nobody under the age of 18 can see this film. No
theme is prohibited at 18. The sort of things that
are in an 18: Very strong violence, frequent
strong language, sexual scenes, strong blood
and gore.
Most films that are rated an 18 are horrors.