Films classified 15A have been deemed appropriate for viewers of fifteen and over. However, they can also be seen by younger children - provided they are accompanied by an adult who has deemed the film appropriate viewing for that child. In such cases, IFCO strongly recommends that parents/guardians make informed decisions by accessing the consumer advice available on this website.
-Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO)
15A (formerly 15PG) is a film classification issued by the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), for use in the Republic of Ireland. The classification in question does not allow unaccompanied viewers who are under the age of 15 to watch films which fall under this category.
The alternative for 15A for home video is 15.
Equivalent to: Low R for movies and hard TV-14/low TV-MA for television.
Guidelines[]
According to the IFCO:
- Themes: "Most themes/content will be acceptable with classification decided by the way the subject is treated."
- Violence: "Violence may be realistic but not gratuitous or focus on bloody injury. Strong gory images will only be permitted if justified by the context in which they are presented. We take particular account of the way in which sexual violence is portrayed. Any such content in this category should be discreetly presented and contextually justified. Generally, horror in this category will be psychological in nature. Acts of sadism common to the genre are not permissible."
- Sex/Nudity: "Strong sex references may be acceptable at 15A. Scenes of a sexual nature may also be acceptable but will not be explicit or prolonged."
- Language: "Strong language is allowed at 15A. Frequent or aggressive use of these terms will have to be justified within the context of the piece."
- Drugs: "Scenes or dialogue relating to drugs may be acceptable in an appropriate context, but not if there is glamorization, instruction or encouragement as to use."
Statistics[]
85 films for cinema release were given a 15A certificate by the IFCO (2021 Annual Report). It is usually the most common IFCO cinema rating, but it was surpassed by the number of 12A certificates given by the IFCO in 2021.
E.g., Licorice Pizza (consumer advice: Strong language, sex references and soft drug use.)
Trivia[]
- The British Board of Film Classification does not have a film certificate equivalent to the Republic of Ireland's 15A as their 15 certificate is a hard age restriction. However, in March 2022, the Belfast City Council overruled the BBFC's decision on giving a 15 certificate to The Batman and allowed under 15s to be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
| Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) |
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Cinema certificates     
Video certificates |
