Motion picture content rating system
A motion picture content rating system classifies films based on their suitability for audiences due to their treatment of issues such as sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, or other matters typically deemed unsuitable for children or adolescents. Most countries have some form of rating system that issues determinations variously known as certifications, classifications, certificates, or ratings. Age recommendations, of either an advisory or restrictive capacity, are often applied in lieu of censorship; in some jurisdictions movie theaters may have a legal obligation to enforce restrictive ratings.
In some countries such as Australia, Canada, and Singapore, an official government body decides on ratings; in other countries such as Denmark, Japan, and the United States, it is done by industry committees with little if any official government status. In most countries, however, films that are considered morally offensive have been censored, restricted, or banned. Even if the film rating system has no legal consequences, and a film has not explicitly been restricted or banned, there are usually laws forbidding certain films, or forbidding minors to view them. The influence of specific factors in deciding a rating varies from country to country.
Other factors may or may not influence the classification process, such as being set within a non-fictional historical context, whether the film glorifies violence or drug use, whether said violence or drug use is carried out by the protagonist, with whom the viewer should empathize, or by the antagonist. In Germany, for example, films depicting explicit war violence in a real war context are handled more leniently than films with purely fictional settings.
A film may be produced with a particular rating in mind. It may be re-edited if the desired rating is not obtained, especially to avoid a higher rating than intended. A film may also be re-edited to produce a different version for other countries.
Comparison table
A comparison of current film rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Therefore, the color codes and age ranges are not directly comparable from one country to another.Key:
- White – No restrictions: Suitable for all ages / Aimed at young audiences / Exempt / Not rated / No applicable rating.
- Yellow – Advisory: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range.
- Purple – Strong advisory: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted.
- Red – Restricted: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences.
- Black – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audience / Restricted to licensed premises / Purchase age-restricted / Banned.
Argentina
- ATP: For all public.
- +13: Suitable for 13-year-olds and over. Children under the age of 13 are admitted if accompanied by an adult.
- +16: Suitable for 16-year-olds and over.
- +18: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over.
- C: Suitable for 18-year-olds and over. Restricted to specially licensed venues.
Australia
- Advisory categories
- * Check the Classification - Message for unclassified films and computer games The film or computer game has been assessed and approved for advertising. You should check the classification closer to the release date. Advertising relating to unclassified films and games must display the CTC message - this includes posters, trailers, internet posts, and any other type of advertising. Once the content is classified, the classification marking should replace the CTC marking on all advertising material.
- * General – General. The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone.
- * Parental Guidance – Parental guidance recommended. The content is mild in impact. It is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
- * Mature – Recommended for mature audiences. The content is moderate in impact. Children under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. However, M classified films and computer games may include classifiable elements such as violence and nudity of moderate impact that are not recommended for children under 15 years.
- Restricted categories
- * Mature Accompanied – Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The content is strong in impact.
- * Restricted – Restricted to 18 years and over. The content is high in impact. Despite this category being legally restricted, in Queensland the restriction is not applicable to persons under 2.
- Adult film categories
- * Restricted – Restricted to 18 years and over. This classification is a special and legally restricted category which contains only sexually explicit content. That is, material which shows actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity between consenting adults. X 18+ films are only available for sale or hire in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
- * Refused Classification – Refused Classification. Banned from sale or hire in the country and cannot be legally imported. Films are rated RC if their content is very high in impact and exceeds the guidelines.
Austria
Motion pictures are rated by the Austrian Board of Media Classification for the Federal [Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture]. The recommendations made by the ABMC are generally not legally binding and there are nine sets of state laws on the cinema sector with different age provisions. The only exception is in the case of "16" rated films, since under Austrian law there is a legal age restriction on certain types of content i.e. discrimination, sexual abuse, glorification of violence etc. In addition to the ABMC's age recommendations, in the state of Vienna children under the age of 6 are only permitted to attend public film performances if they are accompanied.The AMBC issues age recommendation from the following categories:
- Unrestricted – Released for all age groups.
- 6+ – Released for children from age 6.
- 8+ - Released from children from age 8.
- 10+ – Released for children from age 10.
- 12+ – Released for children from age 12.
- 14+ – Released from age 14.
