Film ratings research 15 - R18

15 – Not suitable for anyone under the age of 15
Films classed as 15 must as a whole not endorse discrimination in any circumstances but can include it; they can show drug use but must not promote or encourage the misuse of illegal substances; however they cannot show the misuse of easily accessible or dangerous substances such as aerosols or solvents. Strong horror content is allowed as long as they are not sadistic or sexualised. Easily accessible weapons must not be glamorised but dangerous behaviour is allowed as long as it doesn’t dwell on suicide or self harming as this is classed as something that could be imitated if shown in full. Violence may be strong but should not go dwell on inflicting pain or injuries, strong sadistic or sexual behaviour is not allowed.
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 is only acceptable if there isn’t strong detail involved such as sexual encounters.
No theme is unacceptable as long as the treatment meets the criteria that it is acceptable for a 15 year old.
18 – Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas

Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence. Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault. Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.
In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only materials which may be simulated are generally passed as ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
R18 – Restricted 18: can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable:
• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults
• The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.
These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.


All research has come of http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ and most of it has been re-worded but all of it follows the same guidelines that is on the above website.