British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) was established in 1912. Since then, they've been classifying cinema films independently from the government, and also videos and DVDs since 1984.

BBFC based their classifications for films on their guidelines, which they made up of consultation of the public and research.
The films are classified in seven different categories.

Universal - Suitable for all

• suitable for audience aged 4 and over
• positive moral framework
• counterbalances to violence, threat or horror
• no discrimination
• no references to drugs
• only brief, mild and unlikely scenes of horror
• no potentially dangerous behaviour
• only very mild bad language
• nudity only mild and occasionally
• no sexual context
• only mild sexual behaviour, such as kissing, and only references
• problematic themes may be present
• sensitive and appropriate treatment with problematic themes
• only mild violence

Recently classified: LOUYRE - THIS OUR STILL LIFE



Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

• unaccompanied children of all age may watch
• not disturbing for children aged 8 and older
• parents have to consider whether their children could be upset
• discrimination only in historical context
• references to drugs must carry a clear anti-drug message
• no prolonged or intense of frightening scenes
• no detail of potentionally dangerous behaviour
• only mild bad language
• only natural nudity
• no sexual context
• only discreet and infrequent sexual activity
• no themes condoning unacceptable behaviour
• only mild and justified by context violence without detail

Recently classified: MEMPHIS



12/12A - Suitable for 12 years and over

• works may upset younger children
• 12A for cinema films
• 12 for video works
• no discrimination endorsed by the work as a whole
• only infrequent and not glamorised misuse of drugs
• only moderate physical and psychological threat
• no dangerous behaviour on detail
• moderate language allowed
• only infrequent use of strong language
• nudity allowed
• only brief and discreet sexual context
• brief sexual activity
• mature themes acceptable
• moderate violence allowed, but not on detail

Recently classified: THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE



15 - Suitable only for 15 years and over

• work mustn't endorse discrimination
• drug taking may be shown but not promoted or encouraged
• (no sadistic or sexualised) strong threat allowed
• no dangerous behaviour on detail
• may contain frequent use of strong language
• nudity allowed in sexual context, but not on detail
• sexual activity permitted, but not on detail
• may contail strong violence

Recently classified: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3



18 - Suitable only for adults

• adults should be free to choose their own entertainment
• no material in breach of the criminal law
• no material risking harm of individuals or society
• no more explicit sexual activity than justified by context

Recently classified: SLEEPING BEAUTY



R18 - To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years

• special, legally restricted classification
• explicit work containing sex or strong fetish material
• no material in breach of criminal law
• no material encouraging an interest in sexually abusive activity
• no sexual activity involving lack of consent
• no infliction of pain or acts causing lasting physical harm
• no penetration associated with violence
• no sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which is not part of roleplaying game
• no strong physical or verbal abuse