No one younger than 15 may see 15-rated content in a cinema.
No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15-rated video.

Dangerous behaviour

Highly dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail that could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context and setting.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language, themes and behaviour are permitted, but must not be endorsed by the content as a whole.

Drugs

Drug and substance misuse may be shown, but should not be promoted or encouraged by the content as a whole.

Language

There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted depending on the context and frequency.

Nudity

Sexualised nudity may be permitted, but graphic detail should be brief and justified by context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without graphic detail. There may be strong sex references, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable. Content that, when taken as a whole, has the primary purpose of sexual arousal is unacceptable.

Sexual violence

There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence or abusive behaviour, but graphic descriptions of specific acts are unlikely to be acceptable. The stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, must not be detailed or prolonged. An intense and sustained focus on sexual threat is unacceptable.

Suicide and self-harm

Scenes of suicide and self-harm should not be frequent or endorsed. Glamorisation of suicide or self-harm may result in a higher rating. Graphic depictions or detailed references are unlikely to be permitted.

Threat and horror

There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable.

Violence

Violence may be strong but there should not be sustained focus on the infliction of pain or victims’ suffering. The strongest gory images may occur if justified by context (for example, war, medical detail). Prolonged sadistic violence is unlikely to be acceptable.

How can I find out more about a specific film?

Please check the content advice for the film or video you are thinking of watching. Content advice is available on this website, on our free App, as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.