25 Horror Movies So Controversial They Got Banned

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Some of the most unsettling films use intense violence and a foreboding ambiance to startle audiences, but these movies sometimes go beyond acceptable limits, leading to bans in numerous countries. It’s not uncommon for horror films to push boundaries, leaving viewers wishing they could erase the horrifying images they just witnessed. For instance, when movies like “The Evil Dead” and “The Exorcist” were initially released, they were too intense for many viewers, prompting some countries to pull them from cinemas altogether.

Binge-watching horror movies is a popular activity year-round, no matter if they’re slashers, thrillers, supernatural tales, or darkly comical thrillers like 2023’s Saltburn. The horror genre offers an exciting blend of suspense and fear that makes for unforgettable movie nights filled with gasps and yelps. In fact, some films have been so scary or unsettling that they’ve been banned from certain (and sometimes even all) movie theaters worldwide.

Banned in: New Zealand, France

For quite some time, various films have striven to delve into the thoughts of serial killers. Ranging from “American Psycho” to “The House That Jack Built”, exploring tales from a monster’s viewpoint has resulted in some unsettling works of art. Nevertheless, not many serial killer movies are as unflinchingly real and piercingly sharp as “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer”. This film is inspired by actual serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, focusing on the character of Henry, a psychopathic murderer who adapts to a peaceful suburban lifestyle with his apartment companion Otis. However, when Otis’ sister moves in with them, their violent tendencies reemerge.

Due to its graphic portrayals of violence towards women and minors, including scenes of rape and incest, the movie “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” is notoriously linked with being one of the films that paved the way for the NC-17 rating. Consequently, it was either prohibited or subjected to censorship in numerous countries. The film is devoid of any semblance of humanity; Henry’s murderous nature dominates every scene. Notably, it showcases an exceptional performance by Michael Rooker, who is well-known for his role in .

Banned in: Europe

In a brief 75 minutes, Angst leaves a lasting impact with its skillful use of suspense-creating techniques, keeping viewers thinking about it long after they’ve seen the end credits. Alongside this gripping tension, Angst boasts one of the most disturbing murder sequences found in any horror movie. The plot revolves around a recently freed serial killer who is quickly overwhelmed by his lingering homicidal urges. In an instant, he invades an unsuspecting woman’s home.

In the movie “Angst”, the unidentified murderer appears to be modeled after Werner Kniessek, the notorious Austrian serial killer. The film’s impact largely stems from its haunting ambiance that constantly builds tension and suggests an impending gruesome event. Towards the end, the antagonist brutally murders a woman, consumes her blood in a fit of madness, and subsequently vomits on her body. This scene is both graphic and revolting, undeniably earning “Angst” some bans worldwide.

Banned in: UK

Set in the 1970s, this movie combines elements of Giallo with the emerging zombie genre. The story revolves around a young woman seeking her father and a reporter, who join forces on a distant Caribbean island called Matul. Upon arrival, they uncover that an enigmatic curse has befallen the island, leading to the undead rising from their graves.

“Zombie Flesh Eaters,” a once-banned horror film, delves deeper into the supernatural origins of zombies while honoring the groundbreaking work of George A. Romero in “Night of the Living Dead” and “Dawn of the Dead.” The gore portrayed is intense and excessive, with the movie’s zombies being particularly ancient and revolting. Due to its graphic nature, it was banned in certain regions and classified as a “video nasty.” However, rather than damaging the film, this ban served to generate more buzz for its home video launch.

Banned in: Brazil, Belgium, West Germany, Australia, Canada, US

In the Realm of the Senses deviates from typical horror genre conventions and instead presents a hauntingly romantic tale that spirals into darkness. It narrates the factual account of Sada Abe, a maid who enters into a devastating relationship with her master, leading to a heinous act. While In the Realm of the Senses is infamous for its graphic depictions of unsimulated sexual scenes, causing ongoing controversy, these explicit moments are not the film’s only startling element.

From a movie lover’s perspective, what initially seemed like a passionate exploration of love in “In the Realm of the Senses” takes an unexpectedly grim turn towards the end. As the characters’ deepest, darker impulses emerge, their desire transforms into a chilling catalyst for gruesome acts of violence. A particularly graphic and lengthy scene involving genital mutilation is hard to stomach, even for those with strong constitutions. This intense sequence serves as a jarring transition from the film’s romantic period setting to something far more horrifying. Consequently, it sparked numerous bans worldwide due to its explicit content.

