7 Sci-Fi Movies That Were Banned (& Why)

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For decades, science fiction has been a hugely popular genre, and it often tackles important social issues. At its core, most sci-fi explores the relationship between people and technology, imagining what might happen if technology advances or we encounter life beyond Earth. The most impactful sci-fi films are both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Although science fiction encompasses many different subgenres, it consistently delivers stories with meaningful and powerful themes.

While many excellent sci-fi films fly under the radar, certain releases become huge cultural moments. Sometimes, these popular movies attract unwanted attention from those in power, leading to extra examination and even bans. Over time, this has resulted in some really odd and amusing stories about sci-fi films being prohibited, with the reasons for the bans often being both strange and funny.

7) The Hunger Games (2012)

Beyond being hailed as a top sci-fi film of the 2010s, The Hunger Games is a hugely popular dystopian story. Interestingly, the first movie in the series was prohibited in Vietnam. Censors there found the level of violence too intense, initially refusing to show the film based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, and ultimately issuing a complete ban.

6) Akira (1988)

Released in 1988, Akira is a groundbreaking anime film that was remarkably ahead of its time and has had a massive impact on both science fiction and the anime world. Surprisingly, despite its legendary status, Russia banned the movie as late as 2021. Government prosecutors worried that Akira could negatively affect the psychological and moral growth of young people. This ban was part of a strange crackdown on anime in Russia, resulting in the outlawing of this classic animated sci-fi film.

5) Mad Max (1979)

The Mad Max films are famous for their awesome cars, intense action, and a distinctive take on a world after a disaster. The original 1979 movie was initially banned in New Zealand and Sweden because of a scene showing a man being burned alive in a car. This ban stemmed from a similar real-life incident involving a gang in New Zealand at the time. New Zealand lifted the ban in 1983, but Sweden didn’t allow the film to be shown until 2005.

4) District 9 (2009)

Considered one of the top dystopian sci-fi films of the 21st century, District 9 uniquely uses a mockumentary style to explore themes of prejudice and social division. The movie was initially banned in Nigeria because officials believed it depicted Nigerians as cannibals, criminals, and sex workers. However, after Sony Pictures issued an apology to the Nigerian government, the ban was removed.

3) Back To The Future (1985)

The classic sci-fi film Back to the Future is widely beloved, but it surprisingly faced a ban in China in 2011. Chinese regulators believed that stories involving time travel didn’t respect history and could promote unwelcome ideas. They considered this a threat to Chinese society and therefore prohibited the film.

2) The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Looking back at 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded, it’s clear it doesn’t hold quite the same legendary status it once did. But when it first came out, it actually caused a stir in Egypt – it was banned! Apparently, authorities worried the film’s ideas about reality, creation, and free will were a bit too mind-bending and could lead to, well, existential meltdowns. They also weren’t keen on the action violence disturbing the peace. Thankfully, the ban didn’t last, and Egyptian fans eventually got to experience it. Interestingly, there were no reports of a sudden surge in people questioning the meaning of life afterwards – so maybe the existential threat was overblown!

1) A Clockwork Orange (1971)

As a huge film fan, I always find it fascinating learning about controversial movies, and A Clockwork Orange is definitely up there! It’s famous for being banned in so many places because of its really intense violence. Apparently, people were worried it would inspire others to commit similar crimes, and that’s why director Stanley Kubrick actually asked for it to be pulled from theaters in the UK. It wasn’t just the UK either – Argentina, Brazil, Ireland, and several other countries banned it too. What’s really sad is that a lot of those bans weren’t lifted until almost thirty years after the film came out, and even after Kubrick had passed away. It’s a powerful, but definitely disturbing, movie.

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2025-12-25 01:13