WEB DESK: Movies from just about any genre can prove shocking or controversial, especially when handled by filmmakers willing to challenge societal norms or sensibilities. However, horror movies often find themselves banned more frequently than others. Known for their grisly violence, terror, and disturbing scenes, horror films push the boundaries of what some audiences and governments find acceptable. The following horror movies were banned in multiple countries, often temporarily, during their initial release or distribution. The numbers below, based on IMDb ratings information, reflect the extent of their international bans.
10. ‘Faces of Death’ (1978)
Banned in 5 countries
While technically a documentary, “Faces of Death” blends real-life footage with staged sequences to create a shocking and disturbing experience. The film covers a wide range of grim subjects, including wartime footage, the aftermaths of accidents, and surgical procedures. Its graphic content led to bans in several countries, such as Australia and the UK, where it remained banned for almost two decades before re-rating.
9. ‘Ichi the Killer’ (2001)
Banned in 5 countries
Directed by Takashi Miike, “Ichi the Killer” is a blend of action, crime, and horror that follows a yakuza associate’s encounter with a terrifying serial killer. The film’s extreme violence and dark humor led to its banning in multiple countries, including Germany, Ireland, and China, where the bans remain in place over two decades later.
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8. ‘The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)’ (2011)
Banned in 6 countries
“The Human Centipede” series is notorious for its shocking content, and the second installment pushed the boundaries even further. The grotesque and disturbing imagery resulted in bans in at least six countries. Some bans were temporary, like in Australia, while others, such as in the Philippines, Germany, and Ireland, were more permanent.
7. ‘Braindead’ (1992)
Banned in 6 countries
Also known as “Dead Alive,” Peter Jackson’s “Braindead” is a gory horror-comedy that was surprisingly banned in several places. Despite its comedic approach to extreme zombie carnage, the film was banned or required cuts in countries like Finland and South Korea. Its over-the-top violence, paired with humor, made it controversial yet also entertaining for those who appreciate horror comedies.
6. ‘The Devils’ (1971)
Banned in 6 countries
Ken Russell’s “The Devils” is a dark historical drama that blends horror with graphic violence and controversial sexual content. Its critical examination of religion added to its notoriety, resulting in bans in countries like New Zealand, Ireland, and Finland. The film remains shocking even by today’s standards, highlighting its lasting impact.
5. ‘Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom’ (1975)
Banned in 9 countries
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” is based on the works of Marquis de Sade and is one of the most disturbing films of all time. Its graphic depictions of violence, sexual abuse, and torture led to extensive bans. For instance, Australia refused classification for nearly 35 years, and the film was banned for over 25 years in New Zealand and Norway.
4. ‘A Serbian Film’ (2010)
Banned in 12 countries
“A Serbian Film” is often cited as one of the most controversial films of the 21st century. Its relentless depiction of depravity, violence, and disturbing themes resulted in bans in numerous countries. Given the modern context, the fact that it was banned in 12 countries is significant, highlighting its extreme content.
3. ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ (1980)
Banned in 13 countries
“Cannibal Holocaust” is infamous for its graphic violence and disturbing content, including real animal cruelty. The film functions as a dark satire and early found-footage movie, depicting a film crew’s gruesome encounter with a tribe of cannibals. Its shocking content led to bans in 13 countries, making it one of the most banned films of its era.
2. ‘I Spit on Your Grave’ (1978)
Banned in 14 countries
“I Spit on Your Grave” is a controversial revenge-thriller that features graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault. The film’s explicit content led to its banning in 14 countries, including Australia, Ireland, Thailand, and Iceland. Despite its simple premise, it remains one of the most difficult horror films to watch.
1. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)
Banned in 14 countries
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is a legendary low-budget horror film that became famous for its gritty, intense atmosphere. Despite not showing much graphic violence on-screen, the film’s implied brutality and relentless tension led to bans in 14 countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden. The bans were temporary, but the film’s impact on the horror genre remains indelible.
Let’s hope you don’t decide to watch any of these banned horror movies after reading this article. And if you do dare to watch, make sure your main door is closed and you’ve checked underneath your bed!