Banned in: Germany, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Spain

Among fans, there may be debates about various aspects, but it’s clear that the “Saw” franchise has grown progressively more violent over time. The series is known for its grisly storylines involving people forced to play macabre games devised by a cunning villain, often referred to as Jigsaw. By the time the “Saw” series reached its sixth installment, the level of violence portrayed was seldom seen in mainstream horror films.

The gruesome trap sequences in the movie “Saw VI” led to bans worldwide. In Spain, the movie was given an “X-rated” classification similar to pornographic films due to its explicit portrayal of torture, a labeling that took the “torture porn” tag quite literally. A year later, its sequel, either “Saw 3D” or “Saw – The Final Chapter,” faced the same strict censorship in certain countries because of its graphic depictions of violence and self-injury. Additionally, some authorities considered the “Saw” series a potential danger to public safety, hinting that it might inspire viewers to create their own deadly traps.

Banned in: Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Finland

In every zombie film, there are typically scenes involving dismembered body parts, decaying cadavers, and revolting bodily substances. However, none compare to the sheer volume seen in Peter Jackson’s Braindead. This movie unfolds as pandemonium breaks loose when a Sumatran rat-monkey bites Lionel Cosgrove’s mother, transforming her into a zombie and sparking a town-wide infection in the quiet town of South Wellington. It’s left to Lionel, a young man still grappling with his independence, to find a way out of this grim situation.

Prior to directing the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson had already established his reputation in the gritty, budget-restricted horror genre. Among his works, the film Braindead stands out as a distinct masterpiece; an unapologetically grotesque spectacle with scenes that push the boundaries of even the most extreme horror movies. The end product was a movie difficult to grade on a traditional scale but easy to censor due to its explicit content. To this day, it remains a classic, thanks to practical effects that have surprisingly stood the test of time for over three decades.

Banned in: France

Danish filmmaker, particularly recognized for “The House That Jack Built” and “Nymphomaniac,” but long before these films, Trier had previously caused uproar with the haunting horror drama “Antichrist.” This movie was released much earlier, and it tells a graphic story about a tormented couple dealing with their grief in a secluded cabin. In this isolated setting, their inner demons contaminate every part of the surrounding woods.

In the movie “Antichrist,” nature is portrayed as malevolent and misleading, luring the principal characters to reveal the dark, repressed aspects of their psyches. The film’s themes are already disturbing – grief over a lost child and suppressed faith – but the graphic depiction of sexual violence takes it to an intolerable level. The unsimulated sex scenes were a topic of discussion among viewers, although they were not out of the ordinary in Trier’s body of work.

Banned in: Ireland, Norway, Iceland, West Germany, Canada, Australia

The provocative horror film titled “I Spit on Your Grave” relies heavily on unsettling themes to provoke both the protagonist and viewers with feelings of hatred and defiance. The initial 1978 release, which led to a 2010 remake and a chilling series, embodies exploitation horror in its raw, economical form. It narrates the story of a stunning, gifted writer who is brutally assaulted by a group of repugnant locals and abandoned for dead in the forest. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, she sets out to exact retribution on her tormentors.

The justifications for the numerous bans imposed on the movie “I Spit on Your Grave” vary. Some argue it’s due to the film’s portrayal of violence against women, a point that unfortunately holds merit. Others suggest the extreme graphic violence exceeds acceptable limits, likely referring to the disturbing rape scene and the depictions of brutal sexual mutilation in the climax. “I Spit on Your Grave” is a banned horror movie known for its consistently dark and grim atmosphere. This film may activate distressing triggers in viewers, making it unsuitable for many.

Banned in: UK, Norway

The film titled “Grotesque” truly delivers on its name. With just three characters and set entirely within a single room, it tells the chilling story of an unidentified doctor who abducts a young couple and inflicts relentless torment upon them to feed his twisted desires.

The movie “Grotesque” delves into the extremes of suffering and resilience, examining how far one can cling to the desire for survival. This 80-minute production is a continuous barrage of intense brutality and cruelty, catering to a specific audience. Regrettably, the storyline becomes sparse and the absurdity escalates in the latter stages of the film, suggesting that “Grotesque” may not have much more to offer beyond a gruesome spectacle. However, it does deliver on the gory front, to put it mildly.

Banned in: Germany, New Zealand

Initially, the original “Hostel” movie successfully scared backpackers worldwide, yet its sequel, “Hostel: Part II,” seems somewhat tamer in certain scenes when compared. The initial part of the first film was filled with male-centric revelries and wild parties, much like how the main characters in the second sequel are all female – Beth, Whitney, and Lorna. These three college students unknowingly get drawn into a secretive Slovakian hostel that hides a horrifying truth.