- 16+ – Released from age 16. Restricted classification.
Bahamas
- A - Suitable for all ages.
- B - Suitable for adults; persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
- T - Suitable for persons 15 and over, persons under 15 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
- C - Suitable for adults only, persons under 18 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
- D - Unsuitable for public viewing.
Barbados
- GA – General Audience; Suitable for all ages.
- PG – Parental Guidance.
- PG13 – Parental Guidance 13; suitable for 13 years and older.
- R – Suitable for 18 years and older.
- A – Adult Only; No-one under 18 admitted.
Belgium
The age categories are as follows:
- AL/TOUS: All ages.
- 6: From 6 years.
- 9: From 9 years.
- 12: From 12 years.
- 14: From 14 years.
- 16: From 16 years.
- 18: From 18 years.
Brazil
In 2025, a new rating was introduced, which set at an age threshold of 6-years-old.
The ClassInd uses the following system:
- L: Livre
- 6: Não recomendado para menores de seis anos
- 10: Não recomendado para menores de 10 anos
- 12: Não recomendado para menores de 12 anos
- 14: Não recomendado para menores de 14 anos
- 16: Não recomendado para menores de 16 anos
- 18: Não recomendado para menores de 18 anos
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian film rating system is defined in the Film Industry Act of 2003 and administered by the National Film Rating Committee. Since then, two more restrictive ratings have been added to the system:- A – Recommended for children.
- B – No age restrictions.
- C – Not recommended for children under 12. No persons under 12 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
- C+ – Not recommended for children under 14. No persons under 14 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
- D+ – Not recommended for children under 16. No persons under 16 shall be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
- D – Prohibited for persons under 16.
- X – Prohibited for persons under 18, for licensed venues only.
Cambodia
- G – General audience.
- NC15 – Permitted for persons aged 15 and over.
- R18 – Permitted for persons aged 18 and over
Canada
Classifications used outside Quebec
The categories are mostly identical to the CHVRS with a few minor variations. In the provinces that require classification of video formats, supply of 14A and 18A films is restricted to customers above those ages. In the case of theatre exhibition, children are admitted to 14A if accompanied by an adult. In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario children are also admitted to 18A films if accompanied. However, children under the age of 14 are prohibited to view 18A films in the Manitoba and Maritime provinces even if accompanied by an adult. The Maritimes and British Columbia also provide an "A" classification for adult content. Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, reserve the right to prohibit films altogether.In general, the categories are:
- G – Suitable for viewing by all ages.
- PG – Parental guidance advised.
- *Not Recommended For Young Children – The film may be inappropriate for young children. "Young Children" would be persons age 8 and under.
- 14A – Suitable for people 14 years of age or older. Those under 14 should view with an adult. No rental or purchase by those under 14. Parents cautioned.
- *Not Recommended For Children – "Children" would be persons age 13 and under. Films with this advisory may include scenes that reflect a more mature situation, such as drug use or abuse.
- 18A – Suitable for people 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 should view with an adult. Additionally, in certain provinces there is a mandatory age restriction of 14 years. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Parents strongly cautioned.
- R – Restricted to 18 years and over. No rental or purchase by those under 18. Content not suitable for minors.
- A – Adult. Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age.
- E – Exempt.
Classifications used in Quebec
- G: Visa général – May be viewed, rented or purchased by persons of all ages. If a film carrying a "G" rating might offend the sensibilities of a child under 8 years of age, "Not suitable for young children" is appended to the classification.
- 13+: 13 ans et plus – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 13 years of age or over. Children under 13 may be admitted only if accompanied by an adult.
- 16+: 16 ans et plus – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 16 years of age or over.
- 18+: 18 ans et plus – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 18 years of age or over. If a film contains real and explicit sexual activity "Explicit sexuality" is appended to the classification, and in the retail video industry storeowners are required to place the film in a room reserved for adults.
Chile
The current age ratings are:
- Todo Espectador – All spectators.
- *Inconveniente para menores de 7 años – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years of age.
- Mayores de 14 años – 14 years old and over.
- Mayores de 18 años – 18 years old and over.
- *Contenido pornográfico – Pornographic content.
- *Contenido excesivamente violento – Excessively violent content.
