U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang and The Princess & the Frog.
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 letting them watch. Examples of PG films are How to Train Your Dragon and Tooth Fairy.
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. Examples, both of which were certified 12A for cinema, include Iron Man 2 and Avatar.
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 go with them! Examples include Iron Man 2 and Avatar.
15 means 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 or buy or rent a 15 rated DVD, video or game.
18 means that the film, video or DVD is only suitable for adults (people aged eighteen or over). Only adults are allowed to view an 18 rated film at the cinema or rent or buy an 18 rated video, DVD or game.
BBFC U ratingBBFC PG ratingBBFC 12A ratingBBFC 12 ratingBBFC 15 ratingBBFC 18 rating

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The Doctor is your favourite hero!

The results of our latest poll are in and The Doctor has been voted cbbfc's favourite hero. Yes, more of you would entrust the future to the Timelord than to anyone else.

With the Daleks voted the scariest baddies in our last poll, it seems you can't get enough of the time-travelling TARDIS and its occupants.

We're sure the makers of Doctor Who, including series creator and cbbfc reader Russell T. Davies, will be delighted to add this honour to the BAFTAs and other awards they've won.

But just what is it that makes The Doctor the best hero of all? Well, judging from the comments we've received, you think he is an all-round great guy. But most of all, you seem to like the fact that he prefers to solve problems by using his wits rather than violence.

With a fourth series in the pipeline and Kylie Minogue about to make a guest appearance in the 2007 Christmas Special, it looks like Doctor Who is going from strength to strength.

So, if the Doctor has won, who occupies the runner-up positions? Swinging into second place, just one percent behind the good Doctor, is the superhero otherwise known as Peter Parker. Yes, it's Spider-Man, making his third appearance in cinemas this year and still fighting the forces of evil.

And in third place? Well, with a book and a film out this summer it's no surprise that junior magician, Harry Potter, makes the top three.

The next poll is about animal characters. Which furry (or even scaly) friend do you like the best? Click here to vote.
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