Film Classification Research

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

Responsibility and power

The BBFC rates theatrically released films, and rated videos and video games. Legally, local authorities have the power to decide under what circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but they nearly always choose to follow the advice of the BBFC.

The government currently uses the BBFC as the authority for certifying video releases. As the law requires the certificate to be displayed on the packaging and media labels of the video recording, in practice only UK releases can be legally sold or hired in the UK, even if a foreign release had identical content.

All films and video games rated by the BBFC receive a certificate, along with "consumer advice" detailing references to sex, violence and language. If a certificate specifies that a film or video game is only suitable for someone over a certain age, then only those over that age may buy it.

Both examiners and the directors of the BBFC are hired on a permanent basis. Examiners are required to watch 5 hours 20 mins of media, to a maximum of 35 hours a week.


Universal All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children over 4.
Parental Guidance All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8.
12A Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged less than 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture.
12 Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.
15 Only those over 15 years are admitted.
Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating.
18 Only adults are admitted.
Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/ sex references