What is BBFC?

The BBFC is the UK's regulator of film and video, providing age ratings such as U, PG and 12A. We are a designated body so have legal powers to rate, and sometimes cut or even reject works. We also age rate some online material.

What do they do?

protect  the public, and especially children, from content which might raise harm risks

empower the public, especially parents, to make informed viewing choices

recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law

respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through proactive public consultation and research

provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our statutory remit

work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative service models to provide content advice which support emerging media delivery systems

provide an effective service to enforcement agencies

What does the symbols mean ?

What does U mean? The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

What does PG mean?PG stands for 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.

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. 

What does the 15 symbol mean?No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

What does the 18 symbol mean?Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

What does R18 mean?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.

Controversies Occasionally there will be strong arguments for passing material that challenges

aspects of BBFC policy, or for passing a film at a lower age rating than might be expected eg Saving Private Ryan (1998). In this case, the educational benefits of making the work available to early teens outweighed the likelihood of upsetting some viewers.

Sometimes films attract enormous pre-publicity for their treatment of controversial themes. In such instances, further viewing will usually be recommended by the Examining team, and the work may also be seen by the Presidential team. In some instances, expert opinion will be requested eg legal or psychological.

In 1997, The Lost World: Jurassic Park was shown at test screenings before hundreds of primary school-age children in order to test its suitability for a PG rating. Lolita (1997) was the subject of expert professional opinion owing to the difficulties implicit in its theme.

In 2001, a single cut was made to the French film Baise-moi (2000) and in 2002 another French film, Irreversible, was passed 18 uncut, in spite of a protracted rape scene. The film was assessed by a consultant psychologist, and although it presented some challenging issues, it did not breach the BBFC's Guidelines.

The BBFC's decision to award the dark knight  the 12A rating resulted in much press coverage and complaints from members of the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category