Buzz
Over the decades, governments at various levels—local, state, and national—have intervened to prevent certain films from reaching theaters. While this might appear as an infringement on a filmmaker's right to free expression, some bans were justified, while others remain questionable. Interestingly, in one instance, the filmmaker themselves chose to restrict their movie's distribution. These controversies not only spark debate but also add layers of drama to the films' legacies.
10. A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange portrays a dystopian Britain filled with graphic depictions of rape, brutality, and violence. The film centers on Alex DeLarge, a charismatic yet deranged criminal, as he navigates a life of crime and undergoes controversial psychological treatment.
Initially released uncensored in Britain in 1971, the film sparked widespread debate due to its explicit violence. Reports of real-life crimes mimicking the movie's scenes dominated British media, prompting Kubrick to restrict its distribution until 1973, when it debuted in the United States. The American audience, however, reacted less intensely, as the story was set in Britain.
Many critics argued that the film romanticized violence and inspired criminal behavior in Britain. A notorious incident in 1973 involved a Dutch girl being assaulted by attackers who mimicked DeLarge's rendition of “Singing in the Rain.” In response, Kubrick edited out 30 seconds of footage to secure an R rating, replacing the original X rating.
Banned in Britain for 27 years, A Clockwork Orange resurfaced in its uncut form in 2000. Adapted from a novel, the film challenges societal norms and continues to unsettle audiences with its provocative themes.
9. Scarface: The Shame Of The Nation
Distinct from the 1983 Al Pacino version, Scarface: The Shame of the Nation was set to premiere in 1932 under the direction of Howard Hawks. The film highlighted the brutal activities of 1930s gangsters, leading to its prohibition in several U.S. states and Nazi Germany. It wasn’t until 1979 that the movie was widely accessible to American audiences.
Gangster movies were a hit in the 1930s, but this particular film pushed ethical boundaries, prompting United Artists to withhold its release in numerous states. Chicago also postponed screenings due to the city's escalating gangster influence at the time.
Though it earned no awards, the film was adapted from Armitage Trail's 1930 novel, Scarface. It chronicled the ruthless exploits of Al Capone, despite the fact that Capone was incarcerated during the film's production.
8. Monty Python’s Life Of Brian
Debuting in 1979, Monty Python’s Life of Brian faced a ban in the UK for its X-rated satirical take on biblical themes. Critics argued that the film mocked Christianity by portraying a Jewish character who is revered and ultimately crucified by Romans. One of its taglines boldly claimed, “A film designed to outrage two-thirds of the civilized world and thoroughly irritate the remaining third.”
Helmed by Terry Jones, the movie chronicles the life of Brian, born on Christmas Day, who is mistakenly hailed as a messiah. While Monty Python intended to parody religious epics, the film's humorous critique of faith left many viewers deeply offended.
Released in 1979 in the United States, the film earned $26,376 during its opening weekend. Monty Python films were celebrated for their comedic genius, but certain regions in the UK believed the humor crossed a line by offending a significant religious audience.
7. Hillary: The Movie
Produced in 2008 by Citizens United, a conservative nonprofit organization, Hillary: The Movie offers a critical examination of Hillary Rodham Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. The documentary combines archival footage, interviews, articles, and reports to explore her life and career up to that point.
Since corporate funds partially financed the film, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) prohibited its release until after the 2008 election. The FEC contended that the movie fell under corporate campaign finance restrictions outlined in the McCain-Feingold law, arguing it could be used to generate campaign funds for Republican candidates.
After Citizens United challenged the FEC's decision in court, a lower court initially dismissed the case. However, Citizens United v. FEC eventually reached the US Supreme Court, where the debate centered on balancing free speech rights with corporate campaign financing.
In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in favor of Citizens United, affirming that corporations possess the right to free speech under the First Amendment, akin to individual citizens. The court declared it unconstitutional to restrict corporations from using their funds to express support or opposition to political candidates.
6. The Last House On The Left
Wes Craven's 1972 film, The Last House on the Left, portrays the harrowing story of two teenage girls who are kidnapped, assaulted, and killed by a gang of deranged criminals.