- Contenido educativo – Educational content.
Colombia
In 2005, the Ministry of Culture issued its new rating system. The classifications are:- T: For general audiences.
- 7: Advisory.
- 12: Advisory.
- 15: Restricted.
- 18: Restricted.
- X: Pornographic content.
- Prohibited: Contains elements that incite or advocate crime.
Cook Islands
- G
- PG
- MA
- R18
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, films are classified by the Ministry of Justice and Peace:- TP : All public
- TP7 : All public
- TP12 : All public
- M12 : Over 12 years old
- M15 : Over 15 years old
- M18 : Over 18 years old
- Material Cinematográfico recomendado : Films and documentaries that, due to their content and various themes they present, are recommended for their cultural value.
Denmark
- A – Suitable for a general audience.
- 7 – Not recommended for children under 7.
- 11 – For ages 11 and up.
- 15 – For ages 15 and up.
- F – Exempt from classification.
Estonia
- PERE – Family Film.
- L – Allowed to all.
- MS-6 – Not recommended for under 6.
- MS-12 – Not recommended for under 12.
- K-12 – Prohibited for under 12 unless accompanied by an adult.
- K-14 – Prohibited for under 14 unless accompanied by an adult.
- K-16 – Prohibited for under 16 unless accompanied by an adult.
- K-18 – Prohibited for under 18 unless accompanied by an adult.
Fiji
- G – approved for general exhibition;
- PG – approved for exhibition to a person below the age of 13 years with an adult, parent or guardian present;
- Y – approved for exhibition to viewers of the age of 13 and over;
- A – approved for exhibition to adults only ;
- R – approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censor.
Finland
- S or T – For all ages.
- 7 – For 7 years and over.
- 12 – For 12 years and over.
- 16 – For 16 years and over.
- 18 – Prohibited for children under 18 years of age.
France
A certificate will be granted from the following:
- TP – Certificate authorising the screening of the film to all members of the public.
- -12 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 12.
- -16 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 16.
- -18 – Certificate prohibiting the screening of the film to minors under 18.
- X – Certificate for pornographic or violence-inciting movies. They cannot be screened to minors under 18, are heavily taxed and cannot receive any subvention. The last X-rating occurred in 1996 and the last adult cinema closed in 2019.
- Interdiction totale – Certificate totally prohibiting the screening of the film. No film has been refused a certificate since 1979.
Germany
- Ohne Altersbeschränkung : for everyone.
- Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren : for ages 6 and older, nobody under this age admitted.
- Freigegeben ab 12 Jahren : for ages 12 and older; children who are at least age 6 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
- Freigegeben ab 16 Jahren : for ages 16 and older, nobody under this age admitted.
- Keine Jugendfreigabe : "no youth admitted", adults only..
- Infoprogramm or Lehrprogramm: "educational programming". This rating is not issued by the FSK, but may be self-applied to films seeking to educate their audience. Films with this rating may be sold without any age restriction provided they do not contain any material "evidently harmful to the development of children and youths".
Ghana
In Ghana, films are classified by the Film Classification Committee.- U - Universal for all categories of persons.
- PG - Viewers below twelve are to watch under Parental Guidance.
- 12 - For persons of twelve years and above. Children under this age must be accompanied.
- 15 - For persons of fifteen years and above only.
- 18 - For persons of eighteen years and above only.
- NS - Not suitable for public exhibition.
Greece
- Unrestricted – No restrictions.
- 13 – The film may contain mild violence and adult themes. Suitable for people aged 13 and above.
- 17 – The film may contain violence, drug abuse, and softcore pornographic scenes. An ID card certifying the age is required in all Greek cinemas and video rental shops in order to get a cinema ticket or rent a video of a "17" rated film. Not permitted to young people under the age of 17.
- 18 – Not permitted to people under the age of 18.
Hong Kong
- I – Suitable for all ages..
- II – Not suitable for children..
- II – Not suitable for young persons and children.
- III – Persons aged 18 or above only..
Hungary
Hungarian ratings are decided by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority :- KN – All audiences.
- 6 – Not recommended below age of 6.
- 12 – Not recommended below age of 12.
- 16 – Not recommended below age of 16.
