Courtesy of Trans American Films
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing
Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Courtesy of Trans American Films
Courtesy of Focus Features
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Courtesy of Anchor Bay Films
Courtesy of Interfilm
Every country is different and has its own guidelines and rules circling films and what can or can't be shown. What is allowed in the United States, isn't necessarily allowed everywhere else. Click through the slideshow to learn about 7 r-rated films that sparked global controversies. Some of these were censored, while others were entirely banned.
"Sausage Party" (2016)
"Sausage Party" caused national, and even global, outrage. This strange animated film is not for children. It features sexual content between animated foods in a grocery store. The film was banned in a few countries and a Catholic group in France attempted to ban the film or change the rating.
"The Interview" (2014)
Is it at all surprising that "The Interview" made it on this slideshow? This film pokes fun at North Korea and Kim Jong Un. Because of hacking threats, the movie's initial release was canceled.
"Cannibal Holocaust" (1980)
Technically, "Cannibal Holocaust" is not rated R, but deserves a mention because of its gruesome and controversial filming techniques. Italy banned "Cannibal Holocaust" for animal abuse and cruelty. They later released it with a different rating. Singapore, Australia, and Iceland also banned the film.
"Brokeback Mountain" (2005)
"Brokeback Mountain" wasn't extremely controversial, but Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bahamas banned it for its depiction of LGBT relationships. In 2005, very few countries allowed gay marriage or relationships.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015)
Also on our slideshow is "Fifty Shades of Grey," which depicts a sexual relationship with BDSM themes. The explicit nature of the film and books raised a lot of eyebrows. One country to ban this film was Malaysia for morality-related reasons.
"I Spit on Your Grave" (1978 and 2010)
Both versions of "I Spit on Your Grave" are hard to watch. They depict a lot of violence and assault, which is difficult to stomach. While both films were controversial, film viewers especially scrutinized the original version (1978). For instance, the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) blocked the sale of the re-release of "I Spit on Your Grave" for the shocking graphic violence.
"Last Cannibal World" (1977)
Last but not least is another cannibal-related film – "Last Cannibal World." This Italian film was censored in various countries like the United Kingdom. Many violent scenes were cut for release. The same thing happened in Australia.