Cinemas are generally very strict with "18" age restrictions, as it's a legal requirement, not just a suggestion, meaning no one under 18 is allowed in, even with a parent or guardian, and staff will ask for valid photo ID (passport, driver's license) if you look young, with no exceptions. They enforce this strictly because they can face fines and staff risk their jobs, so expect ID checks at the box office or by ushers, and don't argue if refused entry.
Our staff are legally required to ask for proof that you are old enough to watch an age restricted film if they have any doubt as to your age. an In order to prove your age, we require official I.D. that includes a photo and date of birth such as a passport (a photocopy of a passport is accepted) or a driver's license.
Films and computer games classified as R 18+ are legally restricted to adults 18 years and over. They can contain content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked to show proof of their age before purchasing or viewing a R 18+ film or computer game.
PG (Parental Guidance) General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for some children. 12A - No one under the age of 12 may see the film unless they are accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or over. 15 - No one under the age of 15 may see a 15 film in the cinema.
Nobody under the age of 18 can be admitted to films classified as 18. 3.2. Children under age 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all films starting at or after 7pm.
Regal Age Policy for R-Rated Films:
Guests aged 6 to 16 may only attend if accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. Guests aged 17 and up may purchase a ticket for themselves with valid photo ID. Guests aged 17 to 20 may purchase multiple tickets only if they provide valid photo ID for each additional ticket holder.
Yes, the MPAA guidelines state that an R rating means an unaccompanied minor must be 17 to purchase a ticket. Be sure to have ID with you, as some cinemas strictly enforce this policy.
*The adult must remain with you for the entire duration of the movie. * 🚫 No exceptions. 🎟️ IDs will be checked at the ticket counter and/or podium.
What Does “R” Mean? In the MPAA rating system, R stands for “Restricted.” It means the film may include strong language, intense violence, sexual content, or other mature themes. Viewers under 17 (or 18 in some states) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
AMC policies specific to R-Rated titles include children under 6 are not allowed at R-Rated movies after 6pm at any theatre. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by a guardian who is 21 or older. Please be prepared to show ID at the theatre.
Yes, an R rating generally means 18+, but in the U.S., it means under 17 needs a parent/guardian, while in places like Australia (R 18+), it's strictly 18+; R-rated content has mature themes like violence, sex, or language. In the US, R stands for "Restricted" (under 17 requires a parent), but theaters often enforce 18+ for some showings, especially for children under 6.
What should I bring to prove my age?
18A (18 Accompaniment): Suitable for people 18 years of age. Persons ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Identity documents
Some platforms may let you prove your age by scanning a physical ID, such as your passport, driving licence or national ID card. This is a reliable way for platforms to confirm your age if the right checks are in place.
Student Cards must be presented before entering the cinema. Concession tickets or Pensioner tickets are valid for those with a valid and current government-issued concession card which must be presented before entering the cinema. At IMAX Sydney, some sessions do not have 'child' tickets available.
Much like the certificates awarded by the British Board of Film Classification , they recommended age restrictions for certain films, namely: G - General audiences. M - Mature audiences. R - Restricted: no-one under 16 (later 17) admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
If a film is listed as a 15 rating or 18 rating, this means that no one under those ages may enter that performance.
The R18 certificate is the most restrictive of the certificates, allowing films in the category to be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or sold in licensed sex shops; admission to R18-rated films or sale of R18-rated recordings is restricted to persons aged 18 years and over.
“R” stands for "Restricted." This is the first rating that includes a strict rule: “Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian.” That means no one under 17 can watch an R-rated movie in a theater without having an adult with them.
Government Identity Documents (Passport, Driving Licence, National Identity Card) A reliable, physical identity document can be reviewed and the age details noted.
Use your Post Office PASS card to prove you're under 16, over 16 or over 18.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO SEE A RATED R MOVIE? Guests must be at least 17 years of age to attend a Rated R movie. Guests under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult to gain admittance to Rated R films. Adult guardians must be present for the duration of the film.
We reserve the right to require you to prove your age with appropriate photographic ID if you are going to a 12A, 15, 18 film or purchasing an alcoholic drink. 3.7 If you are unable to prove your age you will not be able to watch the film or buy an alcoholic drink.
In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. 15 - No-one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. 18 - No-one younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema.
For the R (Restricted) rating the MPAA states: “Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.”