- 18 – Not recommended below age of 18.
- X – Restricted below 18, for adults only. Excessively violent scenes.
Iceland
Since 1 July 2006, FRÍSK has replaced the Kvikmyndaskoðun system in Iceland. In October 2013, FRÍSK announced that it was adopting a new system similar to the Netherlands' Kijkwijzer at least through 2016. The Icelandic ratings system also provides an "18" rating in addition to the Kijkwijzer ratings. Under Icelandic law, minors aged 14-years-old and over may be admitted to a film carrying a higher age rating if accompanied by an adult. The ratings are as follows:- L: All ages.
- 6: Not suitable for children under 6 years.
- 9: Not suitable for children under 9 years.
- 12: Not suitable for children under 12 years.
- 14: Not suitable for children under 14 years.
- 16: Not suitable for children under 16 years.
- 18: Not suitable for children under 18 years.
India
- U – Unrestricted public exhibition.
- UA – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with mandatory age-restricted parental guidance. The age threshold was previously set at 12 years of age, but in 2023 this was further refined to 7, 13 and 16 years of age.
- * UA 7+ – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with parental guidance for children below the age of 7 years.
- * UA 13+ – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with parental guidance for children below the age of 13 years.
- * UA 16+ – Unrestricted public exhibition, but with parental guidance for children below the age of 16 years.
- A – Restricted to adults.
- S – Restricted to any special class of persons.
Indonesia
- SU : All ages.
- 13+: Suitable for ages 13 and above.
- 17+: Suitable for ages 17 and above.
- 21+: Suitable for ages 21 and above.
Iraq
- G: General Exhibition - open for all ages.
- PG 13: Customer may be aged 13 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 13 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 13 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents.
- PG 15: Customer may be aged 15 years and under, but must be accompanied by someone 15 years old or older. Please note content may not be appropriate for 15 years and below, booking to be at the discretion of guardians and parents.
- 15+: No persons under 15 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed.
- 18+: No persons under 18 years of age will be admitted. Babies not allowed.
- 18TC: Rated 18+ until confirmed by the National Media Council. Entry to the cinema must comply with the age restriction of final confirmed rating. Booking prior to confirmed rating is at customers discretion.
Ireland
- G – Suitable for children of school going age.
- PG – Suitable for children over the age of 8. Parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.
- 12A, 12 – Suitable for viewers of 12 and over. Younger children may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent the video.
- 15A, 15 – Suitable for viewers of 15 and over. Younger viewers may be admitted to the film at cinemas if accompanied by an adult; on home video younger viewers are not permitted to purchase/rent the video.
- 16 – Suitable for viewers of 16 and over. Younger viewers are not admitted.
- 18 – Suitable only for adults. Viewers under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video.
Italy
- T : no age restriction.
- 6+ : not suitable for children under 6.
- 10+ : not suitable for children under 10.
- 14+ : released to ages 14 and older; children who are at least 12 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
- 18+ : released to ages 18 and older; children who are at least 16 may be admitted with adult accompaniment.
Jamaica
Film classification in Jamaica is a requirement of the Cinematograph Act of 1913, which also established the Cinematograph Authority.- G : Appropriate for all ages.
- PG.
- PG-13: Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by parent/guardian.
- T-16: Teenagers 14 & 15 will be admitted in the company of an adult.
- A-18: No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted.
Japan
- G: General, suitable for all ages.
- PG12: Parental guidance requested for young people under 12 years.
- R15+: No one under 15 admitted.
- R18+: No one under 18 admitted.
Kazakhstan
- 6-: 6 жасқа толмаған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children under the age of 6.
- 6+: 6 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 6.
- 12+: 12 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 12.
- 14+: 14 жасқа толған балаларға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for children over the age of 14.
- 16+: 16 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 16.
- 18+: 18 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 18.
- 21+: 21 жасқа толған адамдарға арналған фильмдер. Films intended for viewers over the age of 21. Restricted to licensed venues between 10pm and 6am local time.
Kenya
- GE – Suitable for all ages.
- PG – May contain scenes unsuitable for children under the age of 10. While the content may be suitable for children, parents are advised to monitor the content.
- 16 – Restricted to persons aged 16 years and above.
