Hey guys, welcome back to Top 5 Scary Videos, I’m Lucy McPhee, and oh boy do we have a
doozy for you today.
As a lover of horror and the controversial, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most
shocking films to be released, and the gruesome nature they behold.
Now, I’ve picked only those that are enjoyable, and not just snuff films that will leave you
scarred for eternity.
So this is the Top 5 Most Controversial Scary Films.
Before we begin thought make sure you give this video a big thumbs up if you’re a fan
of horror, and be sure to turn on notifications so you never miss another scary vid.
Ok, let's jump in.
5 The Last House On The Left Released in 1972 and directed by Wes Craven,
this film caused quite the stir upons it’s release, to the point of getting banned in
the United Kingdom until 2000.
Yeah.
Pretty bad.
So, why was it so controversial?
Well, to start, the film follows the story of a young teenage girl, Mari, who is kidnapped
by a gang of ruthless thugs and mercilessly tortured and raped in the woods.
It’s an absolutely horrific ordeal, and when trying to escape to her family home which
is close by, she is shot in the back and murdered.
The gang proceed to go to a nearby house, disguising themselves as salesmen.
Unbeknownst to them however, they pick the wrong house, and end up seeking shelter in
the home of Mari’s parents.
What ensues is a bloody showdown between the parents and the gang, it is devastating, but
justified battle.
However, the murder of the Mari herself was unjust, and thus banned and added to the list
of “Video Nasties”.
In 2000 though the film was once again presented to the BBFC and it garnered an “18” certificate
and in 2003, it was released on DVD after 31 seconds of cuts were made to the scenes
that depicted sexual violence.
In 2008, the uncut version of the film was finally made available to the public on wide
release.
Though tragic and terrifying, the film has overtime become a cult classic, and a perfect
addition to your Halloween movie watching list.
4 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Released in 1974, Texas Chain Saw Massacre
is an American horror directed by Tobe Hooper, and, of course, it received mixed reviews.
Los Angeles Times called it “Despicable”, and Roger Ebert classed it as “violent and
gruesome and blood-soaked”.
In classic British fashion the BBFC refused a certification for the uncut version of the
film, as well as refused to release it on home video.
However in 1999, after the director of the BBFC retired, the film was finally released
in theatre with an 18 certificate, 25 years after its original release.
I can only apologize for us Brits and our moral code.
The film focuses on a bunch of teens visiting the grave of one of their grandparents after
reports of vandalism and grave robbing.
Following this they pick up a hitchhiker, cos the 70’s, and this is where things unravel
for the group.
The hitchhiker takes a pocket knife from the group, slashing himself, and one of the teens
in the car.
They kick him out and then proceed on.
After searching for gas they stumble upon a nearby homestead and watching immerges is
a disturbing leatherface, chainsaw in tow.
The film is bloody and gruesome, but what do you expect from a film with chainsaw and
massacre in the title.
3 The Exorcist Now, some of you younger viewers might be
surprised that we included this on our list, but oh boy was this film poorly received on
it’s release, and not just by the public, but the Vatican.
Let's go back to Britain for a moment, the film was released in 73 but didn’t receive
distribution in the UK until the 1990’s, hard to believe.
Prior to that it was submitted numerous times to the BBFC for certification but was repeatedly
denied.
The film was only first shown on TV in the UK in 2001.
For those of you who don’t know, the film follows an exorcism of young girl who is being
tormented by a demon.
Now, in my opinion, the only shocking part of this film is the exorcism itself, and the
acts the young child must perform at the hands of the demon.
She repeatedly stabs herself with a crucifix, vomits over the priest, and even slashes her
own body.
It’s disturbing, and arguably the scariest film that has ever been produced.
In a dramatic turn of events the director of the film announced in 2016 that he had
been invited by the Vatican to film a real-life exorcism, which he described as been remarkably
similar to the 1973 films.
He said, I quote, “I don’t think I will ever be the same having seen this astonishing
thing.
I am not talking about some cult, I am talking about an exorcism by the Catholic Church in
Rome”.
Chills.
2 Cannibal Holocaust Now, this is where things get heavy.
Cannibal Holocaust is a 1980 Italian horror that garnered a ridiculous amount of controversy,
but I can’t say it was unwarranted.
Upon its premiere in Milan, the film was confiscated and the director arrested on murder charges,
as people believed that the acts of violence depicted in the film were real.
It also doesn’t help matters that the director made the cast sign a contract that banned
them from starring in any other productions until a year after in order to maintain the
films integrity, and to promote the idea that the film was actually found footage.
During the directors trial three of the actors were called upon, and you guessed it, they
were all alive.
The director then went on to show how he created some of the most infamous scenes in the film
and eventually all murder charges were dropped against him.
So, we have the backstory, but what was the film about?
Well, it follows an American film crew that disappears in the Amazon Rainforest and are
captured by an Indigenous tribe and brutally killed.
As a horror lover myself, this film is even a lot for me to swallow, so if you’re feeling
adventurous maybe check it out this Halloween, but remember, you have been warned.
1 Freaks You will never find the uncut version of this
film.
Ever.
Released in 1932 and directed by Tod Browning, this film resulted in 30 minutes being cut
from its original raw time.
Regardless of the amendments made to it, the film was still poorly received by viewers.
The Kansas City Star wrote, I quote, “There is no excuse for this picture.
It took a weak mind to produce it and it takes a strong stomach to look at it”.
And Harrison’s Report stated “Any one who considers this entertainment should be
placed in the pathological ward in some hospital’.
Well, I guess I should be heading there now then, because I LOVE this film.
And in later years so do many more, including the creators of American Horror Story who
drew inspiration from it for their season 4 titled “Freak Show”.
Freaks follows a travelling circus, and more specifically a trapeze artist conspiring to
kill the sideshow midget in order to inherit his wealth.
What drew criticism though was the use of, I quote, “Real Freaks”.
It was of coursed banned for a number of years before resurfacing at a handful of midnight
movie screenings the states.
Well there we have it, have you guys seen any of these films?
Were there any that we missed on our list?
Let us know below and perhaps we can do a part 2.
While you’re down there be sure to give this video a thumbs up, subscribe, and turn
on notifications so you can be notified every time we post a new scary vid.
And, until next time, see ya later.