 | This article needs additional citations for verification .(March 2014) |
This article chronicles the history of British film certificates. [1]
| | This article needs additional citations for verification .(March 2014) |
This article chronicles the history of British film certificates. [1]
The UK's film ratings are decided by the British Board of Film Classification and have been since 1912. [2] Previously, there were no agreed rating standards, and local councils imposed their own –often differing –conditions or restrictions. For cinema releases, the BBFC has no legal power (technically, films do not even have to be submitted for classification), as it falls to councils to decide who should be admitted to a certain film, but they generally apply the BBFC's certificates, effectively making them legally binding. In exceptional cases, councils may impose their own conditions, either raising or lowering the minimum entry age from the certificate, banning a certified film outright, or setting their own minimum entry age for films that have never been submitted for BBFC certification, or which have been refused a certificate by the Board.
Prior to 1985, there were no legally binding ratings on video releases. The Video Recordings Act 1984 introduced new legal powers to certify video releases independently from any existing cinema certificate, with the BBFC being required to rate every new video release (except those exempted from classification) to determine the minimum age of people to whom the recording can be supplied, whether by sale or rental. [3] In August 2009 it was discovered that the Video Recordings Act 1984 never had legal effect, due to a technical error when the terms of the act were not communicated to the European Commission. [4] The relevant provisions were re-enacted by Parliament as the Video Recordings Act 2010.
The following list chronicles the BBFC's ratings system from its inception to the present. [5] [6]
In each section, italics indicates when a certificate has changed since the previous system.
At first, there were just two advisory certificates. [7] [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Universal | Persons of all ages will be admitted. |
 | Adult | More suitable for adults (advisory). |
In Ireland, following the independence of the Irish Free State in 1922 (now the Republic of Ireland), the Irish Film Censor's Office was created in 1923 in place of the BBFC. This was renamed the Irish Film Classification Office in 2008.
An H (Horrific) certificate was added in 1932 to alert parents to horror-themed material. [7] [9] [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| | Universal | Persons of all ages will be admitted. |
| | Adult | More suitable for adults (advisory). |
 | Horrific | Indicates horror (advisory). |
Following a recommendation by the County Councils Association to replace the BBFC, the government established a committee chaired by Professor Kenneth Wheare to examine film censorship. The committee's findings were published in 1950 and proposed creation of four new certificates (X - films aimed at adults only, from which children should be absolutely excluded; C - films aimed specifically at children; Category U - films suitable for all; Category A - films suitable for all, but dealing with mild adult subject matter). Only one of these proposals were adopted and saw for the first time, a compulsory certificate, X, introduced allowing only those aged 16 and older to enter. This replaced the H certificate. [10] [11] [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| | Universal | Persons of all ages will be admitted. |
| | Adult | More suitable for adults (advisory). |
 | X | Only persons of 16 years and over admitted. |
On 1 July 1970 the A certificate was split into two: The old 'A' (advisory) category was split to create a new advisory 'A' which permitted the admission of children of 5 years or over whether accompanied or not, but which warned parents that a film in this category would contain some material that parents might prefer their children under 14 not to see while the new AA allowed only those aged 14 or over to be admitted. [12] As there was now a mandatory certificate at 14, the X certificate was modified to raise its age from 16 to 18. [8]
| Symbol | Name | Title Card Colour | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Universal | Yellow | Suitable for all ages. |
 | Advisory | Green | Those aged 5 and older admitted, but not recommended for children under 14 years of age |
 | AA | Blue | Not available for anyone under 14. |
 | X | Red | Not available for anyone under 18. |
On 1 November 1982 the ratings system was completely overhauled with only the U certificate remaining unchanged (though its description was slightly modified). The A certificate was replaced by PG, which was now completely advisory. The age of AA was raised a year and the certificate was renamed 15. The X certificate was unchanged but renamed 18 due to the lewd reputation that the letter X had acquired. A new R18 certificate was introduced for sexually explicit films. In order to show R18 films, cinemas must be licensed members-only clubs (previously, a loophole allowed these clubs to show such films unrated). [13] [8] The current and new certificates introduced different shapes for each rating.
