THE RATINGS
From U to 18
U is suitable for all, PG for general viewing, then 12A/12, 15 and 18, which set minimum ages for cinema tickets and for renting or buying videos.
Check a ratingWHAT THE RATINGS MEAN
Read the rating,
then the reason.
Every UK cinema release carries an age rating.
Check a rating
U TO 18since 1912
- Know the five ratings
- 12A needs an adult
- Read the content advice
- Better choices at the cinema and at home
The British Board of Film Classification gives films and videos a rating from U to 18, plus content advice that explains why. Together they help you choose what suits your household.
Updated
THE SHORT ANSWER
Five ratings,
one detail page.
The symbol tells you the age.
The content advice tells you why.
AT HOME
The same symbols
BBFC ratings appear on DVDs and Blu-ray and on some streaming services, so the same scale works on the sofa as in the cinema.
Before you watch
12A
Under 12 with an adult
Under-12s may see a 12A film in the cinema only with an adult, who should first consider whether it suits that child.
Why 12A existsA QUICK RATING CHECK
What does the
symbol mean?
Pick a BBFC age rating to see what it means. The bar shows how restricted it is.
Based on the BBFC's published age ratings. Always check a film's own content advice for detail.
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Built on what
audiences say.
How long the BBFC has been rating films,
and how many people shaped today's guidelines.
1912
Year the BBFC was established
The BBFC describes itself as the independent, not-for-profit film and video regulator for the UK, rating cinema films on behalf of the local authorities that license cinemas.
SINCE · BBFC
12,000
People consulted for the latest guidelines
The BBFC refreshes its Classification Guidelines every four to five years. Its most recent research, in 2023, spoke to 12,000 people across the UK.
CONSULTATION · BBFC
The BBFC also classifies videos on physical media under the Video Recordings Act 1984, and rates some streaming and mobile content under voluntary schemes.
FOUR HABITS BEFORE A FILM
A minute now,
fewer surprises later.
The BBFC's own advice is to look beyond the symbol. These habits help whether you are at the cinema or at home.
Look up the content advice
It explains exactly why a film got its rating, issue by issue. Search the BBFC website or its free app.
Check before a 12A
The BBFC recommends adults check the content advice before taking an under-12 to a 12A film.
Know your child
Even for a U, the BBFC says it is impossible to predict what might affect any particular child.
Look for the symbol at home
Ratings and content advice also appear on posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and some listings.
WHY 12A EXISTS
A cinema rating
with a chaperone.
From 1989 the cinema category was a strict 12. Since 2002 cinemas have used 12A instead, which lets under-12s in when accompanied by an adult. On video, the rating stays 12, so no one under 12 may rent or buy it.
At 12A/12 the BBFC allows moderate bad language, with strong language possible depending on context and frequency. Dangerous behaviour children might copy should not be encouraged, and weapons such as knives should not be glamorised.
Questions
Questions people ask
Can a 10-year-old watch a 12A film at the cinema?
Yes, if accompanied by an adult. The BBFC says adults should consider whether the film suits that child and recommends checking its content advice in advance.
What is the difference between 12A and 12?
12A is for cinema releases and allows under-12s with an adult. 12 is for videos: no one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12-rated video.
Does a U mean a film is made for children?
Not necessarily. The BBFC says U-rated content is suitable for all ages, but not all U-rated content is aimed at children.
Do streaming services use BBFC ratings?
Some do. The BBFC rates video-on-demand and streaming content under a voluntary, self-regulatory service, and its ratings appear on some streaming services.
How does the BBFC decide what each rating allows?
Through its Classification Guidelines, refreshed every four to five years after public consultation. The most recent research, in 2023, involved 12,000 people.