Submitted to the British Board of Film Censors on 22 January 1952 and passed with an "X" certificate for adults only, much to the dismay of M-G-M who were hoping that their most expensive film to date would reach maximum audiences. The London premiere took place three days later and played simultaneously at the Carlton and Ritz cinemas, running for 13 weeks and 69 weeks respectively. When the film finally closed at the Ritz on 20 May 1953, The Times was still advertising it as an "X." In the meantime, M-G-M had been approaching local authorities to try to get the film re-classified for the "road show" tour at higher prices, (much the same way that Columbia tried to get Il selvaggio (1953) re-certified by local authorities to overturn the BBFC decision). M-G-M were successful in Bolton, Cardiff, Coventry, Liverpool, Swansea and Walsall where Quo Vadis was passed with a local "A" certificate so accompanied children could be admitted. The advertisements at each location made clear that "we guarantee that this film is exactly the same as that shown in London." Aberdeen went even further. According to the ads in the local Evening Express, "Aberdeen magistrates have granted permission for Quo Vadis to be universally shown," which seemed to indicate certificate "U" for all ages accompanied or not. For the general release at normal prices (starting at Weston-super-Mare on 26 July 1953), M-G-M returned the film to the censor with 453 feet (about five minutes) removed, mainly lions chomping Christians. Re-certified on 15 July 1953 as an "A," this was the abridged version seen by most of the British public.

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