Motion picture content rating system

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. •  Yellow  – Advisory: Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range. •  Purple  – Strong advisory: Not recommended for a younger audience but not restricted. •  Red  – Restrictive: Parental accompaniment required for younger audiences. •  Black  – Prohibitive: Exclusively for older audiences / Restricted to licensed premises / Restricted to a specific audience / Banned. ==Argentina==

Through its Advisory Commission of Cinematographic Exhibition (Comisión Asesora de Exhibición Cinematográfica) the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) issues ratings for films based on the following categories: • 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 ==

The Classification Board and Classification Review Board are government-funded organisations which classify all films that are released for public exhibition. • Advisory categories • Check the Classification (CTC) - 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 (G) – General. The content is very mild in impact. The G classification is suitable for everyone. • Parental Guidance (PG) – 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 (M) – 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 (MA 15+) – Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The content is strong in impact. • Restricted (R 18+) – 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 (X 18+) – 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 (RC) – 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. Films intended to inform, educate or instruct or concerned with sport, religion or music are exempt from classification provided they do not contain material that would result in an "M" rating or higher if submitted for classification. ==Austria==

Motion pictures are rated by the Austrian Board of Media Classification (ABMC) for the Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur). 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:{{cite web |title=Age Rating of Movies and Similar Image Carriers by the Austrian Youth Media Commission • 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==

The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board classifies films in the Bahamas. Upon completion of the examination the Board will classify the film in accordance with the following ratings: • 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==

In Barbados, films are classified by the Film Censorship Board (FCB): • 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==

On 8 January 2020, Belgium adopted the Dutch Kijkwijzer classification system. Belgium had previously used a basic two-tier system, in place since 1 September 1920. Until January 2020, classifications for films publicly exhibited in Belgium were issued by the Inter-Community Commission for Film Rating (; ). Films were prohibited to minors under the age of 16 unless passed by the commission. There is no mandatory rating system for video formats but 90% of video distribution abides by the voluntary Belgium Video Federation. It was basically the same as the system for theatrical exhibition, but also provided a "12" rating. Under Kijkwijzer, the distributor fills out a questionnaire about the content of the film and an age category is automatically assigned. The new system is fully advisory, and carries no mandatory restrictions. In the French and German-speaking communities, the system is known as Cinecheck. 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==

All films that are exhibited in public or released on a home video format in Brazil must be submitted for classification to the advisory rating (Classificação Indicativa, abbreviated ClassInd), which is run by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça). Under 10s must always be accompanied by an adult guardian, even for films rated L. Anyone below the film's minimum age can watch it if accompanied or allowed by the parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old, except for those rated 18, which can only be allowed for teenagers aged 16+. Unlike many countries, the ClassInd does not have any legal right to ban, demand cuts or refuse to rate any film. 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 (General) • 6: Não recomendado para menores de seis anos (Not recommended for minors under 6) • 10: Não recomendado para menores de 10 anos (Not recommended for minors under 10) • 12: Não recomendado para menores de 12 anos (Not recommended for minors under 12) • 14: Não recomendado para menores de 14 anos (Not recommended for minors under 14) • 16: Não recomendado para menores de 16 anos (Not recommended for minors under 16) • 18: Não recomendado para menores de 18 anos (Not recommended for minors under 18) There are also operational descriptions of attenuating and aggravating elements that can interfere on the final rating. ==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 (C+ and D+) 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==

In Cambodia, the Department of Movies and Promotion of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) classifies films for exhibition in cinemas and on home media under the following age categories: • G – General audience. • NC15 – Permitted for persons aged 15 and over. • R18 – Permitted for persons aged 18 and over (only permitted to be shown in cinemas) ==Canada==

