This document outlines the UK film classification system and age ratings. It provides guidelines for what types of content are suitable for 15-rated and 18-rated films.
Some key points include: films rated 15 are not suitable for those under 15; films rated 18 are only for those 18 and over. Content involving discriminatory language, explicit sex education material, drug promotion, horror violence, and strong language may be permitted in 15-rated films. 18-rated films have fewer restrictions and can contain graphic sexual content and stronger violence if justified. The clear difference between the two ratings is the level of graphic sexual material exposed.
2. Suitable only for 15 years and over No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
3. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
5. Sex education at ‘18’ Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.
6. Drugs Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
7. Horror Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. Imitable behaviour Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
8. Language There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
9. Sex Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable. Theme No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds
10. Violence Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
12. Key Differences The clear differences between 15/18 rated movies are the graphic sex materials contained in them, and to what level they expose such things.