The British Board of Film Classification

What is the BBFC?

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental organisation. The BBFC has classified cinema films, videos, games and DVDs. The British Board of Film Classification was set up in 1912 by the film industry as an independent body to bring a degree of uniformity. In 1984 Parliament passed the Video Recordings Act. This act stated that, subject to certain exemptions, video recordings offered for sale or hire commercially in the UK must be classified by an authority designated by the Secretary of State. The BBFC is a not for profit organisation, and its fees are adjusted only as required to cover its costs. Its income is derived solely from the fees it charges for its services, calculated by measuring the running time of films or DVDs submitted for classification. 

What are the BBFC logos?

What do they mean?

No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in

a cinema. Also no one younger than 18 may

rent or buy an 18 rated DVD or game.

Three Films with an 18 rating are:

Pulp Fiction

Showgirls

Shame

'U' (Universal) means that its suitable for all.

Three examples of 'U' rated films are:

 Up

 Happy Feet

 The Incredibles

 PG (Parental Guidance)
A PG film should not disturb a child, however, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.Three examples of PG rated films are:

Toy story

Rango

Fantastic Mr.Fox

 

The '12'  is only used in relation to videos, whereby no one under the age of '12'  can rent or buy videos that are classified as a '12' rating. Three examples of films with a '12' rating are;
Tree of Life
Twilight
Van Helsing

 

The '12A' rating is only used for cinema films. No one younger than 12
may  see a '12A' film unless accompianed by an adult. Three examples of films with a '12A' rating are;
Footloose
The Help
The Three Musketeers

No one younger than 15 may see a '15' rated film in a cinema and also no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video or game. Three examples of '15' rated films are;
We Need To Talk About Kevin
Melancholia
The Debt

Restricted to 18 years and over.