Adverts
These films have surpassed limits in several countries, being censored, prohibited or destroyed for questions policies, religious or morals, becoming icons from the cinema. See also 7 films disturbing based on real facts.
1. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
📺 Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
🎠Gender: Dystopia, Crime, Psychological Drama
🎬 Direction: Stanley Kubrick
🚫 Prohibited in: United Kingdom (self-censorship), South Korea, Malaysia
Inspired by the work of Anthony Burgess, the film is set in a tumultuous future where young people are involved in intense and merciless acts of violence. The focus is on the character Alex and his cruel attacks.
Following a rise in crimes allegedly inspired by the film, Kubrick requested that it be pulled from release in the United Kingdom, resulting in its self-censorship. In several nations, the film was banned due to its scenes of extreme violence, including rape and torture, as well as its fierce criticism of government oppression.
🎯 Why watch: Much more than scenes of violence, the work provides an in-depth analysis of social control, the manipulation of individual freedom and moral hypocrisy.
2. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
📺 Where to watch: Apple TV
🎠Gender: Religious Drama, Historical
🎬 Direction: Martin Scorsese
🚫 Prohibited in: Greece, Türkiye, Philippines, Mexico, Chile, Singapore
Disguised as a documentary, the film depicts a film crew being captured by a cannibal tribe in the Amazon. Its explicit content, including footage of real animal deaths, has resulted in bans in several countries. The film has been attacked by many religious groups, accusing it of blasphemy.
During its screening, violent protests occurred in several places, including a cinema being set on fire in Paris.
🎯 Why watch: One of Scorsese's most audacious films, it offers a unique take on faith, doubt and the dilemma between divinity and humanity.
3. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
📺 Where to watch: Apple TV (edited versions)
🎠Gender: Horror, Found Footage, Gore
🎬 Direction: Ruggero Deodato
🚫 Prohibited in: Over 50 countries including Italy, UK, Australia and New Zealand
Perhaps the most controversial film of all time. Presented as a documentary, it depicts a film crew being captured by a cannibal tribe in the Amazon. The graphic content, which includes real animal deaths, led to its ban in several countries.
The director was even detained on charges of murder, until he was able to prove that the actors were alive.
🎯 Why watch: A disturbing and divisive film, but one that serves as a critique of media sensationalism and the exploitation of indigenous cultures.
These films defied censorship and became icons of cinema. But what happens when reality is even more surprising? Discover the 7 Films Based on True Stories That Seem Lies.
4. A Serbian Film (2010)
📺 Where to watch: Hard to find legally – watch with extreme caution
🎠Gender: Extreme Horror, Drama
🎬 Direction: Mr. Spasojevic
🚫 Prohibited in: Spain, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom (in parts)
This film gained notoriety for its extreme scenes of sexual violence, pedophilia, and simulated necrophilia. It is often referred to as one of the most disturbing films of all time, even by critics who defend freedom of artistic expression.
Although the director claims the work is a political metaphor about abuses in post-war Serbia, its explicit content resulted in it being censored in several countries.
🎯 Why watch (with caution): A radical critique of abuse of power and censorship, but it is extremely strong and not recommended for any viewer.
5. Nymphomaniac (Nymphomaniac, Vol. I and II – 2013)
📺 Where to watch: Netflix (censored version), Apple TV
🎠Gender: Erotic, Psychological Drama
🎬 Direction: Lars von Trier
🚫 Prohibited in: Türkiye, China, Malaysia, Russia (with severe restrictions)
Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and Shia LaBeouf, the film follows the journey of a woman obsessed with sex, from childhood to adulthood. With real sex scenes (performed with stunt doubles and CGI), the film was banned in several countries for being seen as pornographic and immoral.
In addition to the explicit scenes, the film explores issues such as guilt, abuse, misogyny, religion and self-destruction.
🎯 Why watch: A provocative and philosophical film, where Lars von Trier explores the limits of art and sexuality with a raw and disturbing approach.
Don't stop here! How about diving even deeper into the world of cinema and discovering 7 Films Based on True Stories That Seem Lie and 7 Disturbing Films Based on Real Crimes?
Why were these movies banned?
These films challenged the norm and exposed issues that many would rather ignore — or explored themes so controversial that they sparked intense reactions. They were not only censored for their violence or sexual content, but also for their bold ideas, political critiques or religious interpretations.
And it is precisely this provocative character that makes them so powerful.
🧠Conclusion: When Art Provokes, It Fulfills Its Function
These films pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable and, as a result, faced censorship, persecution and boycotts. However, they all left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. Watching these works does not mean agreeing with everything they show, but reflecting, questioning and facing discomfort as part of a deeper cinematic experience. Because sometimes the most impactful cinema is the one that challenges us to look beyond the surface.
