Animated Films Mature as More Cartoons Earn 12A Ratings

One in three animated films released in UK cinemas this year have received an age rating of 12A or higher, a significant increase from previous years, according to research from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). This shift indicates that animated films are increasingly being produced with themes and content suitable for older audiences.

The proportion of animated films rated 'U' has fallen to roughly one in five releases, a low not seen since the turn of the millennium when about two-thirds of animated films received a 'U' rating. In contrast, the number of animations rated 15 certificates reached a record high of 22 in 2025.

Rise of Anime and Broader Appeal

Industry experts suggest that the growing popularity of Japanese anime is a significant driver behind this trend. Anime titles now account for nearly 40 percent of animated features classified by the BBFC, indicating their increasing presence in the UK film market. Popular Japanese anime creators, such as those from Studio Ghibli, are attracting older demographics to cinemas.

Kate O'Connor, strategic lead for Animation UK, views this shift positively, stating that it reflects a broader acceptance of animation across various genres. "Animation has lost its stigma as only being for youngsters," O'Connor told The Times. "We're seeing a much wider recognition that animation can tell any story, for any audience. It can be funny, challenging, political, emotional or unsettling."

Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have also improved access to foreign film titles, contributing to market diversification. The BBFC's chief executive, David Austin, noted that many animated titles are now created for teenage and adult audiences, making them unsuitable for young children.

Example of Mature Animation

This trend is exemplified by the recent release of the stop-motion film "Wildwood," a dark fantasy co-created by the same team behind "Coraline." The film has been given a 12A rating, with content warnings that include violence, injury, mature themes such as a decaying child's body and suicide-related material, partial nudity, and bad language. Film magazine Empire described "Wildwood" as a "dark piece of work."

Overall, the number of animated films classified by the BBFC has surged, with 95 animations classified last year, a substantial increase from just 15 in 2000. This growth, coupled with the increasing diversity of themes and target audiences, signifies a maturation of the animated film genre.