The British Board of Film Classification, often abbreviated as the 'BBFC' is an independent,non governmental body, which was set up in 1912 and has classified films ever since under the certificates of U,PG,12A,12,15 and 18. I'm going to focus on the 15 and 18 classifications as that's the typical target audience of a horror film.
A 15 certificate is suitable only for people age 15 years and older. No one younger than 15 can see a 15 film at the cinema. No one younger than 15 can buy or rent a 15 rated video work.
Discrimination- must not endorse discriminatory behaviour.
Drugs- drug taking may be shown but the film cannot promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and dangerous substances is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror- strong threat and menace are allowed unless sadistic or sexualised.
Imitable behaviour- dangerous behaviour e.g. hanging or self-harming should not be featured in detail which could be copied and easily accessible weapons should not be glorified
Language- There may be frequent use of strong language, stronger words may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language possible is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity- may be allowed in a sexual context but not in strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity ion a non sexual or educational context.
Sex- sexual activity may be portrayed but not in strong detail. There could be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are not likely to be acceptable unless they are justified by context.
Theme- no theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for anyone 15 years or over.
Violence- violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Really strong gory images are not likely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There could be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
An 18 certificate is only suitable for adults and no one younger than 18 can see an 18 rated film at a cinema and no one under 18 can buy or rent an 18 rated video work.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations and the human rights act 1998, that at '18' the BBFC will not override the principle that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment. However there are some exceptions in the following areas:
Where the material material is in breach of criminal law or has been created as a criminal offence.
If the BBFC thinks the material or treatment risks harm to individuals or through, their behaviour to society such as, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts or illegal drug use, which may cause harm or damage the health of the public or effect people's morals. This could include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which may eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by the context
If sex material is genuinely seeking to inform and educate in matters of human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.
