15 Movies That Were Banned Around The World And Why! 15 Movies That Were Banned Around The World And Why!

Movies have always pushed boundaries, but some films went so far that entire countries banned them. Whether for extreme violence, political controversy or religious sensitivities, these movies faced censorship battles that only made them more infamous. Over time, some bans were lifted, while others remain in place, proving that cinema can be as controversial as it is powerful. From horror classics to political thrillers, these films challenged societal norms and sparked global debates. Many of them became cult favorites, proving that what is once forbidden can later be celebrated.

A Clockwork Orange, 1971 – UK

Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian classic was voluntarily pulled from British theaters by Kubrick himself after reports of copycat crimes. The film’s violent and disturbing content led to decades of bans in the UK, with Kubrick refusing to allow its release until after his death. It was only made widely available in Britain in 1999. Critics praised its artistic vision, but it remains one of the most controversial films ever made. Despite the ban, it was a box office success and influenced many future filmmakers. Today, A Clockwork Orange is studied for its social and psychological themes.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, 1974 – Multiple Countries

This horror classic was banned in countries like the UK, Sweden and Brazil due to its extreme violence and disturbing themes. Many feared its gruesome content would negatively influence audiences. Despite being banned in several places, it became a cult favorite, influencing countless horror films. Over time, many countries lifted the ban, allowing horror fans to experience its terrifying legacy. The film’s low budget, gritty realism only added to its unsettling atmosphere.

The Exorcist, 1973 – UK, Malaysia, Singapore

Religious groups protested The Exorcist, calling it blasphemous and excessively frightening. In the UK, some local councils banned it from theaters, while Malaysia and Singapore refused to screen it at all. The film’s chilling realism caused panic, with reports of people fainting in theaters. Decades later, it is still considered one of the most terrifying movies ever made. It was also the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The movie’s eerie legacy continues with sequels and adaptations.

The Last Temptation of Christ, 1988 – Multiple Countries

Martin Scorsese’s religious drama was banned in countries like Greece, Turkey and the Philippines due to its portrayal of Jesus having human desires, including a vision of himself in a romantic relationship. Christian groups staged protests and some theaters were even attacked. Despite the backlash, the film has since gained recognition as a bold and artistic interpretation of faith. Scorsese defended the film as a work of fiction based on spiritual exploration. It remains a highly debated religious film to this day.

Cannibal Holocaust, 1980 – Italy, Australia and Others

Known as one of the most controversial films ever made, Cannibal Holocaust was banned in multiple countries for its extreme violence, sexual assault scenes and actual animal cruelty, leading to legal action against the filmmakers. The film’s found footage style was so realistic that the director was accused of making a snuff film. Although its ban has been lifted in some places, it remains notorious for its disturbing content.

Battle Royale, 2000 – Germany and South Korea

This brutal Japanese film about school children forced to fight to the death was banned in Germany and heavily restricted in South Korea due to its violent content and perceived impact on youth. Many believed the film could inspire real life violence among students. Despite the bans, Battle Royale has gained cult status and is often compared to The Hunger Games. Director Quentin Tarantino has praised it as one of his favorite films. The movie remains a major influence on survival-based stories in modern media.

Borat, 2006 – Russia, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan initially banned Borat for its offensive portrayal of the country. Russia also banned it due to its crude humor and politically sensitive jokes. The movie, however, became a massive international success. In a surprising turn, Kazakhstan later embraced Borat, even using one of its catchphrases in a tourism campaign. Sacha Baron Cohen defended the film as satire meant to expose prejudice. Its sequel in 2020 was also met with controversy but received critical acclaim.

The Interview, 2014 – North Korea and Some U.S. Theaters

This Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy, which depicted a fictional assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was banned in North Korea and led to threats against theaters showing it, causing some cinemas in the U.S. to cancel screenings. The controversy escalated when Sony Pictures was hacked, allegedly by North Korea. The film was ultimately released online, gaining even more attention. It sparked debates about censorship and artistic freedom. Despite the risks, The Interview became a must-watch for many viewers.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian, 1979 – UK, Ireland, Norway

This satirical take on biblical history was banned in several countries, including Ireland and Norway, for being blasphemous. Norway’s ban was so well known that Sweden used it as a marketing slogan: “So funny, it was banned in Norway!” Despite the initial outrage, Life of Brian is now considered one of the greatest comedy films of all time. The movie’s religious satire remains controversial but widely celebrated. Its famous line, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” became an iconic song.

