Some movies are so controversial, disturbing, or downright outrageous that they’re banned faster than you can say “viewer discretion advised.”
These films didn’t just push the envelope—they tore it to shreds and set it on fire.
Let’s dive into the top five movies that got the blacklist treatment and became infamous legends in cinematic history.
1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Widely considered the granddaddy of banned movies, Cannibal Holocaust was so realistic that its director, Ruggero Deodato, had to prove in court that he didn’t actually murder the cast.
The film’s brutal depictions of violence, including animal cruelty and—ahem—gruesome dining habits, earned it bans in multiple countries.
It’s like a nature documentary if David Attenborough was narrating your worst nightmares.
Fun fact: The film’s found-footage style was so convincing it inspired an entire subgenre, including The Blair Witch Project. But unlike Blair Witch, this one’s not exactly a Halloween party favorite.
Banned in: Australia, United States, Norway, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore and several other countries.
2. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
If you thought Cannibal Holocaust was rough, meet Salò. Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, this Italian art film is based on the Marquis de Sade’s infamous novel, which should’ve been your first red flag.
The movie depicts four fascists subjecting young captives to unspeakable acts, all under the guise of “art.” Critics still argue whether it’s a searing political allegory or just a two-hour excuse to traumatize audiences.
Banned in: Italy, Finland, Australia, West Germany, New Zealand and Norway. This one’s the cinematic equivalent of that one dish no one touches at a potluck—you’re curious, but also terrified.
3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Believe it or not, Leatherface and his chainsaw antics were a little too much for 1970s sensibilities.
While it’s now a cult classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was banned in several countries for its unrelenting violence and horrifying portrayal of a family you’d never want to meet at a barbecue.
Who knew power tools could be so terrifying?
Fun fact: Despite its reputation, the movie isn’t as gory as you think. Most of the horror comes from its gritty atmosphere and the sheer psychological terror of being chased by a man wearing someone else’s face.
Banned in: Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and West Germany.
4. A Serbian Film (2010)
Ah, A Serbian Film. The movie so infamous, it makes Salò look like The Sound of Music.
This Serbian horror-thriller is packed with scenes so depraved and shocking that describing them here might get this article banned.
Director Srdjan Spasojevic claimed it was a critique of political corruption, but most viewers were too busy dry-heaving to notice.
Banned in: Spain, Germany, Australia, and more. Even seasoned horror fans dare each other to sit through this one. Spoiler alert: They usually regret it.
5. Maniac (1980)
Maniac is the story of a serial killer who scalps his victims, which was apparently too much for 1980s audiences to handle.
Tom Savini’s gruesome special effects were so realistic that the movie was outright banned in several countries.
Critics called it exploitative and misogynistic, while horror buffs hailed it as a masterpiece of sleaze.
Fun fact: The film’s lead actor, Joe Spinell, also co-wrote the movie. Talk about commitment to the craft—or maybe just too much time spent in the darkest corners of the imagination.
Banned in: United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.