- 18 – Restricted to persons aged 18 years and above.
- '''Restricted/Banned'''
Kuwait
The classification system has undergone periodic revisions since 2012. The latest incarnation was introduced in 2025 and comprises six ratings:
- G – Suitable for all ages
- PG – Parental guidance is advised
- PG-12 – Adults must accompany children under 12 years old
- PG-15 – Adults must accompany children under 15 years old
- R-15 – Only for ages 15 and above
- R-18 – Only for ages 18 and above
Latvia
- U – Suitable for persons of all age groups.
- 7+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 7 years of age.
- 12+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 12 years of age.
- 16+: Suitable for a person who has reached at least 16 years of age.
- 18+: Not suitable for a minor.
Lebanon
- G: Intended for General Audiences. All ages are admitted.
- PG: Parental Guidance is suggested.
- PG13: Children under 13 years of age will not be admitted.
- PG16: Persons under 16 years of age will not be admitted.
- 18+: Persons under 18 years of age will not be admitted.
Lithuania
The N in the ratings means nuo, meaning "from".
- V: Released for all ages. The full name for the classification is visi, meaning "all"
- N-7: Released from age 7 and above. Children aged under 7 may be admitted with adult supervision.
- N-13: Released from age 13 and above. Children aged between 7 and 12 may be admitted with adult supervision.
- N-16: Released from age 16 and above. No one under 16 is admitted.
- N-18: Released from age 18 and above. No one under 18 is admitted.
Malaysia
Upon viewing the board will assign one of three categories to the film:
- Lulus Bersih
- Lulus Dengan Pengubahan
- Tidak Diluluskan Untuk Tayangan
- U - Suitable for all ages.
- P12 – Parental guidance required for audiences under the age of 12.
- 13 – For audiences aged 13 years old and above.
- 16 – For audiences aged 16 years old and above.
- 18 – For audiences aged 18 years old and above.
Maldives
- G – Suitable for all ages.
- PG – Parental guidance.
- 12+ – For ages 12 and above.
- 15+ – Suitable for ages 15 and above.
- 18+ – Suitable for ages 18 and above.
- 18+R – Suitable for ages 18 and above. Restricted.
- PU – For professional use only.
Malta
If the film is deemed "fit for exhibition" it will be awarded one of the following classifications:
- U – Suitable for all.
- PG – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
- 12A – Suitable for persons of 12 years and over: Provided that persons younger than 12 years may attend only when accompanied by an adult.
- 12 – Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over.
- 15 – Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.
- 18 – Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over.
Mauritius
- U – Suitable for all audiences.
- PG – Parental Guidance is compulsory for children under the age of 12.
- 15 – Suitable for persons of the age of 15 and above.
- 18 – Suitable for all Adults.
- 18R – Adult audiences only
- Rejected – Not allowed.
Mexico
- AA - Informative-only rating: Understandable for children under 7 years.
- A - Information-only rating: For all age groups.
- B - Information-only rating: For adolescents 12 years and older.
- B-15 - Information-only rating: Not recommended for children under 15.
- C - Restrictive rating: For adults 18 and older.
- D - Restrictive rating: Adult movies.
Netherlands
- AL: All ages.
- 6: Potentially harmful to children under 6 years.
- 9: Potentially harmful to children under 9 years.
- 12: Potentially harmful to children under 12 years.
- 14: Potentially harmful to children under 14 years.
- 16: Potentially harmful to children under 16 years.
- 18: Potentially harmful to children under 18 years.
- Violence
- Fear
- Sexual Content
- Discrimination
- Drug and/or Alcohol abuse
- Bad Language
- Dangerous Challenges and Stunts
New Zealand
The Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 gives the Office of Film and Literature Classification the power to classify publications into three categories: unrestricted, restricted, or "objectionable". With a few exceptions, films, videos, DVDs and restricted computer games must carry a label before being offered for supply or exhibited to the public.In 2017 the Office of Film and Literature Classification created a special RP18 rating for online content in response to the Netflix television series, 13 Reasons Why. The new classification reflects concerns raised with 17 and 18 year olds in New Zealand being at a higher risk of suicide. The current ratings are:
- G: Anyone can be shown or sold this.