| Symbol [1] | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
  | Universal | Suitable for all ages. |
  | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
  | 15 | No person under the age of 15 to be admitted. |
  | 18 | No person under the age of 18 to be admitted. |
  | Restricted 18 | To be shown only in licensed cinemas to persons of not less than 18 years. |
The Video Recordings Act 1984 gave the BBFC the legal responsibility to rate all videos. The current certificates were all used and were also modified and coloured. A new Uc certificate was introduced for videos only to indicate a recording that is especially suitable for young children to watch on their own. [13] Those under the age of a certificate could not buy or rent a video with that certificate. Shops wishing to sell or rent R18 videos had to apply for a licence. Video releases in this period often featured unofficial logos with a plain background. [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema | Video | ||
| N/A |   | Universal Children | Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only.) |
 | | Universal | Suitable for all. |
 | | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
 | | 15 | Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | | 18 | Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | | Restricted 18 | To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years. [14] |
Due to the large gap between PG and 15 and industry pressure regarding Batman , a 12 certificate was introduced on 1 August 1989. However, it was for cinema use only and did not cover videos. From this point on video releases featured the official BBFC logos. The 12 certificate was eventually introduced for videos on 1 July 1994. [13] As the 12 certificate did not apply to video releases before July 1994, several films which had been issued a 12 classification for cinema release had to have a decision made about them regarding which rating was suitable for a video release and if a 15 certificate was deemed too high a rating for a particular film, a PG certificate was given with possible cuts to fit the rating. Films which received the 12 classification for cinema and 15 classification for video include Uncle Buck , [15] which later passed with 12 for video on re-submission, and Nuns on the Run , [16] which currently remains 15, with re-submission. All of the symbols were also graphically edited with lighter text in 1999 from the bolder text used since 1985 although many home video releases continued to use the previous symbols.
In 2002, the cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult aged at least 18 years old, although the BBFC recommends that 12A films are generally unsuitable for children under 12 years old. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film Spider-Man ; the first film to receive it was actually The Bourne Identity . However, Spider-Man and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in Norwich, during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below). [17] The video 12 certificate remained unchanged. [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema | Video & DVD | ||
| N/A |  | Universal Children | Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only) |
 | | Universal | Suitable for all. |
 | | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
 | N/A | 12A | Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. |
  | | 12 | Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | | 15 | Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | | 18 | Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | | Restricted 18 | To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years. [14] |
In September 2002, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.). The Uc certificate was retired in 2009, and replaced with BBFCInsight[ definition needed ] [18] which states where works are 'particularly suitable for pre-school children'; [5] however, older DVDs may still carry the Uc certificate. [19] The consumer advice for the U certificate was updated to advise parents to check the film in case of children under the age of 4 and PG in case of children under 8. [8]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Universal Children | Particularly suitable for children. (Home video only; ceased to be used in 2009) |
 | Universal | Suitable for all. |
 | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
 | 12A | Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. |
 | 12 | Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) (Home video only) |
 | 15 | Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | 18 | Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) |
 | Restricted 18 | To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years. [14] |
The 12 symbol was made the same colour as the 12A symbol, whilst the 15 symbol changed from the white background with red writing to the pink background with white writing. In October 2019, for the first time, all of the symbols were redesigned for digital streaming services and theatrical releases. However, the packaged media continued to only use the previous symbols until late April 2020, although a transition period was allowed for video releases to use either the old or new symbols until 5 October 2020, after which all packaged media must by law use the new symbols. [20] The BBFCInsight was replaced with ratings info. [21]
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Universal | Suitable for all. [22] |
 | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. [23] |
 | 12A | Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over; those under 12 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult (cinema only). [24] |
 | 12 | Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) (Home video only) |
 | 15 | Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) [25] |
