American entrepreneur, circus owner, and showman P.T. Barnum is often credited with saying, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity, as long as they spell your name right”. While this may not be accurate in all aspects of our lives when it comes to the film industry, a little controversy and bad publicity may not necessarily be such a bad thing.
Nothing hypes up public attention and drives curious viewers into movie theater seats more than a film surrounded by a bit of controversy, whether it be the subject matter, behind-the-scenes drama, blatant bad behavior, or something else. But some films are so controversial that it’s become their whole identity, bypassing any messages they may have intended. These are generally movies that sparked debate and outrage.
When a film is truly controversial, the buzz around its subject matter usually begins emerging during filming, or perhaps upon its arrival on the film festival circuit. Certain movies might prove to be so controversial that major distributors don’t want to pick them up, making them hard to view anywhere. Some of these films were widely released and were very successful at the box office, but others were so off-putting to audiences that they stayed away in droves, relegating the film to videos and DVDs passed among friends.
The definition of controversial can be different for everyone. For some, it can have so much sex and nudity that it’s branded as pornographic or exploitative. For others, it can be viewed as racist propaganda or may be viewed as glorifying violence. At times it can be excessively and shockingly gory that audiences can’t stomach the film in its entirety, or it can be iconoclastic or heretical, viewed as attacking Christianity or another religion. But like some of the most controversial films ever, it can be a combination of some of the above.
Many of the films listed here are definitely in “watch at your own risk” territory, while others are more thought-provoking. If you’re looking for a film that’s not too controversial, then you may want to seek out these iconic movies that are turning 50 this year.
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
This silent film is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece but the subject matter is incredibly controversial. Based on the novel, “The Clansman,” the movie alternately depicts Black people as savages and the Ku Klux Klan as heroes who bring order to the South after the Civil War.
Triumph of the Will (1935)
This Nazi propaganda film depicts the 1934 Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg, presenting the Nazi Party, and Adolf Hitler specifically, as resilient and powerful, and instrumental in promoting the Nazi ideology in Germany. It is generally regarded as one of the greatest pieces of propaganda in history.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
This adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel is set in a future where the moral and social order has broken down, and a sociopathic teenager (Malcolm McDowell) and his gang of “droogs” commit acts of “ultra-violence” on the public. He’s then subjected to a form of aversion therapy. The film’s graphic depictions of sex and violence sparked debate and led to the film being banned in several countries.
Deep Throat (1972)
Gerard Damiano’s 1972 film “Deep Throat” was extremely controversial due to its shockingly sexual subject matter and graphic depictions of sex. It became a lightning rod for many of the broader social changes going on at the time, especially sexual liberation, censorship, and women’s rights, and led to censorship attempts and legal battles around obscenity laws and freedom of expression.
Last Tango in Paris (1972)
This film starred Marlon Brando as an older American man and Maria Schneider as a young French woman. The film sparked controversy for its graphic depictions of sex as well as the exploitative relationship between the two protagonists (which was instead framed as being passionate). It was banned in several countries.
The Exorcist (1973)
This groundbreaking horror film is about a young girl who is possessed by a demon. Her possession and the efforts of a priest to expel the demon from her proved shocking to audiences, and there were reports of audience members fainting.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
The Italian-French film “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” is an adaptation of Marquis de Sade’s infamous novel, taking place in fascist Italy. The film follows a group of four wealthy libertines who kidnap young men and women and subject them to sexual torture and humiliation.
Caligula (1979)
This was a historically inaccurate portrayal of the reign of Roman Emperor Caligula, although it focused more on explicit sexual content and violence than any actual historical reality. Several different versions of the film were released due to infighting among the director and producers, and it was widely panned for being obscene and exploitative.
Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Presented as a found-footage documentary, this film follows a group of American filmmakers into the Amazon rainforest where they commit horrific acts of violence against the tribespeople. It was widely condemned for its graphic violence and sexual assault, but its shock value alone made it something of a cult classic.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Willem Dafoe stars as a self-doubting, flawed, and conflicted Jesus in the film, “The Last Temptation of Christ,” which is a departure from the traditional depictions of him as perfect and infallible. It also imagines an alternate life in which he’s not crucified. It divided critics, with some hailing it as thought-provoking and human and others condemning it as blasphemous.
JFK (1991)
This film takes us along as New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner), attempts to unravel what he sees as a massive coverup and conspiracy around John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The film blurs the line between fact and fiction, and sparked controversy for perpetuating debunked conspiracy theories around the assassination, suggesting that he was killed because of his stance against elements of the military-industrial complex.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
This movie follows a young couple (played by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis) as they travel across the country on a killing spree, becoming folk heroes and capturing the attention of the media and the public along the way. Inspired by real-life crime stories, it sparked debate about the glorification of violence.
Kids (1995)
This coming-of-age drama follows a group of teenagers living in New York City. This dauntless portrayal of reckless behavior and urban youth culture explores drug use, sexual promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS, to name a few topics highlighted in the film. It was shot on location with local actors who had no prior acting experience.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
This biblical drama is a passion play in movie form, following the final hours of Jesus’ life. Its excessive violence sparked some controversy, but more controversial was the film’s depiction of Jewish characters. It received mixed reviews but was a box-office success regardless.
Antichrist (2009)
The psychological horror film “Antichrist” follows a couple (played by Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg) as they retreat to a remote cabin following the death of their son, and their mental and emotional states deteriorate throughout the film. The film is rife with disturbing imagery and scenes of genital mutilation, sexual violence, and self-harm, and sparked intense debate and controversy. If you’re looking for a film that’s slightly less controversial, you may want to check out the best sports movies based on true events.