Both the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and the Greater London Council (GLC) refused to approve the film for UK release. In its rejection letter, the BBFC remarked, “We see no redeeming qualities in the script, acting, character development, or direction that would justify saving this poorly constructed film.”
The movie had a brief VHS release in 1982 and was later made available on DVD in 2002, with 31 seconds of footage removed. A 2009 remake grossed over $14 million in US theaters. Despite being banned in some regions, the film has achieved cult classic status.
5. Song Of The South
Although never officially banned in the US, Disney has kept this film from public release due to its controversial portrayal of African Americans. The live-action animated comedy also inspired the beloved Disney World attraction, Splash Mountain.
The film remains unavailable on DVD in the US because of its stereotypical content, which critics argue trivializes the realities of slavery. Its last theatrical release was in 1986, and while it has been distributed on video in other countries, Disney has never made it accessible in the United States.
Disney has permitted the release of the movie's soundtrack, but only as part of the Classic Disney CD box set. Despite its absence from screens, the film's legacy lives on through Splash Mountain, one of Disney World's most popular rides.
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre faced rejection by the BBFC in 1975 for its extreme violence and disturbing imagery. The GLC later approved it with 28 seconds removed, assigning it an X rating for London screenings. While some councils allowed its release, many imposed a complete ban. The film was eventually showcased at The London Film Festival in 1988.
The opening credits led many to believe the film was based on true events, a claim Hooper refuted. Numerous countries have outright banned the movie, while others have released heavily edited versions.
Though devoid of sexual content, the film is renowned for its graphic violence and intensity. Since the debut of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hooper has produced multiple sequels to this gruesome classic. It remains one of the most terrifying slasher films ever made and is frequently studied in film courses at universities.
3. The Interview
Featuring Seth Rogen and James Franco, The Interview is a comedy that centers on their fictional mission in North Korea. The plot involves the duo being recruited by the CIA to eliminate Kim Jong Un, the nation's leader, blending humor with controversial political satire.
North Korea perceived the film as encouraging hostility toward their nation, leading to its prohibition in certain theaters. Much of the livestreamed version was edited and censored due to the outrage it sparked in North Korea.
The movie debuted in the US in 2014 but was later limited to online distribution following threats of violence from hackers, which caused major theater chains to delay or cancel screenings.
While Rogen and Franco argued that The Interview did not advocate violence, North Korea pressured Sony to prevent its widespread release. The film is accessible for online viewing in many countries but remains banned in North Korea.
2. The Exorcist
For over a decade, The Exorcist was inaccessible to UK audiences due to its controversial content. Released in 1973, the film tells the story of a 12-year-old girl under demonic possession. Concerned about her daughter's alarming behavior, the mother seeks the assistance of two priests to perform an exorcism.
Despite initially receiving an X rating and being screened in theaters, the film was later withdrawn from VHS distribution to prevent younger audiences from viewing it. The depiction of a possessed child was deemed too disturbing, and there were no controls to limit at-home access.
By 2010, a DVD version was approved for release, as advancements in special effects and filmmaking techniques had altered audience perceptions. It was reasoned that modern viewers, accustomed to sophisticated visuals, would not be as unsettled by the film's content.
Now rated R for explicit language and unsettling imagery, the movie is widely available globally. It has earned a place among classic horror films and even inspired a themed attraction at Universal Studios.
1. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Banned in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was deemed unsuitable for children, as it portrayed adults as adversaries of children. The film was restricted to viewers aged eight and above in Finland and 12 and older in Norway and Sweden.
Despite these restrictions, the movie was a massive success in the US, earning nearly $12 million in its opening weekend in 1982. The E.T. Adventure ride at Universal Studios Florida remains a popular attraction. The film has since become a beloved American classic and is a staple in many households.
E.T. tells the heartwarming story of a gentle alien and a young boy working together to help E.T. return to his home planet. Although the film holds a PG rating in the US, authorities in Norway, Finland, and Sweden argued that its themes might have an adverse impact on younger audiences.
