12 Movies So Scandalous, They Were Pulled From Theaters Overnight

Some films push the boundaries of storytelling, while others shatter them entirely, so much so that they spark outrage, protests and even outright bans. Whether due to explicit content, controversial themes or political backlash, these movies caused such an uproar that theaters had no choice but to pull them from screens. Here are 12 films that became so scandalous, they were yanked from theaters almost as quickly as they premiered.

The Interview (2014)

A comedy about assassinating North Korea’s leader, The Interview sparked global controversy before it even hit theaters. After threats from hackers allegedly tied to North Korea, major theater chains refused to show the film, forcing Sony to cancel its wide release. While it later found life through digital distribution, its theatrical presence was nearly erased overnight.

A Serbian Film (2010)

Few films are as infamous as A Serbian Film, a horror thriller so disturbing that it was banned or heavily censored in multiple countries. Its extreme violence and highly controversial subject matter led to public outcry, forcing many theaters to stop screenings immediately. To this day, it remains one of the most notorious films ever made.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ was met with outrage from religious groups due to its depiction of Jesus as a man tempted by earthly desires. Protests erupted outside theaters and some locations even received bomb threats, forcing many to pull the film. Despite the backlash, it remains a thought provoking and controversial piece of cinema.

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Often called the most controversial movie ever made, Cannibal Holocaust was so realistic that its director was arrested for suspected murder after its release. The film’s brutal violence, including scenes of real animal cruelty, led to it being banned in several countries and removed from theaters almost immediately. Even decades later, it remains a highly debated and unsettling film.

Song of the South (1946)

While Song of the South was a Disney production, its problematic portrayal of race and slavery era stereotypes led to intense criticism over the years. Though it was originally released in theaters, Disney later decided to pull it indefinitely, refusing to make it available on home media or Disney+. It remains one of Disney’s most controversial and buried films.

Freaks (1932)

Tod Browning’s Freaks was so shocking for its time that audiences reportedly ran screaming from theaters. Featuring real life circus performers with disabilities, the film was considered exploitative and grotesque, leading to bans in multiple cities. The backlash was so severe that it nearly ended Browning’s career, though the film is now recognized as a cult classic.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

This hyper violent film about a pair of murderous lovers was accused of inspiring real life crimes. After a series of copycat killings, some theaters pulled the film from circulation due to public pressure. Oliver Stone’s controversial masterpiece remains a divisive commentary on media sensationalism and violence.

The Devils (1971)

Ken Russell’s The Devils blended historical drama with religious horror, but its explicit sex, violence and blasphemous themes outraged religious groups. The controversy led to heavy censorship, with some theaters pulling the film entirely after facing protests. Even today, a fully uncut version remains difficult to find.

I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

One of the most controversial exploitation films ever made, I Spit on Your Grave was condemned for its extreme depictions of sexual violence. The backlash was so intense that many theaters stopped showing it after only a few days. While some consider it a feminist revenge film, others view it as deeply disturbing and exploitative.

The Brown Bunny (2003)

Vincent Gallo’s The Brown Bunny became infamous due to its explicit and unsimulated sexual content, which outraged audiences at the Cannes Film Festival. After receiving scathing reviews, some theaters pulled it from schedules due to the controversy surrounding its infamous final scene. Even after an updated release, the film remained one of the most talked about scandals in indie cinema.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Despite winning an Oscar for Best Picture, Midnight Cowboy was originally slapped with an X rating due to its themes of male prostitution and sexuality. Some theaters refused to show it, while others pulled it after facing backlash from conservative groups. Over time, the film gained critical acclaim and was eventually rerated R.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

This gritty, low budget film was so disturbingly realistic that it struggled to secure a proper release. After initial screenings, many theaters refused to show it due to its bleak, unflinching depiction of serial murder. Today, it is regarded as a cult classic in psychological horror, but its initial run was anything but smooth.

Movies have always had the power to shock, provoke and challenge societal norms, but some cross the line so far that they get pulled from theaters altogether. Whether due to political tensions, religious backlash or extreme content, these films became instant scandals. While some eventually found redemption, others remain buried in controversy, proving that cinema is not just about entertainment, it is about pushing boundaries, for better or worse.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.