Film Classifications

This means that the content within the film is suitable only for those aged 15 and over. Nobody younger than 15 can see a '15' film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 can rent or buy a '15' rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ay Disc, UMD or game.

'Passed only for persons of fifteen years and over. No person apparently under the age of 15 years shall be admitted to any exhibition at which there is to be shown any film which has recieved a '15' certificate from the British Board of Film Classification'

15 rated films are specifically aimed at older teenagers. The following are permitted within the bounds of the BBFC 15 certificate:

• Frequent use of strong language, the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable and repeated use of aggressive and sexual abuse is unacceptable.


• Sexual activity and nudity is allowed but up to an extent, no strong detail. References to sexual behaviour are allowed.


• Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain and of injuries.


• Dangerous combat techniques that could be imitated such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).

Crime films that fit into the '15' classification inclues 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', 'Phone Booth', 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Public Enemies'.

This means that the content within the film is suitable only for those ages 18 and over. Nobody younger than 18 can see an '18' film at the cinema, no-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an '18' rated video and other work.

'Passed only for person of eighteen years and over. No person apparently under the age of 18 years shall be admitted to any exhibition at which there is to be shown which has recieved an '18' certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.'

18 rated films are specifically for adults so the BBFC respect the rights of adults to choose their own entertainment, obviously within laws. However, in the case of DVD's and content being viewed at home, it may be accessible to younger people so the BBFC must intervene and say what is acceptable. There are no constraints at this rating on theme, language, nudity and horror but the Board may reject any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts that is likely to promote the activity. This includes instructive detail of illegal drug use or explicit images of sexual activity.

Crime films that fit into the '18' classification include 'Scarface', 'Pulp Fiction', 'Fight Club', and 'The Godfather'.