- PG: Films and games with a PG label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. The PG label means guidance from a parent or guardian is recommended for younger viewers.
- M: Films and games with an M label can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. Films with an M label are more suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over.
- RP13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
- RP16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
- RP18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
- R13: Restricted to persons 13 years and over.
- R15: Restricted to persons 15 years and over.
- R16: Restricted to persons 16 years and over.
- R18: Restricted to persons 18 years and over.
- R: Restricted exclusively to a certain audience.
Nigeria
- G: Suitable for viewing by persons of all ages.
- PG: Parental Guidance is advised.
- 12A: Not suitable for people under the age of 12. A child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film.
- 12: Not permitted for people under the age of 12.
- 15: Not permitted for persons under the age of 15.
- 18: Not permitted for people under the age of 18.
- RE: Films which fall under this category are to be exhibited and distributed only in specially licensed premises.
Norway
The following age limits apply to films:
- A – Suitable for all.
- 6 – 6 years.
- 9 – 9 years.
- 12 – 12 years.
- 15 – 15 years.
- 18 – 18 years.
Philippines
- G – Viewers of all ages are admitted.
- PG – Viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
- R-13 – Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted.
- R-16 – Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted.
- R-18 – Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted.
- X – "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition.
Portugal
Movies are rated in Portugal by the Comissão de Classificação de Espectáculos of the Ministry of Culture. In cinemas the ratings are mandatory whereas for video releases they are merely advisory, except in the case of pornographic content. Children under the age of 4 were formerly prohibited from public film performances, but a special category was introduced for this age group when the classification system was overhauled in 2014. A category for 14-year-olds was also introduced, and the lowest age rating was dropped from 4 years of age to 3. The categories are the following:- Para todos os públicos – For all the public.
- M/3 Passed for viewers aged 3 and older.
- M/6 Passed for viewers aged 6 and older.
- M/12 Passed for viewers aged 12 and older.
- M/14 Passed for viewers aged 14 and older.
- M/16 Passed for viewers aged 16 and older.
- M/18 Passed for viewers aged 18 and older.
- * P Special rating supplementary to the M/18 age rating denoting "pornography".
Qatar
- G – General Audience
- PG – Parental Guidance
- PG-13 – Individuals under 13 not admitted without adult accompaniment.
- PG-15 – Individuals under 15 not admitted without adult accompaniment.
- 15+ – Individuals under 15 not admitted.
- 18+ – Individuals under 18 not admitted.
Romania
- AG – General audience.
- AP-12 – Parental guidance for children under 12.
- N-15 – Not recommended for children under 15.
- IM-18 – Prohibited to minors under 18.
- IM-18-XXX – Prohibited to minors under 18 and projection in public.
- IC – Prohibition of communication.
Russia
The indication shown:
- 0+ – All ages are admitted.
- 6+ для детей старше 6 лет – Unsuitable for children under 6.
- 12+ для детей старше 12 лет – Unsuitable for children under 12.
- 16+ для детей старше 16 лет – Unsuitable for children under 16.
- 18+ запрещено для детей – Prohibited for children under 18.
- Фильмы, которым отказано в классификации – Banned.
Saudi Arabia
- G: General – For the general public.
- PG: Parental Guidance – Adult supervision recommended for children under the age of 12.
- PG12: Parental Guidance 12 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 12.
- PG15: Parental Guidance 15 – Adult supervision required for children under the age of 15.
- R15: Audiences under the age of 15 are prohibited.
- R18: Audiences under the age of 18 are prohibited.
Singapore
The categories are:
- G: General – Suitable for all ages.
- PG: Parental Guidance – Suitable for all but parents should guide their young.
- PG13: Parental Guidance 13 – Suitable for persons aged 13 and above but parental guidance is advised for children below 13.
- NC16: No Children Under 16 – Suitable for persons aged 16 and above.
- M18: Mature 18 – Suitable for persons aged 18 and above.
- R21: Restricted 21 – Suitable for adults aged 21 and above.
Slovakia
Jednotný systém označovania is a statutory board of Ministry of Culture of Slovakia under act 589/2007, which regulates age restriction of films, television programs and video games in Slovakia. In 2024, rating were once again updated, this time content descriptions were added and ratings -7, 7+, 12+ and 15+ were abolished.The age ratings are:
- "Teddy bear's head" – Content suitable for children younger than 12 years.
