Film Ratings Explained: What G, PG-13, R, 12A and 15 Really Mean
A guide to US (MPA) and UK (BBFC) film ratings, what each category means, who sets them and how to check content details before you watch.
Ratings help families decide what is suitable to watch. The United States and the United Kingdom use different systems, which can make the same film carry different labels on each side of the Atlantic.
United States: the MPA system
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) runs a voluntary rating system, with ratings assigned by a board of parents. The categories are:
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G | General audiences. All ages admitted. |
| PG | Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for young children. |
| PG-13 | Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. |
| R | Restricted. Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian. |
| NC-17 | No one 17 and under admitted. |
Each rating is followed by a short reason, such as “for violence and language”, which gives a clearer idea of why the film earned it. Cinemas generally apply these ratings even though they are not a legal requirement.
United Kingdom: the BBFC system
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates films and many other works. Its categories are:
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U | Universal. Suitable for all ages. |
| PG | Parental guidance. Some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
| 12A | Cinema only. Anyone aged 12 or over can see it; under-12s must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 12 | Video only. Nobody younger than 12 should rent or buy it. |
| 15 | No one younger than 15 may see it in a cinema or buy or rent it. |
| 18 | No one younger than 18 may see it. |
| R18 | Restricted to licensed premises for adults. |
BBFC ratings for cinema and physical video carry legal force, and the Board publishes short content advice explaining the main reasons for each rating.
How the two systems compare
Roughly speaking, PG-13 is close to 12A, and R is similar to a 15 or 18, depending on the content. But the two boards weigh things differently. For example, strong language may be treated more leniently in one country, while violence or drug use is treated more strictly.
Ratings for TV and streaming
Television uses separate systems. In the US, TV shows carry TV Parental Guidelines such as TV-Y, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14 and TV-MA. In the UK, broadcasters use the 9pm watershed and on-screen guidance, and streaming services show their own age ratings. Most streaming apps also have parental controls.
Tips for choosing what to watch
- Check the content descriptors, not only the age label.
- Read a parent-focused review for films with a borderline rating.
- Use profile and PIN controls on streaming services to restrict content for younger viewers.
- Remember that every child is different. Ratings are a guide, not a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Are film ratings legally enforced?
In the UK, BBFC age ratings are legally enforceable for cinemas and for physical video sales. In the US, MPA ratings are a voluntary system, but cinemas generally enforce them as a matter of policy.
What is the difference between 12A and 12?
12A applies to cinema releases: under-12s can only see the film if accompanied by an adult. A 12 rating applies to physical video and means nobody under 12 should be sold or rented the title.
Where can I find detailed content information?
The BBFC publishes short content advice for each film, and the MPA includes a descriptor after the rating (for example, 'for violence and language').