Film ratings in Canada are a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own legislation, rules and regulations regarding rating, exhibition and admission. Ratings are required for theatrical exhibition, but not all provinces require classification for home video. 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 (administered by the British Columbia Film Classification Office), 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 (along with Saskatchewan) also provide an "A" classification for adult content. • 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. (Formerly "Explicit Material (XXX)" in the Maritimes) its purview devolves from the Cinema Act (chapter C-18.1). In some cases the Ministry may refuse to provide a classification, effectively banning the film. Educational and sports films are exempt from classification. • G: Visa général (General Rating) – 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 (13 years and over) – 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 (16 years and over) – May be viewed, rented or purchased only by persons 16 years of age or over. • 18+: 18 ans et plus (18 years and over) – 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==

Films are classified by the Council of Cinematographic Classification (Consejo de Calificación Cinematográfica) which is a central agency under the Ministry of Education. In 2002, legislation was enacted which reversed the ban on all 1,090 films that had previously been banned in Chile. The current age ratings (enacted in 2002) are: • Todo Espectador – All spectators. • Inconveniente para menores de 7 años – Not recommended for children younger than 7 years of age. (Only applied on TE) • 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. Minors are allowed to watch cinematographic productions rated in an immediately higher category than their age if accompanied by any of their parents, guardians, or their teachers within the framework of their educational activities. This rule does not apply to films with pornographic or excessively violent content. Furthermore, films with pornographic content may only be exhibited at venues licensed for that purpose. ==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==

In the Cook Islands, publications such as films, TV shows and video games are classified by the Cook Islands Censorship Office in accordance with the Film and Censorship Act 1985. The following four classifications are used: • G (general) • PG (parental guidance) • MA (mature audiences) • R18 (restricted to adults) The Censorship Office does not define the age for a "mature audience", but its television code—which uses the same ratings—defines a child as "under 15 years". ==Costa Rica==

In Costa Rica, films are classified by the Ministry of Justice and Peace: • TP (Todo Público): All public • TP7 (Todo público, advertencia personas menores de 7 años acompañadas de una persona adulta): All public (parental guidance is recommended for children under 7) • TP12 (Todo público, personas con edad inferior a 12 años, acompañadas de una persona adulta): All public (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) • M12 (Mayores de 12 años): Over 12 years old • M15 (Mayores de 15 años): Over 15 years old • M18 (Mayores de 18 años): Over 18 years old • Material Cinematográfico recomendado (Recommended cinematographic material): Films and documentaries that, due to their content and various themes they present, are recommended for their cultural value. ==Denmark==

In Denmark, the Media Council for Children and Young People currently rates films. Films do not have to be submitted for a rating and in such instances must be labelled a "15" (restricted to people aged 15 and above). Children aged 7 and above may attend any performance—including those restricted to older audiences—if they are accompanied by an adult. • 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==

Film classification in Estonia is regulated by the Child Welfare Act. • 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==

In Fiji, films are classified by the Fijian Censors Board. In 2019 the ratings system was overhauled, resulting in four categories. There is a classification for general exhibition and two age-restrictive categories: 13 and an "adult" category. There is also a "restricted public exhibition" category that imposes special conditions. In 2025, the Cinematographic Film Amendment Bill updated the classification system; it re-introduced the PG rating (which had been abolished in 2019) and re-defined the "adult" classification to denote a person aged 18 and over (up from 16). The classifications are: • 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 (18 and over); • R – approved for restricted public exhibition subject to conditions imposed by the censor. ==Finland==

Films in Finland are classified by the National Audiovisual Institute. A minor up to 3 years younger than the age limit is permitted to see a film in a cinema when accompanied by an adult, except for 18-rated films. Films with an age rating may contain an additional marker for violence, sex, fear, or substance abuse. The ratings are as follows: • S (Finnish) or T (Swedish) – 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==

Prior to showing in theatres, a distribution certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Culture. The Minister will decide which certificate to issue based on a recommendation by the classification of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC). In some cases, films may be classified as "pornographic films or those containing an incitement to violence" or completely prohibited from screening. A certificate will be granted from the following: • TP (Tous publics) – 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 (prohibition) – Certificate totally prohibiting the screening of the film. No film has been refused a certificate since 1979. ==Germany==