Hostel II amplifies the brutality and savagery of its torture scenes, recognizing that it needed to explore a more extreme journey across Europe’s most infamous hostels to differentiate itself from the original film. This banned horror movie includes graphic depictions such as genital mutilation and death by blood loss, offering a plethora of unsettling sequences that have led to numerous restrictions worldwide.

Banned in: UK, Parts of the United States

Before the establishment of strict censorship rules in Hollywood, there was a pivotal era of change where artists could explore innovative concepts before their time. In the early 1930s, the controversial film “Freaks” stirred up quite a fuss, just prior to the implementation of the Motion Picture Production Code’s censorship regulations. The outlawed horror movie centers around the troupe of a traveling French circus, which includes a dishonest trapeze artist involved in a sinister scheme.

In the spirit of early 20th-century circuses, the film Freaks showcased individuals with physical anomalies such as dwarfs, disfigured people, and conjoined twins primarily to generate profits from their unique circumstances. This aspect has sparked much debate in the audience since its release, with some finding it offensive while others consider it a misinterpreted masterpiece. What adds fuel to the fire is that the film’s plot grows increasingly unsettling as it unfolds, making it seem as though the characters’ disabilities were crucial to enhancing the horror element of the movie. The discussion surrounding this controversial film continues even today.

Banned in: Philippines, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Norway, Brazil

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    The notoriety surrounding the movie, “A Serbian Film,” often goes before it: it’s famously graphic and intentionally revolting, offering horror enthusiasts an experience unlike any other they’ve had. The story centers around Milos, a porn actor nearing retirement, who decides to take part in an unconventional art film project as a fresh start. However, Milos didn’t anticipate that he’d be participating in a snuff film, where the most appalling acts of violence ever conceived are portrayed on screen.

    In a different phrasing, the graphic violence in the film “A Serbian Film” is just the surface; as the story unfolds, it delves into the most unsettling aspects of human nature, featuring scenes depicting pedophilia and necrophilia. Unfortunately, the movie’s strong reliance on shock value to convey its message makes it challenging to appreciate its underlying political themes. This infamous banned horror film is often considered one of the most harrowing cinematic journeys imaginable; only a few countries granted it approval, but even then, they required heavily censored versions.

    Banned in: Italy, Finland, Australia, West Germany, New Zealand, Norway

      Unlike many exploitative horror films, the controversial “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” effectively conveys its message, though enduring the entire film is no easy feat. Based on Marquis de Sade’s unfinished masterpiece, the movie portrays a harrowing daily life for a group of teenagers seized by four fascist rulers, who subject them to 120 days of relentless torment.

      In a stark portrayal of political cinema, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom delves deep into the horrors that unfold when power is misused by corrupt figures masquerading as authorities. Director Pier Paolo Pasolini spares no detail in depicting the appalling abuses these innocent adolescents endure, leaving a lasting impression on viewers even after the closing credits. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom was prohibited in its native Italy, as well as numerous other regions, and it has been speculated that this controversial film may have played a role in the untimely demise of its creator, Pasolini.

      Banned in: UK, Australia, New Zealand

      Wes Craven’s “The Last House on the Left” tells the harrowing tale of teenagers Mari and her friend who fall victim to a band of ruthless ex-convicts. After being abducted and viciously attacked, they are left for dead. Miraculously, Mari manages to return home only to discover that her parents have unknowingly taken in the very criminals responsible, leading to an intense series of events as she seeks retribution against her captors.

      Initially screened in the US in 1972 under an R rating, the film “The Last House on the Left” faced censorship in the UK until 2002 due to its graphic portrayal of sexual violence. The American version was already violent, but a more extreme, uncensored version is also available, featuring additional gore that was initially cut from the theatrical release. The controversy surrounding “The Last House on the Left” played a significant role in Wes Craven’s success in the horror genre; soon after, he would produce iconic films like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream”.

      Banned in: UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany

      The film titled ‘Faces of Death,’ which has been banned, may give an inaccurate impression about its content. Some viewers might find it less graphic than expected. This controversial movie, presented in a documentary-like manner, showcases different death scenes that are tied to a pathologist’s ambition to comprehend the transition from life to death. To delve into this concept, he voluntarily exposes himself to numerous clips depicting the precise instant when people lose their lives.

