BBFC Research

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is the organisation that classifies movies into their selected age ratings (U, PG, 12, 15, 18). It was founded in 1920 as a joint effort throughout the film industry in order to protect viewers from being subjected to film that was not suitable for their age range. They have the legal ability to rate films and be able to censor or full on reject certain works from being shown in the UK. Censoring cuts material deemed inappropriate, either allowing it to fit inside a certain age rating or allowing it to be actually shown to the public.

The age ratings are as follows;

U – Universal; meaning that it is suitable for absolutely any audience.

PG – Parental Guidance; meaning that there could be very mild inappropriate content and young children should be accompanied by an adult whilst viewing.

12 – Only suitable for this age or over; contains some swearing and violence

15 - Only suitable for this age or over; contains more swearing, violence, sex or drugs

18 - Only suitable for this age or over; contains blood, gore, swearing, sex, extreme violence, extreme drug use, etc.