This document summarizes the different film certificate ratings used in the UK. It explains that a U rating means the film is suitable for all ages, while PG means it may have some scenes unsuitable for young children. Films rated 12, 12A, 15, and 18 have increasing levels of violence, language, sexual content and other mature themes. The R18 rating is specifically for explicit material involving consenting adults that can only be viewed in licensed venues.

1. Certificate ratings
Rumana Begum

2. This is suitable for all. A
"U" film should be
suitable for audiences
aged 4 and older.
This certificate rating is
the lowest of all. Anyone
is able to watch a
film/video with this
rating.The BBFC previously had a
separate "Uc" certificate for
recordings suitable primarily
for pre-school children, but
this was discontinued in 2009
and such recordings are now
U - UNIVERSAL

3. PG – PARENTAL
GUIDANCE
This means a film is
suitable for general
viewing, but some scenes
may be unsuitable for
young children. A PG film
should not unsettle a child
aged around eight or older.
Parents should consider
whether the content may
upset younger, or more
sensitive, children. PG

4. 12
12 contain material that is not
generally suitable for children aged
under 12. A 12 film is where anyone
aged 12 and over are able to watch
the movie/video. Some strong
languages may be passed in a 12
movie but rarely. Sex may be briefly
and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12.

5. 12a
A 12a film involves a little more violence,
sex, and strong language than a 12 film. The
12A requires an adult to accompany any
child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the
cinema. This is compulsory as 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

6. 15
No-one under the age 15 is allowed to view
a film with a 15 rating. The following may be
included in a 15 film.
- strong violence
- frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
- portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- sexual nudity
- brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal
references to sexual violence
- discriminatory language or behaviour
- drug taking

7. 18
No-one is allowed to view an 18 film if they are under the
age of 18.
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such
as:
- very strong violence
- frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong
language (e.g. ‘c***’)
- strong portrayals of sexual activity
- scenes of sexual violence
- strong horror
- strong blood and gore
- real sex (in some circumstances)
- discriminatory language and behaviour

8. R18
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.