- U – General audience
- 7 – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years.
- 12 – Not recommended for people younger than 12 years.
- 15 – Not recommended for people younger than 15 years.
- 18 – Prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.
- -7 – Targeted at children younger than 7 years.
- 7+ – Appropriate for children older than 7 years.
- 12+ – Appropriate for people 12 years and over.
- 15+ – Appropriate for people 15 years and over.
South Africa
In South Africa, films are classified by the Film and Publication Board. Distributors and exhibitors are legally compelled to comply with the age ratings. All broadcasters, cinemas and distributors of DVD/video and computer games must comply with the following:- A: Suitable for all.
- PG: Parental Guidance
- 7–9PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 7. Children aged 7–9 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
- 10–12PG: Not suitable for children under the age of 10. Children aged 10–12 years old may not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
- 13: Not suitable for children under the age of 13.
- 16: Not suitable for persons under the age of 16.
- 18: Not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
- X18: No one under 18 admitted; restricted to licensed adult premises.
- XX: Must not be distributed or exhibited in public.
- S for sex.
- L for language.
- V for violence.
- P for prejudice.
- N for nudity.
- H for horror.
- D for substance abuse.
- SV for sexual violence.
South Korea
- ALL – Film suitable for all ages.
- 12 – Film intended for audiences 12 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
- 15 – Film intended for audiences 15 and over. Underage audiences accompanied by a parent or guardian are allowed.
- 19 – No one under 19 is allowed to watch this film.
- Restricted Screening – Film needs a certain restriction in screening or advertisement as it is considered a highly bad influence to universal human dignity, social value, good customs or national emotion due to excessive expression of nudity, violence, social behavior, etc..
- Theme - The effect on the formation emotions, values of group of age as well as the ability to understand and accept the theme.
- Sex and Nudity - Level of exposure of human body as well as caress, sexual intercourse and other sexual activities.
- Violence - Level of damage to human body and oppression through torture and blood battles, pain, indignity and sexual violence.
- Language - Level and frequency of vulgar language and slangs.
- Horror - Level of psychological shock resulting from tension, stimuli and threat.
- Drugs - Level of drugs use and promotion or glamorization of such activities.
- Imitative Behavior - Level of imitation, encouragement and stimulus to perform the expressed act of murder, drug, suicide, school violence and out casting and use of weapons.
Spain
- A – General admission.
- 7 – Not recommended for audiences under 7.
- 12 – Not recommended for audiences under 12.
- 16 – Not recommended for audiences under 16.
- 18 – Not recommended for audiences under 18.
- X – Prohibited for audiences under 18.
Sweden
The following categories are used:
- Btl – All ages.
- 7 – Children under the age of 7, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films that have been passed for children from the age of 7.
- 11 – Children over the age of 7, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films that have been passed for children from the age of 11.
- Not Approved/15 – Children over the age of 11, who are accompanied by an adult, are admitted to films with a 15-year limit.
Switzerland
Taiwan
From 1994 until 2015, the Government Information Office classified films into four categories pursuant to its issued Regulations Governing the Classification of Motion Pictures of the Republic of China : The "Parental Guidance" rating previously prohibited viewing by children under the age of 12 and required adolescents aged 12–17 to be accompanied by an adult. In 2015, the "Parental Guidance" rating was further divided into two categories: one that prohibits children under the age of 12 and one that prohibits adolescents under the age of 15.- 0+: 普遍級 – Viewing is permitted for audiences of all ages.
- 6+: 保護級 – Viewing is not permitted for children under 6; children between 6 and 11 shall be accompanied and given guidance by parents, teachers, seniors, adult relatives or friends.
- 12+: 輔導十二歲級 – Viewing is not permitted for children under 12.
- 15+: 輔導十五歲級 – Viewing is not permitted for those under 15.
- 18+: 限制級 – Viewing is not permitted for those under 18.
Thailand
The ratings were put into effect in August 2009. They are as follows:
- P – Educational.
- G – General audience.
- 13 – Suitable for viewers aged 13 years and over.