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, 1975 – Multiple Countries

Photo Credit: IMDB/CSC/Cineteca Nazionale

Pier Paolo Pasolini’s disturbing film, inspired by the Marquis de Sade, was banned in numerous countries, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand, due to its extreme depictions of violence, torture and abuse. Even today, it remains controversial, with some countries refusing to lift the ban. It is widely studied in film schools for its political themes but is rarely screened publicly. Many still debate whether it is a masterpiece or simply shock exploitation. The film’s bleak and unrelenting nature makes it one of the most difficult watches in cinema history.

Deadpool, 2016 – China

China banned Deadpool for excessive violence, crude language and adult content. Unlike other films that received censored versions, Deadpool was deemed impossible to edit without losing its essence. Despite the ban, the film became a huge global hit, proving that a restricted rating does not prevent success. Its success led to an even raunchier sequel. Fans continue to hope that Deadpool 3 will push boundaries even further.

The Simpsons Movie, 2007 – Myanmar

In Myanmar, The Simpsons Movie was banned due to the country’s strict censorship laws regarding the use of certain colors. The film prominently features the colors yellow and red, hues associated with rebel groups and political movements in Myanmar. Authorities feared that the film could be seen as a form of subliminal messaging, leading to its prohibition in the country.

The Da Vinci Code, 2006 – Multiple Countries

The Da Vinci Code was one of the most controversial films of its time, facing bans in several countries, including Egypt, Lebanon and the Philippines. The film, based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, was heavily criticized by religious groups for its depiction of the Catholic Church and its fictional claim that Jesus Christ had descendants. The Vatican condemned the movie, calling it blasphemous, while some Christian majority nations refused to screen it.

2012, 2009 – North Korea

North Korea banned 2012 not because of its disaster movie themes, but due to an unusual coincidence, the year 2012 held great significance in the country. North Korean propaganda had declared that 2012 would mark the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth and the beginning of the nation’s rise to global power. The government saw the apocalyptic storyline of 2012 as a direct contradiction to this prophecy and considered it politically inappropriate.

Joker, 2019 – China

Joker was never officially released in China due to its dark themes, intense violence and politically charged undertones. The Chinese government, known for its strict censorship laws, was reportedly concerned that the film’s depiction of social unrest and rebellion could inspire real world protests. Given China’s history of restricting films that challenge authority or promote anti establishment ideas, Joker was deemed too sensitive for its audiences.

From political controversies to religious sensitivities and extreme violence, these banned films have shown how powerful and provocative cinema can be. While some were deemed too dangerous or offensive for certain audiences, many have since gained cult status, proving that censorship often fuels curiosity. In some cases, bans were lifted over time, allowing these movies to be reassessed and appreciated in new contexts. Whether restricted for ideological, cultural or legal reasons, these films serve as a reminder of the impact storytelling can have on society.

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

12 Once Banned Movies That Became Cult Legends

Throughout film history, censorship has played a major role in shaping which movies audiences get to see. Some films were deemed too controversial, violent or subversive, leading to outright bans in certain countries. However, time has a way of turning the once forbidden into cult classics, with many banned movies later being embraced by audiences for their artistic vision, bold storytelling or unique cultural impact. These films, once shrouded in controversy, have found new life as beloved and influential pieces of cinema.

Read it here: 12 Once Banned Movies That Became Cult Legends

12 Movies That Were Banned Before They Even Came Out

Some movies are so controversial that they never even get the chance to be seen before being banned. Whether due to extreme violence, political themes or religious controversy, certain films have been pulled from release before they could reach audiences. Some eventually found their way to the public, while others remain locked away, unseen by most. Here are 12 movies that were banned before they even came out.

Read it here: 12 Movies That Were Banned Before They Even Came Out

12 Jaw Dropping Movie Endings That Flipped The Script

Sometimes, even the most talented actors take roles for reasons beyond artistic passion, like a massive paycheck. Whether it is a quick cameo, a half hearted performance or a role that clearly did not suit them, these A-list stars were in it for the money and it showed. Here are 12 movies where big name actors cashed in but left audiences wondering why they even bothered.

Read it here:12 Jaw Dropping Movie Endings That Flipped The Script

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