By The Diary desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
Films shown in Singapore are classified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) into six ratings. G, PG and PG13 are advisory: anyone can watch, though parents are advised to guide younger children. NC16, M18 and R21 are age restrictions enforced by law, so a 15-year-old can’t be admitted to an NC16 film even with a parent. Cinemas must enforce the limits and may ask for photo identification.
Quick facts
- Six ratings: G, PG, PG13, NC16, M18 and R21.
- G, PG and PG13 are advisory.
- NC16, M18 and R21 are age limits enforced by law.
- Bring photo ID to restricted films.
- Consumer advice lists the reasons for a rating, such as violence or coarse language.
- You can look up any film’s rating on IMDA’s online database.
What does each rating mean?
| Rating | Meaning | Enforced? |
|---|---|---|
| G (General) | Suitable for all ages | Advisory |
| PG (Parental Guidance) | Suitable for all, but parents should guide young children | Advisory |
| PG13 | Suitable for 13 and above; parental guidance advised for younger children | Advisory |
| NC16 (No Children under 16) | Restricted to 16 and above | By law |
| M18 (Mature 18) | Restricted to 18 and above | By law |
| R21 (Restricted 21) | Restricted to 21 and above | By law |
What’s the consumer advice?
Short descriptions shown with the rating, naming the main content concerns, such as violence, nudity or sexual scenes. IMDA issues it for selected PG films and every film rated PG13 and above, and it appears on ticketing platforms and publicity. It’s the quickest way to tell why a film got its rating.
Does the same system apply at home?
Films and videos share the ratings, but videos sold here go up to M18 only. Pay TV and streaming services must offer parental locks for restricted content.
The WahLiao Verdict
Check the rating and consumer advice before booking family tickets, and bring ID for teenagers who look young. PG13 is advice, but NC16 is a hard line: a cinema will turn a 15-year-old away even with a parent.
Questions people ask
Can a parent take a child into a PG13 film?
Yes. PG13 is advisory; parents decide.
Can a 17-year-old watch an M18 film with a parent?
No. M18 is restricted by law to those aged 18 and above.
Why does a film have a different rating here than overseas?
IMDA rates films against Singapore’s own guidelines and community standards.
Where do I check a film’s rating?
On IMDA’s online classification database, or the cinema’s booking page.
Sources: IMDA, film classification guidelines, films classification and classification database.
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