- 15 – Suitable for viewers aged 15 years and over.
- 18 – Suitable for viewers aged 18 years and over.
- 20 – Content is unsuitable for viewers aged under 20.
- Banned – Films that are not allowed to screen publicly in Thailand.
Turkey
- Genel İzleyici Kitlesi – General audience.
- 6A – Viewers under the age of 6 may watch with accompanying family members.
- 6+ – Restricted to viewers aged 6 and over.
- 10A – Viewers under the age of 10 may watch with accompanying family members.
- 10+ – Restricted to viewers aged 10 and over.
- 13A – Viewers under the age of 13 may watch with accompanying family members.
- 13+ – Restricted to viewers aged 13 and over.
- 16+ – Restricted to viewers aged 16 and over.
- 18+ – Restricted to viewers aged 18 and over.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian State Film Agency is the central executive body of cinematography in Ukraine. The Ratings issued by the Derzhkino are:- DA: ДА : Film aimed for children. They contain no violence or obscenity.
- ZA: ЗА : Suitable for all.
- 12: Suitable for children aged 12 and older; those under 12 may be admitted if accompanied by an adult as parents may find upsetting to them.
- 16: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 16 years of age.
- 18: Not allowed for viewing by persons under 18 years of age. Additionally, "18" rated features may only be screened in theatres after 18:00, and they may be broadcast on television only after 22:00.
- Denied: : Refused a classification by the Derzhkino. Content may not be shown, advertised, or distributed anywhere in Ukraine.
- *Films can be rejected if they promote war, violence, cruelty, and fascism aimed at eliminating Ukraine's independence.
United Arab Emirates
In June 2021, the Ministry of Culture and Youth launched the Media Regulatory Office to execute a number of functions and tasks previously under the National Media Council, following a restructure of the federal U.A.E. government that was approved in July 2020. This made the Media Regulatory Office the current authority for age ratings in the U.A.E. as of June 2021. The New Media Law came into force on December 1, 2023, in which the top logo of the label changed to reflect the corporate image of the UAE Media Council which went into effect in 2024.
As of December 2021, the following are the official classifications used for films in the U.A.E.:
- G – For public viewing, suitable for all age groups.
- PG – For public viewing, with adult supervision.
- PG13 – Persons below 13 allowed with adult supervisions.
- PG15 – Persons below 15 allowed with adult supervisions.
- 15+ – Ages 15 and above only.
- 18+ – Ages 18 and above only.
- 21+ – Ages 21 and above only. Films that receive this classification are legally restricted to its age group, but are authorised for commercial exhibition guaranteed without edits.
United Kingdom
The current BBFC system is:
- U – A U-rated film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
- PG – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG-rated film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older.
- 12A / 12 – Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A-rated film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.
- 15 – No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15-rated video.
- 18 – No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18-rated film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18-rated video.
- R18 – 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-rated video works may not be supplied by mail order.
United States
In the United States, film classification is a voluntary process with the ratings issued by the Motion Picture Association via the Classification and Rating Administration. The system was established in 1968, but the version listed below is the most recent revision, having been in effect since 1996. An unrated film is often informally denoted by "NR" in newspapers and so forth.- G – All ages admitted.
- PG – Some material may not be suitable for children.
- PG-13 – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
- R – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
- NC-17 – No one 17 and under admitted.
Venezuela
In the San Cristóbal municipality the following ratings apply:
- AA – Aimed at children under 12 years of age.
- A – Suitable for all ages.
- B – Suitable for audiences aged 12 years or older.
- C – Suitable for audiences aged 16 years or older.
- D – Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older.
- A – Suitable for all ages.
- B – Suitable for audiences aged 12 years or older.
- C – Suitable for audiences aged 16 years or older.
- D – Suitable for adults.
- A – Suitable for all ages.
- B – Suitable for audiences aged 14 years or older.
- C – Suitable for audiences aged 18 years or older.
Vietnam
The current ratings are:
- P – Suitable for all ages.
- K – Viewers under 13 years old are admitted provided that they are with their parents or guardians.
- T13 – Viewers under age 13 are not admitted.
- T16 – Viewers under age 16 are not admitted.
- T18 – Viewers under age 18 are not admitted.
- C – Prohibited.