      As a film enthusiast, I initially thought that “Faces of Death” was just another exploitative film capitalizing on shock value. However, upon closer examination, it became clear that a significant portion of the movie consists of real-life death footage, which is not only disrespectful to the victims but also misleading. The film’s notoriety spawned a cult following, leading to more controversial sequels. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t banned in 46 countries; in fact, it was successful in the United States. The rise of “Faces of Death” can be traced back to the growing culture of gore in films, facilitated by the ease of access to unfiltered content on the internet.

      Banned in: Tunisia, Certain Parts of the UK

      50 years ago, the chilling 1973 horror movie “The Exorcist” gained infamy for its haunting depiction of a demonic takeover. Today, it remains unmatched in terms of sheer terror, and not surprisingly, it faced censorship attempts. Various religious organizations were disturbed by the concept of a demon inhabiting a child, among other controversial themes, leading them to call for restrictions. Interestingly enough, the filmmakers themselves endorsed these censorship demands, seeing it as a means to fuel public curiosity about the movie.

      In various regions of Britain, the movie trailer itself was prohibited due to its intensely scary strobe lighting. However, these bans ended up boosting the audience for The Exorcist. Over time, this film became one of the most financially successful horror movies ever made, leaving an indelible mark on cinema. Despite numerous attempts by filmmakers to replicate the terrifying impact of The Exorcist, nothing has managed to match it yet.

      Banned In: Italy, UK, US, Australia, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Others

      Back in the ’80s, I found myself deeply immersed in the shocking controversy surrounding the Italian movie “Cannibal Holocaust.” This flick was not for the faint-hearted, with its raw portrayals of intense violence and disturbing sexual content that left audiences reeling. The story unfolds as an intrepid anthropologist delves deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle, on a mission to uncover the fate of a film crew who vanished while attempting to document a tribe rumored to practice cannibalism. Quite the rollercoaster ride, I must say!

      Cannibal Holocaust is a controversial horror film notorious for its excessive violence and animal cruelty depicted on screen, earning it a ban in Italy due to animal welfare violations. Similarly, the movie was prohibited in America for five years due to animal abuse and extreme violence. The film’s graphic realism led to Ruggero Deodato’s arrest, as viewers were deceived into thinking that actual people were harmed during the filming process.

      Banned in: UK, Australia, New Zealand

        One particularly unsettling movie that was prohibited is the 1980 slasher flick titled “Maniac“. This film portrays a character with psychotic inclinations who embarks on a violent spree in New York City. The movie includes graphic depictions of murder, specifically scalping, leading to numerous bans due to its disturbing content. For more than two decades, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) refused to rate “Maniac” in the UK, only reconsidering it in 2002 after editing out 58 seconds from the film.

        The movie titled “Maniac” faced temporary prohibition in Australia and required multiple alterations prior to its US release. Remarkably, even its 2012 reboot was restricted in New Zealand due to excessive violence. This film, a creation of its era, mirrored the escalating impact of slasher movies by emphasizing the genre’s most extreme traits.

        Banned in: UK, Republic of Ireland

        Abel Ferrara may not be widely recognized as an expert in horror films, but he frequently explores themes related to America’s moral decay and the criminal underworld that dominates the nation. However, he occasionally incorporates elements of horror into his works, such as the philosophical vampire story The Addiction or the drug-infused Bad Lieutenant. The latter features Harvey Keitel in a career-defining role as LT, a drug-addicted and gambling-obsessed NYPD officer who becomes entangled in the investigation of a young nun’s rape.

        In a different perspective, the movie titled Bad Lieutenant portrays an LT character on a destructive path, committing questionable acts in a desperate bid to purge his troubled psyche. Each scene brims with tension and hostility, and a disturbing incident involving the rape of an innocent nun underscores the decay of innocence amidst America’s chaotic spirit. The film’s controversial theme was enough to provoke some bans, but it also features graphic visuals. Ireland was one of the countries that prohibited Bad Lieutenant, citing its disrespectful portrayal of women.

        Banned in: UK, Australia, Iceland

        The groundbreaking Dutch movie titled The Human Centipede revamped the body horror genre with its chilling concept. In this film, a German doctor performs a grotesque operation to connect three unsuspecting tourists, creating an unsettling human “centipede.” Given its intense content involving body horror and graphic violence, it’s no surprise that the movie sparked controversy and faced numerous restrictions due to its controversial nature.

        The film titled “The Human Centipede” was prohibited from being shown in Icelandic, British, and Australian cinemas, while it was released in the U.S. without a rating. Its successor, “The Human Centipede 2,” faced even stricter restrictions due to its intensification of the gruesome aspects present in the original film. Few viewers were able to watch either movie (along with the third installment) without wincing at the disturbing material.

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        2025-04-28 05:58