15 Horror Movies That Have Been Banned: An In-Depth Look
Horror movies often push boundaries, exploring the darkest aspects of human imagination. However, some films have gone too far for certain audiences, leading to bans in various countries.
This blog post delves into 15 such controversial horror movies, explaining why and where they were banned.
1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Banned in: Italy, Australia, United Kingdom, and several other countries
Reason: This Italian horror film, directed by Ruggero Deodato, was banned due to its extreme graphic violence, including real animal killings. The film was so realistic that Deodato was arrested on suspicion of murder, having to prove that the actors were still alive.
2. A Serbian Film (2010)
Banned in: Spain, Norway, Brazil, and several other countries
Reason: Known for its brutal and disturbing content, including scenes of sexual violence and infanticide, “A Serbian Film” was banned for its extreme depictions of taboo subjects, which many considered to be highly offensive and morally unacceptable.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
Banned in: United Kingdom (some local councils), Malaysia, Singapore
Reason: William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” faced bans and censorship due to its intense depiction of demonic possession, which was considered blasphemous and too frightening for audiences. It was particularly controversial in religiously conservative regions.
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Banned in: United Kingdom, Brazil, Sweden
Reason: Tobe Hooper’s classic was banned for its intense violence and disturbing content. Its graphic portrayal of murder and cannibalism shocked audiences, leading to censorship in several countries.
5. The Last House on the Left (1972)
Banned in: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
Reason: Directed by Wes Craven, this film was banned due to its graphic and brutal scenes of rape and violence. Its raw depiction of these acts was deemed too extreme for viewers in several regions.
6. I Spit on Your Grave (1978)
Banned in: United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland
Reason: This film, also known as “Day of the Woman,” was banned for its graphic and prolonged scenes of sexual violence. It was considered highly disturbing and exploitative, leading to bans in multiple countries.
7. Faces of Death (1978)
Banned in: United Kingdom, Australia, Norway
Reason: This pseudo-documentary featured real and staged footage of deaths and violence. Its graphic content led to bans as it was considered too extreme and exploitative.
8. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Banned in: Australia, New Zealand, Finland
Reason: Pier Paolo Pasolini’s film was banned for its explicit depictions of sexual violence, sadism, and extreme cruelty. It was seen as a disturbing portrayal of power and corruption.
9. Hostel: Part II (2007)
Banned in: New Zealand, Ukraine
Reason: Eli Roth’s sequel faced bans due to its extreme and graphic scenes of torture and violence. The film’s explicit content was deemed too disturbing for audiences in some countries.
10. Grotesque (2009)
Banned in: United Kingdom
Reason: This Japanese horror film was banned for its relentless and graphic scenes of torture and mutilation. It was considered too extreme and lacking in any redeeming social value.
11. The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011)
Banned in: United Kingdom (initially), Australia
Reason: The sequel to the already controversial “The Human Centipede” was banned for its graphic violence, sexual content, and overall disturbing nature. It depicted extreme acts that were considered highly offensive.
12. Blood Feast (1963)
Banned in: Norway, Germany
Reason: This early splatter film by Herschell Gordon Lewis was banned for its graphic depictions of gore and violence, which were shocking and unprecedented at the time of its release.
13. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Banned in: United Kingdom (voluntarily withdrawn), South Africa
Reason: Although not strictly a horror film, Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange” was banned for its disturbing depictions of ultraviolence and sexual assault. The film’s controversial content led to it being withdrawn from circulation in the UK at Kubrick’s request.
14. The Evil Dead (1981)
Banned in: United Kingdom, Iceland, Germany
Reason: Sam Raimi’s cult classic faced bans due to its graphic violence and disturbing imagery. Its intense scenes of demonic possession and gore were considered too extreme for some audiences.
15. Martyrs (2008)
Banned in: Malaysia
Reason: This French horror film was banned for its graphic and brutal depictions of torture and violence. Its intense and harrowing content was deemed too disturbing for Malaysian audiences.
Conclusion
Horror movies often test the limits of what is acceptable in cinema. While these 15 films have faced bans for various reasons, their notoriety has also cemented their place in the annals of horror history. Whether due to graphic violence, sexual content, or disturbing themes, these movies continue to provoke strong reactions and debates about censorship and artistic freedom.
By understanding the reasons behind these bans, we can gain insight into the cultural and social factors that influence what is considered acceptable in different parts of the world. Despite the controversies, these films remain important pieces of the horror genre, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and audience tolerance.
© Colin Lawson Books