The UK’s main rating agency, the British Board of Film Classification, has revealed that it has developed and deployed for the first time a bespoke AI tool to support the classification of HBO Max’s entire catalog ahead of its UK launch earlier this year.
In its 2025 annual report, the BBFC said it used AI tools to classify the entire HBO Max library in six months, a process it claims would have otherwise taken approximately 1,570 compliance officer working days.
The AI tool generated “detailed metadata” highlighting specific compliance issues, such as violence, nudity and language, for human review. However, final age ratings and bespoke content advice remain the sole responsibility of BBFC Officers.
In the report, the BBFC also announced that it had classified 1,315 feature films scheduled for release in 2025, the most in the BBFC’s 113-year history and surpassing the previous record of 1,256 films set in 2024. As in previous years, the 15 rating was the most frequently issued classification, applied to 45% of film submissions, closely followed by the 12A at 35%. The 18 classification remained the least common, accounting for 4% of motion picture films.
2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the BBFC and Netflix’s self-rating partnership. The collaboration was the first of its kind between the BBFC and a streaming service and ensured that all of Netflix’s UK catalog content was assessed in line with the Commission’s classification guidelines. This model has since been adopted by other companies.
Phil Clapp, chief executive of the British Film Institute, said: “The BBFC’s classification of a record 1,315 feature films in 2025 highlights the resilience and vitality of the UK film sector.” “Beyond the numbers, this is also a powerful story that reflects how people are choosing to spend their time, especially with the growing number of young viewers flocking to screens these days.”
“The BBFC’s role is more important than ever in providing the trusted age ratings and expert content advice that moviegoers have always relied on.”
