Uc suitable for all but especially children under five. Examples include Tweenies, Pingu and Teletubbies.U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Nanny McPhee and Madagascar.PG stands for 'Parental Guidance', which means that some parts of the film might not be ideal for younger children... Parents ought to think carefully before taking them! Recent examples are Bewitched and Chronicles of Narnia.12A is only for films released at the cinema. It tells parents that the film is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Parents can take along under-12s if they choose, so long as they accompany them. Example: King Kong 12 is now only ever seen on videos and DVDs. As with the 12A, it tells parents that the content is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Recent examples, all of which were also certified 12A for cinema, include Batman Begins and Hitch. 15 tells us that the film, video or DVD is really only suitable for those aged 15 or above. Only people aged 15 or older are allowed to view a 15-rated film at the cinema.18 tells us that the film, video or DVD is only suitable for adults (people aged eighteen or more). Only adults are allowed to view an 18-rated film at the cinema.


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18 symbol

The ‘18’ Category

What does the ‘18’ symbol mean?

No-one under 18 is allowed to see an ‘18’ film at the cinema or buy/rent an ‘18’ rated DVD or video game. No ‘18’ rated works are suitable for children.

Is an ‘18’ certificate on a video game the same as an ‘18’ for a film or DVD?

Yes, if a video game is rated ‘18’ it contains strong material and is not suitable for players who are under 18.

GTA San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas

What sort of issues might I find in an ’18’, film, DVD or video game?

‘18’ works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:

• very strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘c***’)
• strong portrayals of sexual activity
• scenes of sexual violence
• strong gory images and strong horror

An ‘18’ work could also contain depictions of real sex if it is exceptionally justified by context. For more detailed information on the ‘18’ category click here to read the BBFC guidelines.

Dark Sector
Dark Sector

Can you see drugs in an '18'?

At ‘18’ drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

How can I find out more?

In order to provide adults with more information about a work, the BBFC produces 'Consumer Advice' for each film. This is a line of additional information that explains why the film received its certificate. The Consumer Advice appears on posters, in TV advertisements and alongside the billings in local newspapers. It is also available on the main BBFC website. For further information about Consumer Advice, click here.

For video games classified ‘18’ further information for parents is available on this website. A games search will provide comprehensive information on exactly why a film, DVD or game has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.

Top Ten Films
1.
Superhero Movie
2.
The Incredible Hulk
3.
The Chronicles Of Narnia - Prince Caspian
4.
The Passionate Friends
5.
Married Life
6.
Changement D'Addresse - Change Of Address
7.
Kung Fu Panda
8.
Priceless/Hors De Prix
9.
The Forbidden Kingdom
10.
Death Note - The Last Name
 
© The British Board of Film Classification 2007
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