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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Why are Films, Videos and DVDs classified?

Before answering this question, it might be useful for you to know a little history about the BBFC...

The BBFC was created by the film industry in 1912, long before anyone had even heard of Steven Spielberg or Star Wars. It wanted to make sure that all of its films, (videos and DVDs had not been invented then), were checked on behalf of the whole country. Local councils, who were, and still are, in charge of cinemas up and down the country, grew to accept the BBFC's decisions, although even today, for films shown in cinemas, councils still have the power to ignore any decision made by the BBFC. For example, in 1993, the comedy film Mrs.Doubtfire was given a 12 classification by the BBFC. Some councils disagreed with our decision and gave the film a PG!

An important change came with the arrival of video in the early 1980's. In 1984, a new law was passed, The Video Recordings Act, which put the BBFC in charge of classifying all videos for home use. The law asks Examiners to make sure that works are classified in line with what they contain and make sure that they show nothing that might be harmful to people.

What does all this mean exactly? Well, for example, very scary and gory horror films that might upset younger children are unlikely to be found at U, PG or 12A/12. As for harmful material, the BBFC has to note any dangerous or criminal activities on a video or DVD, such as scenes that show, in detail, how to hurt people or how to break into cars. Such moments may even be removed from the video before it's released to the public.

The Examiners at the BBFC also have to be aware of other laws, such as those which protect children (The Protection of Children Act, passed in 1978) and animals (The Animals Act, passed in 1937). It is against the law in this country to show films or videos in which an animal has been harmed during the production. The owners of any film showing such a scene can be asked to remove it before a certificate is given.

There's a bit more to this classification business than you thought, isn't there?!

© The British Board of Film Classification 2006
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