R 18+

This article is about the Australian Restricted 18+ rating. For the British rating, see R18 (BBFC).

Finally, films and games with an R 18+ rating are only for adults as they have high impact content.

–Quick guide to Australian classification ratings video

Restricted (R 18+), or simply R, formerly SOA (Suitable only for adults), is one of the seven classification categories of the Australian film rating system and one of the six for the computer game system of the Australian Classification Board. It was one of the original four classification categories when the Board came into existence. The symbol is the letter R enclosed in a diamond/rhombus and the colour is black.

It is a legally restricted classification category. Material classified R 18+ is restricted to adults. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ classified films and computer games at a retail store or cinema. No one under the age stated may buy or rent these films or computer games. It works differently in Queensland, where no one aged between 2 and 17 is admitted (public exhibition only).

In terms of coarse language, nudity and adult themes, there are virtually no restrictions. Sexual activity may be realistically simulated according to the guidelines, though a handful of artistic titles with actual sexual activity have passed at the R 18+ rating, such as the two-part Nymphomaniac film series (although the general rule states "simulation, yes—the real thing, no"). Gratuitous real or sexual violence is not permitted at this classification category.

The classification was introduced for computer games on 1 January 2013. The first such computer game to receive the classification is Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge in February 2013. The guidelines for R 18+ rated computer games are notably stricter, forbidding any depiction of sexual violence (also includes implied sexual violence related to incentives/rewards), interactive realistic drug use (including illicit drug use related to incentives/rewards), or realistically simulated sexual activity. Guidelines for computer games also do not permit actual sexual activity even at R 18+, unlike those permitted occasionally on films. Games containing sexual activity or nudity that is related to incentives or rewards will automatically receive this classification category.

South Australian law requires stores to have a separate aisle for R 18+ rated content. Marking it is optional.

R 18+ rated content is described as high impact.

Factors

Themes

Themes are virtually unrestricted in the R 18+ category.

Violence

Basically, any form of violence is allowed. Graphic and realistic violence is permitted. Extreme, abhorrent or overly grotesque depictions of violence or graphic depictions of sexual violence are not allowed; content that includes those elements may be Refused Classification.

Examples of works that got the R 18+ classification for violence are the TV shows The Boys and Game of Thrones.

Sex

Graphic sex scenes can be accommodated within the R 18+ rating if it is simulated. Sexual references and humour can also be accommodated within the R 18+ rating; however, if the content depicts actual sexual activity, it will get an X 18+ rating although exceptions to this rule have been made. Abhorrent depictions of sexual activity (e.g., grotesque fetishes) may be Refused Classification. If the content depicts any sexual activity involving minors under 18, the content will immediately get Refused Classification because it is illegal under federal and/or state law.

Language

Coarse language is virtually unrestricted in the R 18+ category. Any word or slur can be used multiple times and in a sexual or aggressive manner due to language being unrestricted unless the language is sexually assaultive and in the context of an unsimulated sex scene which isn't even allowed at X 18+.

Drug use

Drug use can be present in R 18+ rated content. Films may show graphic depictions of drug use but R 18+ rated video games have slightly different rules. Drug use in R 18+ rated video games must not be related to rewards or incentives and must not condone drug use or give a positive effect.

Nudity

Nudity is unrestricted in the R 18+ category and can be shown frequently and prominently as long as there aren't minors in a sexual context (which will, of course, be Refused Classification).

Statistics

During the financial year that ended on 30 June 2022, the R 18+ classification was given to 11 films for public exhibition and 14 computer games.

List

• According to the ACB's classification database, 11K+ films and 11K+ computer games have been classified R 18+. (list)

Trivia

• Officially, only two channels (World Movies and Adults Only) are allowed to broadcast R18+ classified material on television. However, some R18+ classified films have been shown on television uncut with an MA15+/AV15+ classification applied by the network, such as A Clockwork Orange (SBS), Exotica (SBS), Last Tango in Paris (Channel 7), Pulp Fiction (SBS), and Shame (SBS).
• Although the R18+ rating means restricted to adults, according to the Classification Enforcement Act 1993 No 63 (line 14), parents or guardians are legally allowed to exhibit an R18+ classified film in the presence of a minor.
  • However, it is an offence to exhibit a film in the presence of a minor if the person exhibiting is unrelated to the minor.

Offences in Australia

R18+ is a legally restrictive rating. Values in italics indicate set fines.

Computer games

Offence	Max. fine (Penalty units)
Selling/hiring an R18+ classified computer game to a minor (NSW, Vic, WA, SA) Unless the person who sells or delivers/demonstrates the game is a parent or guardian of the minor (NT) Unless the person who sells or delivers the game is a parent or guardian of the minor and the child is 15 or older	100 (NSW) 60 (Vic) 100 (Qld) 50 (ACT) 20 (Tas) 100 (NT) $5,000 (WA) $5,000 (SA)
Demonstrating an R18+ classified computer game in a 'public place'	50 (NSW) 10 (Vic) 50 (Qld) 50 (ACT) 50 (Tas) 100 (NT) $2,000 (WA) $5,000 (SA)
Demonstrating an R18+ classified computer game in presence of child - in a place other than a 'public place' (NSW, Vic, ACT, WA, SA) Unless the person who sells or delivers/demonstrates the game is a parent or guardian of the minor	50 (NSW) 40 (Vic) 50 (Qld) 50 (ACT) 20 (Tas) 100 (NT) $2,000 (WA) $5,000 (SA)
Advertising an R 18+ classified computer game in a 'public place' Only in Victoria and South Australia	20 (Vic) $5,000 (SA)
Keeping an R 18+ classified computer game with other computer games and/or films Only in Western Australia and South Australia	$500 (WA) $5,000 (SA)

References

Australian Classification Board (ACB)