Top 10 Banned Movies

[WARNING: Some clips in this list feature highly graphic or unsettling content.] Throughout cinematic history, various films have been prohibited by censorship bodies or review agencies due to political or moral concerns. Often, these movies undergo edits to remove objectionable material before being re-released. This compilation features films that have faced public viewing restrictions at some point. The ranking is determined by factors such as the ban's severity, critical reception, and the film's popularity.

10. Grotesque

Grotesque, a 2009 Japanese splatter horror film, follows a young couple abducted during their first date and subjected to brutal torture by a deranged captor. Known for its graphic depictions of eye gouging and amputations, the film is banned in several countries, including the UK. Critics have panned Grotesque for its lack of narrative depth and character development, contrasting it unfavorably with successful splatter films like Hostel or Saw. The movie received predominantly negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.

9. Mikey

Released in 1992, Mikey faced bans in numerous countries and remains prohibited in the UK to this day. The ban was influenced by its graphic depictions of torture and murder, as well as its association with the 1993 James Bulger case, where two children killed a toddler. The film follows Mikey Holt, a nine-year-old sociopath who brutally murders his foster parents and friends. His caregivers often die in suspicious “accidents,” forcing Mikey to relocate frequently. The story focuses on Mikey’s efforts to evade suspicion by eliminating anyone who might uncover his murderous nature.

8. The Human Centipede 2

If you’re familiar with the first Human Centipede film, it’s no shock that its sequel narrowly escaped bans in several countries. The plot revolves around a deranged Dutch scientist who abducts three American tourists and surgically connects them in a grotesque manner. Critics have slammed the film for dehumanizing its victims, portraying them solely as objects for the protagonist’s sadistic pleasure and the audience’s shock value.

The sequel, set for release in October 2011, was denied classification in the UK. Director Tom Six claimed the sequel is far more graphic than the original, stating it makes the first film seem tame by comparison. This installment features a larger centipede involving twelve individuals and includes explicit scenes of rape and masturbation. The trailer above is for the original Human Centipede.

7. Scum

Scum is a gritty and unsettling portrayal of life in a 1970s British Borstal for young offenders. Initially banned from television due to its explicit scenes of racism, gang rape, suicide, and violence, the film was entirely remade in 1979. The new version featured Ray Winstone in his breakout role as Carlin. Despite also facing a ban, a court ruling eventually allowed its distribution in the UK. Critics lauded the remake for its realistic depiction of the harsh borstal system.

Borstals at the time offered little to no rehabilitation, with inmates often subjected to brutal beatings by older wardens. The film captures the survival-of-the-fittest mentality among the boys, exemplified by Winstone’s character as he climbs to the top of the hierarchy, becoming the “Daddy.” The scene above highlights Carlin’s rise to power and his takeover of the borstal’s leadership.

6. A Serbian Film

Banned in Spain, Norway, and Brazil, A Serbian Film is widely regarded as one of the most contentious movies ever made. Its ban was driven by scenes depicting child rape, incest, and murder. The film received polarized reviews, with some critics condemning its extreme sexual violence. The story follows an aging porn star who agrees to one final film to leave the industry, only to find himself coerced into a pedophilia-themed snuff film with no way out.

5. Natural Born Killers

Directed by Oliver Stone and released in 1994, Natural Born Killers is based on a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, inspired by the murderous rampage of Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate. The film faced a complete ban in Ireland and was initially denied distribution in the USA. After Stone removed roughly four minutes of footage, the MPAA permitted its release.

The movie sparked significant controversy for its glamorization of violence, portraying the killers as celebrities with fans and merchandise. It has been linked to real-life copycat crimes, most notably the Columbine High School massacre. The perpetrators, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, reportedly quoted the film during their rampage and wore clothing reminiscent of Mickey Knox’s outfit from the movie’s opening scene.

4. The Evil Dead

The Evil Dead, released in 1981, tells the terrifying tale of five college students whose peaceful retreat to a remote cabin turns into a nightmare when they unleash evil forces by playing an ancient audiotape. Despite its low budget, this slasher film earned critical acclaim, performed well at the box office, and has since gained a dedicated cult following.

Due to its intense violence and horror, The Evil Dead is prohibited in countries like Finland, Germany, Iceland, and Ireland. One of the most controversial scenes involves a young woman being assaulted by a tree possessed by an evil spirit, which has been widely criticized as misogynistic and disturbing. The film also features graphic depictions of dismemberment and torture, contributing to its ban in several regions.

3. The Exorcist

Released in 1973, The Exorcist has left an indelible mark on popular culture and is often hailed as one of the most terrifying horror films ever made. It is also one of the highest-grossing films, earning $441 million globally. Banned in numerous towns and countries for its terrifying content and religious themes, the film caused such extreme reactions that paramedics were frequently called to theaters to assist fainting or hysterical viewers. In the UK, it wasn’t released until 1990, when it received an 18 rating from the BBFC. The story follows a young girl possessed by a demon, with the exorcism and surrounding events forming the core narrative. Unlike other banned films, its prohibition stems from psychological terror rather than excessive violence, utilizing a gripping plot and subliminal techniques to unsettle audiences.

2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

When The Texas Chainsaw Massacre debuted in 1974, it was immediately banned in numerous countries, and many theaters pulled it from screens due to complaints about its extreme violence. Marketed as based on a true story to draw larger crowds, the film is entirely fictional, though inspired by the gruesome crimes of serial killer Ed Gein, who collected body parts like skin masks and heads from his victims.

The film follows five friends visiting their grandfather’s old house, only to be hunted and killed by a chainsaw-wielding masked killer and his cannibalistic family. Despite initially poor reviews, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre briefly held the title of the highest-grossing independent film ever. It is now regarded as a landmark in horror cinema, pioneering the slasher genre and popularizing the use of power tools and faceless, hulking killers in horror films.

1. Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust, an Italian horror film, remains banned in over fifty countries. Upon its release, director Ruggero Deodata was arrested on murder charges due to rumors that the film was a snuff film, though he was later exonerated. Shot in the Amazon rainforest, the movie features real indigenous tribe members.

The story follows a rescue mission searching for a missing documentary crew who vanished while filming indigenous tribes. The team recovers the crew’s film reels, revealing their grim fate. The production involved the killing of seven animals, including a scene where a squirrel monkey is decapitated and eaten by tribe members. With scenes of graphic murder, including impalement, Cannibal Holocaust is considered one of the most disturbing and violent films ever made.