 | 18 | Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. (Not to be supplied to any person below that age) [26] |
 | Restricted 18 | To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to persons of not less than 18 years. [27] |
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | PG-12 | Suitable for those aged 12 and older (cinema only); under 12s admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. This experimental certificate was used during a short BBFC trial in Norwich from October 2001 to January 2002, in which all 12 certificate films on release were classed as PG-12. Norwich was chosen due to its relative isolation from other large towns, in order to avoid significant numbers of children travelling there to specifically take advantage of the relaxed controls. The results of the trial led to the adoption of the 12A later in 2002. [28] [29] Between the end of the Norwich trial and the actual introduction of the 12A, a PG-12 rating was used by Tameside Council in June 2002 for Spider-Man, overruling the BBFC's 12 certification of the film. In addition, some other councils awarded the film a PG certificate. [30] |
 | 15A | Generally suitable for those aged 15 and over (cinema only); those under 15 admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. Belfast City Council used this non-standard certificate for The Batman (2022) and Five Nights at Freddy's (2023). This allowed children under the age of 15 to watch the films if accompanied by an adult at a cinema in Belfast, overruling the BBFC's 15 certification for both films. [31] [32] |
 | Exempt | The 'E' in a square, triangle, circle, or similar, is not a BBFC rating certificate, but rather a statement from the distributor certifying that they believe a video recording is exempt from classification under the Video Recordings Act 1984 (e.g. educational material, music and sport). |
An X rating is a film rating that indicates that the film contains content that is considered to be suitable only for adults. Films with an X rating may have scenes of graphic violence or explicit sexual acts that may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers. The X rating is used in different ways by different countries, and it may have legal or commercial implications for the distribution and exhibition of such films. For example, some countries may ban or restrict the sale or rental of X-rated films, while others may allow them only in specific theaters or with special taxes. Some countries may also have different criteria or definitions for what constitutes an X-rated film, and some may consider the artistic merit of the film as a factor in classification. The X rating has been replaced or renamed by other ratings in some countries over time.
The Motion Picture Associationfilm rating system is used in the United States and its territories to rate a motion picture's suitability for certain audiences based on its content. The system and the ratings applied to individual motion pictures are the responsibility of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), previously known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) from 1945 to 2019. The MPA rating system is a voluntary scheme that is not enforced by law; films can be exhibited without a rating, although most theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated or NC-17 rated films. Non-members of the MPA may also submit films for rating. Other media, such as television programs, music and video games, are rated by other entities such as the TV Parental Guidelines, the RIAA and the ESRB, respectively.
A motion picture content rating system classifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex, violence, or substance abuse, their use of profanity, or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents. Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications, classifications, certificates, or ratings. Age recommendations, of either an advisory or restrictive capacity, are often applied in lieu of censorship; in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have a legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings.
Video nasty is a colloquial term popularised by the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association (NVALA) in the United Kingdom to refer to a number of films, typically low-budget horror or exploitation films, distributed on video cassette in the early 1980s that were criticised by the press, social commentators, and various religious organisations for their violent content. These video releases were not brought before the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) due to a loophole in film classification laws that allowed videos to bypass the review process. The resulting uncensored video releases led to public debate concerning the availability of these films to children due to the unregulated nature of the market.
The Video Recordings Act 1984 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that was passed in 1984. It states that commercial video recordings offered for sale or for hire within the UK must carry a classification that has been agreed upon by an authority designated by the Home Office. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which had been instrumental in the certification of motion pictures since 1912, was designated as the classifying authority in 1985. Works are classified by the BBFC under an age-rated system ; it is an offence under the Act to supply video works to individuals who are under the age of the classification designated. Works that are refused classification cannot, under the Act, be legally sold or supplied to anyone of any age unless it is educational, or to do with a sport, religion or music and does not depict violence, sex or incite a criminal offence. The BBFC may also require cuts to be made, either to receive a certain age rating, or to be allowed a classification at all.
Baise-moi is a 2000 French erotic crime thriller film written and directed by Virginie Despentes and Coralie Trinh Thi and starring Karen Lancaume and Raffaëla Anderson. It is based on the novel by Despentes, first published in 1993. The film received intense media coverage because of its graphic mix of violence and explicit sex scenes. Consequently, it is sometimes considered an example of the "New French Extremity".
R18 is a film and video classification given by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). It is intended to provide a classification for works that do not breach UK law, but exceed what the BBFC considers acceptable in the 18 category. In practice, this means hardcore pornography.
The 18 certificate is issued by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), to state that in its opinion, a film, video recording, or game is suitable only for persons aged 18 years and over. It recommends that no one below that age should be admitted to view a film with an 18 certificate in a cinema, and that 18-rated video recordings should not be sold or rented to anyone below that age.
The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) is the organisation responsible for films, television programmes, and some video game classification and censorship within Ireland. Where restrictions are placed by the IFCO, they are legally binding.
The British Columbia Film Classification Office, part of Consumer Protection BC in the Canadian province of British Columbia, is responsible for rating and censoring films under the province's Motion Picture Act. The BCFCO film ratings are also used by Manitoba and Saskatchewan by bilateral agreement.
A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of video games based on suitability for target audiences. Most of these systems are associated with and/or sponsored by a government, and are sometimes part of the local motion picture rating system. The utility of such ratings has been called into question by studies that publish findings such as 90% of teenagers claim that their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to rent or buy video games, and as such, calls have been made to "fix" the existing rating systems. Video game content rating systems can be used as the basis for laws that cover the sales of video games to minors, such as in Australia. Rating checking and approval is part of the game localization when they are being prepared for their distribution in other countries or locales. These rating systems have also been used to voluntarily restrict sales of certain video games by stores, such as the German retailer Galeria Kaufhof's removal of all video games rated 18+ by the USK following the Winnenden school shooting.
Motion picture ratings in Canada are mostly a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation regarding exhibition and admission. For home video purposes, a single Canadian Home Video Rating System rating consisting of an average of the participating provincial ratings is displayed on retail packages, although various provinces may have rules on display and sale, especially for the R and A categories.
In the United Kingdom, pornography is regulated by a variety of laws, regulations, judicial processes, and voluntary schemes. Pornographic material generally has to be assessed by regulators or courts to determine its legality. British censorship laws with regard to pornography have often been some of the most restrictive in Western Europe.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a non-governmental organisation founded by the British film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works released on physical media within the United Kingdom. It has a statutory requirement to classify all video works released on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and, to a lesser extent, some video games under the Video Recordings Act 1984. The BBFC was also the designated regulator for the UK age-verification scheme, which was abandoned before being implemented.
Robin Arthur Philip Duval was Director of the British Board of Film Classification,, from 1999 to 2004.
The Australian Classification Board is an Australian government statutory body responsible for the classification and censorship of films, television programmes, video games and publications for exhibition, sale or hire in Australia.
A pre-certification video is any videotape or laserdisc issued in the UK before the introduction of the 1984 Video Recordings Act.
Film censorship in the United Kingdom began with early cinema exhibition becoming subject to the Disorderly Houses Act 1751. The Cinematograph Act 1909 was primarily concerned with introducing annual licensing of premises where films were shown, particularly because of the fire risk of nitrate film. After the Act began to be used by local authorities to control what was shown, the film industry responded by establishing a British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) in 1912, funded by an Incorporated Association of Kinematograph Manufacturers levy.
Film censorship in the Republic of Ireland began on a national basis with the introduction of the Censorship of Films Act in 1923. This act established the office of the Censor of Films, an office since replaced and renamed in 2008 as the Irish Film Classification Office.
18 rating refers to a type of age-based content rating that applies to media entertainment, such as films, television shows and computer games. The following articles document the rating across a range of countries and mediums:
