They say that from controversy comes great art.
Controversial films have long been a source of both criticism and fascination, pushing
cultural boundaries while allowing filmmakers to express their perspectives in challenging
ways.
But not all controversial films have been welcomed with open arms - some have been banned
outright in the United States for being too extreme or offensive to the general public.
While these bans raise important questions about artistic censorship and freedom of expression,
they also provide us with an opportunity to peek into the dark corners of cinema that
we wouldn't normally get otherwise.
So let's take a look at some of history's most talked-about banned movies from around
the world—from graphic horror films to coming-of-age flicks that depicted explicit sexuality—and
explore how they challenge our beliefs while illuminating critical contemporary issues.
Facts Verse Presents: Controversial Movies That Are BANNED in the United States
Cannibal Holocaust - 1980
Cannibal Holocaust is a fictional film that has been banned in multiple countries due
to its controversial content and has been mired in scandal since its release.
It follows an anthropologist as he ventures into the Rainforest of South America to uncover
the truth about a team of four missing filmmakers.
The movie featured footage that many believed to be genuine, leading to allegations that
it was an actual snuff film.
Cannibal Holocaust is considered one of the most banned and controversial films on record,
shocking viewers with graphic violence and imagery while igniting a heated debate among
film critics.
Despite the harsh criticisms, many consider it an effective piece of filmmaking that puts
a spotlight on issues such as human rights and colonialism.
Cannibal Holocaust was also criticized for its gratuitous depictions of animal cruelty,
and according to a report by SlashFilm, a few of the people involved in its production
ended up receiving suspended sentences in Italy after being convicted of violence and
obscenity charges.
Pink Flamingos – 1972
The cult classic film, "Pink Flamingos", by "Hairspray" director John Waters, has long
been banned in several countries, including at one time America, due to its controversial
and scandalous portrayal of "perverse" sexual acts that depicted homosexual and heterosexual
relations as well as numerous scenes of full-frontal nudity.
However, despite this initially discouraging response, the film remains a testament to
honest artistic expression.
It also helped launch the underground stardom of the legendary drag queen and actress Divine.
The film dives deep into the world of underground subcultures, highlighting aspects of taboos
that society tries to ignore.
To this day, it is remembered as a timeless piece of banned cinema that was arguably ahead
of its time.
I Am Curious - 1967
The banned movie "I Am Curious" created a massive stir in its day.
When it was released, it caused quite a scandal and shocked audiences.
The film was all about the sexual awakening of a young girl.
In the state of Massachusetts, it ended up getting banned for being a "pornographic"
film.
The movie received its 'obscene' label for showing several scenes that depicted explicit
sexual acts and nudity, including one scene that showed the young actress kissing an actor's
flaccid member.
Despite the controversy, it remains a popular film that is remembered for breaking boundaries
in regard to sexual expression, free speech, and censorship.
The movie started a new era of films that pushed the limits on what could be discussed
and depicted openly and freely.
To this day, the movie retains its iconic place in cinema due to the pivotal role it
played in banned movies and films.
That said, you probably shouldn't watch it as there's simply no understating of just
how awful the sexual exploitation of minors is.
The Last Temptation of Christ – 1988
The Last Temptation of Christ is a religious drama directed by Martin Scorsese that stirred
up controversy among Christian viewers.
Viewers were dismayed at the scandalous premise of the film, which follows Jesus, portrayed
by William Dafoe, in his struggle with his own temptations and mortality.
The movie included scenes that involved Christ fantasizing about engaging in sexual activities.
Obviously, this was met with wildly mixed responses from audience members.
Many went as far as to claim that the film was blasphemous, while others simply saw it
as an artistic re-imagining of the Passion story.
Despite being banned in numerous regions including parts of the US, and being barred from entering
film competitions, it was hailed as a remarkable piece of filmmaking when released to theatres.
Even today it remains an example of one of the most controversial films ever created.
Though scorned by many, its impact on cinema cannot be denied.
Monty Python's The Life Of Brian - 1970
Monty Python's Life Of Brian is one of the most banned movies in film history.
At its time of release, it caused a great deal of controversy and scandal due to its
irreverent take on religion.
The movie's mocking nature of faith was so shocking to audiences that it's initial showing
at an American theater drew protests by hundreds of people - making it one of the first banned
movies of the 1970s.
Despite the backlash, this classic comedy went on to become one of the Monty Python
troupe's most successful films, spawning both spin-off books and even a musical adaptation.
Haxan - 1922
Häxan is an early 20th-century Swedish banned silent film that caused quite a stir back
in the day and still stands as a classic horror film today.
Written and directed by Benjamin Christensen, the film was banned in many countries due
to its controversial, albeit revolutionary, blend of documentary footage and horror themes
that touched on topics like witchcraft and demons.
The film proposed that the witch hunts of the 15th century may have stemmed from misunderstandings
of mental illness triggered by mass hysteria.
Though it faced much controversy and scandal due to its subject matter when it was first
released, Häxan has since cemented itself in history as one of the most influential
banned films ever created.
To this day, many individuals praise it for its subtle terror, raw emotion, and ability
to captivate audiences.
Scarface – 1932
The original Scarface has been banned in multiple regions since its release, making it one of
the most controversial films of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Despite a cycle of bans and re-releases throughout different nations, this classic movie stands
firm as a sustained success in the medium of film.
The movie would be banned for containing "excessive violence," and was met with scandal not only
due to its controversial content but also its perceived moral relativity towards gangsters.
Scarface pushed boundaries and explored crime scenes typically untold, giving this epic
an ever-lasting mark on cinema's history.
Despite being banned, the film was praised for its sound and cinematography.
Reportedly it was a turning point for the gangster film genre, influencing subsequent
films of this type.
Scarface has left an ongoing impression on popular culture to date, with many people
still recognizing the iconic logos and posters associated with the movie years later.
Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story – 1981
This early-80s film is arguably one of the more famous banned movies in history.
Despite being banned and shrouded in controversy, it has since become a classic film and beloved
tribute to the late stars.
Directed by legendary director Todd Haynes, best known for his work on I'm Not There and
Far From Heaven, this 48-minute biographical tragedy paints an honest portrait of The Carpenters
singer Karen Carpenter's life, fame, and downward spiral, exploring themes such as her relationship
with her mom and battle with anorexia.
The film was shown at many film festivals but immediately after Richard Carpenter saw
it, he objected to the insinuation that it made about his sexual orientation as well
as how it shed a bad light on his family.
He went on to argue that Haynes had never obtained the music licenses for the film and
that legal battle ended up getting the movie banned.
The Tin Drum - 1979
The Tin Drum, a film based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Günter Grass, stirred
up quite a bit of controversy when it was released in 1979.
Despite being banned in several states and countries due to explicit content, the film
still managed to become one of the most successful German films ever made.
Set in Poland in the 1920s, the movie follows a young boy named Oskar who begins exhibiting
strange abilities after being gifted a Tin Drum on his third birthday.
The actor who played Oskar, David Bennet, was just 11 years old at the time of the film's
production.
In one scene he appeared alongside a 24-year-old actress in a sexually provocative situation.
Due to David's young age and the scandalous content of that scene, the movie was first
banned in Oklahoma County where reportedly all copies were confiscation.
Not only that, but a man that had rented the film even faced prosecution.
The Profit - 2001
"The Profit" is one of the more controversial banned movies in recent history, drawing intrigue
and interest through years of the scandal surrounding the film.
This critically-lauded film was based upon the life of Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard
and is essentially a parody about a cult leader who fleeces his followers.
Despite not mentioning Hubbard by name, The Profit tells the story of a charismatic businessman's
unethical methods to generate significant profits while living in a society that looks
at his actions with disdain.
By using ridiculous tricks, he manages to con his disciples out of mountains of cash.
The Church of Scientology ended up securing an injunction against the film due to its
similiarites to its leader, and distribution was subsequently blocked.
The Birth of a Nation – 1915
This silent film drama was initially lauded by critics thanks to its cinematic quality.
It's usually regarded as one of the landmark films of early cinema.
That being said, it has been frequently described as one of the most racist Hollywood films
of all time.
Not only does it depict white actors in blackface, but it also depicts the KKK in a way that's
not only positive but downright heroic.
Set during the American Civil War, following the story of two families, one Southern and
one Northern, The Birth of the A Nation sparked an explosion of controversy, especially among
Black Americans who protested it heavily after its release, calling for its ban so as to
not incite senseless violence.
With that, we'll go ahead and wrap this video up.
We hope you've enjoyed checking out these controversial banned movies with us.
Which BANNED movie is your favorite, and can you think of any other film that has been
heavily censored or banned that deserves a shoutout?
Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching!