Controversy often serves as a catalyst for discussion, debate, and even dissent. From provocative themes to boundary-pushing visuals, certain films have sparked fervent discourse, challenging societal norms, moral codes, and artistic boundaries. Join us as we embark on a cinematic journey through film history, as we encounter a diverse array of works that have ignited controversy in various forms.
This curated list delves into what we at SAW have determined to be the 100 of the most controversial movies ever made. These films are not merely provocative for the sake of shock value; rather, they offer profound insights into the human condition, societal taboos, and the power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Some have been met with critical acclaim despite their contentious nature, while others have faced censorship, bans, and public outrage.
From groundbreaking classics that pushed the boundaries of cinematic expression to modern masterpieces that continue to polarize audiences, each entry in this list represents a unique chapter in the ongoing evolution of cinema. As we navigate through tales of love, violence, politics, religion, sexuality, and everything in between, we invite you to engage with these films, not only as entertainment but as thought-provoking discussions of art.
100. The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
Look, if you want to keep your innocence about this movie intact, look away. Keep scrolling. Don’t read this. I wish I didn’t know what I know. Even if it can’t be proven. The Adventures of Milo and Otis started out as a Japanese film called Koneko Monogatari: The Adventures of Chatran and was successful enough to attract the attention of Columbia Pictures, who received the rights and hours of extra footage from the original filmmakers. The Milo and Otis cut (do NOT demand the Chatran cut) is significantly toned down from the original film, with far fewer scenes of the animals in danger. And that’s the issue.
Watching the film now there are many scenes in which the performing animals are very much in danger, sometimes – at least to my eye – life-threatening danger. Cats are sent over waterfalls, off the side of cliffs, thrown into a group of pecking seagulls and a pug gets into a fight with a black bear. As far as I can tell there is no proof to the rumors that the Japanese filmmakers went through multiple Milos, but the internet is full of “TRUE story” FoaF tales about just how bad things were for the animals on the original shoot. You can torment yourself with YouTube videos and Reddit threads, but I’d suggest hitting yourself with a hammer instead. It’s less painful. In the end, none of the rumors can be substantiated – The American Humane Society investigated but ran into dead ends in both Europe and Japan. You can plainly see animals in distress in the film however, and that’s enough to “ruin my childhood” as far as this movie goes.
-Bob Cram Jr.
99. Child Bride (1938)
The only film the MST3K crew refused to satirize, Child Bride is notorious not just for its subject matter but for the swimming scene involving a topless 12 year old actress. Which means watching the film constitutes consuming child pornography. If that doesn’t scare you away from it, the plot certainly will. Good intentioned by wildly misguided, the film follows a school teacher (Diana Durrell) who befriends a young girl (Shirley Mills), learns she is to be married to a much older man and goes on a quest to end the horribly outdated practice.
Since this is an exploitation film, the flight isn’t in the courts but with heavy handed monologues and scenes of female violence perpetrated by gangs of nasty hicks. It’s the kind of movie that makes you question the intent of the director. Did they want to shine a light on a barbaric tradition or were they making cheap exploitative smut for fellow creeps? Regardless of his intent, he accomplished a rare feat that most horror directors dream of — he made a truly shocking movie that will make you cringe, want to take a shower afterward and feels like a legit crime while you’re watching it.
-Sailor Monsoon
98 Hound Dog (2007)
Hound Dog was considered controversial primarily due to its depiction of sensitive subject matter, particularly the portrayal of sexual abuse involving a minor. The film features a scene in which a 12-year-old, played by Dakota Fanning, experiences sexual assault. This depiction of such graphic content, especially involving a minor actor, sparked heated debates about the appropriateness of portraying such scenes in a film and the potential impact on audiences, especially considering Fanning’s age at the time of filming.
The controversy surrounding Hound Dog intensified because of the prominence of Dakota Fanning, who was well-known as a child actress for her roles in family-friendly films. Many critics and audiences were taken aback by the stark departure from her previous roles and questioned whether her involvement in such a scene was appropriate given her young age and public image. The film was dubbed the “Dakota Fanning rape film” at the Sundance Film Festival.
-Vincent Kane
97. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
This World War I epic follows a group of German students who are inspired to join the army by a professor who zealously promotes the glory and honor of “saving the Fatherland.” The boys are quickly thrust into the trenches and disabused of the notion that anything about it will be glorious or honorable. We follow their story over time, seeing them all eventually maimed, driven mad, and/or killed.
The film was lauded in the United States, earning four well-deserved Academy Award nominations and winning two — Best Picture and and Best Director. However, it was far less enthusiastically received elsewhere in the world. In Germany, the rising Nazi Party protested the film as anti-war and anti-German, leading to it being largely outlawed in the country until 1952. It was prohibited in Italy and Austria from 1931 until the 1980s, and in France until 1963. It was also banned in Victoria, Australia, although it was popular in other Australian states.
-R.J. Mathews
96. United 93 (2006)
The film sparked intense emotions and discussions due to its sensitive portrayal of the events surrounding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. The film recounts the story of United Airlines Flight 93, one of the four planes hijacked by terrorists on 9/11. Unlike the other hijacked planes, Flight 93’s passengers fought back against the hijackers, ultimately leading to the plane crashing into a field in Pennsylvania, preventing it from reaching its intended target.
The controversy of United 93 largely revolved around its timing, as it was released just five years after the tragic events of 9/11. Some critics and audiences questioned whether it was too soon to depict such a traumatic event on screen, while others argued that it was important to remember and honor the heroism of the passengers aboard Flight 93. Additionally, the film’s documentary-style approach, using handheld cameras and naturalistic performances, led to debates about its authenticity and the ethics of reenacting real-life tragedies for entertainment purposes. Despite the controversy, “United 93” received widespread critical acclaim for its respectful and gripping portrayal of the events of 9/11, with many praising its restraint and emotional impact.
-Vincent Kane
95. The Last Picture Show (1971)
Adapted from a Larry McMurtry novel of the same name, The Last Picture Show is a coming of age story set in a small North Texas town in 1951. It follows the stories of three teenagers as they navigate growing up in a dying oil town. While the film was praised by critics and received several awards, the explicit language and rampant teen sexuality (complete with a topless Cybill Shepherd scene) was shocking to some in the 1970s. It particularly outraged the locals of Archer City, McMurtry’s hometown where filming took place for the movie. Despite initial backlash, the film endures as a classic, beloved for its unflinching exploration of American adolescence and societal decline.
-R.J. Mathews
94. August Underground (2001)
Infamous for its extreme and graphic content, August Underground pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in cinema. The film is shot in found-footage style, depicting the sadistic exploits of a group of serial killers. The controversy surrounding the film primarily revolves around its extreme violence, gore, and disturbing subject matter. The film features graphic depictions of torture, mutilation, sexual violence, and murder, presented in a raw and unflinching manner. The filmmakers aimed to create a visceral and unsettling experience, blurring the line between fiction and reality to immerse viewers in the horrific world of the characters.
Critics and audiences alike have been divided in their responses to the film. Some view it as a groundbreaking work of transgressive cinema, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging societal norms. They argue that the film’s extreme content serves a purpose beyond mere shock value, provoking introspection and critical reflection on the nature of violence and human depravity. I, however, think it’s a shitty horror movie using controversy as a shield to protect it from criticism. It doesn’t explore the dark side of human nature nor does it say anything about our addiction to violence. It doesn’t say anything. It has only one thing on its mind: to shock you. So in that regard, it’s a success.
-Sailor Monsoon
93. Baby Doll (1956)
Based on the Tennessee Williams play “27 Wagons Full of Cotton”, Baby Doll is a black comedy that sparked significant debate and censorship battles upon its release due to its controversial subject matter and suggestive themes. The story revolves around a young bride named Baby Doll Meighan (Carroll Baker), who is married to a much older man, Archie Lee Meighan (Karl Malden.) Archie Lee’s rival, Silva Vacarro (Eli Wallach), becomes entangled in a complex web of desire and revenge, leading to intense confrontations and sexual tension.
At the heart of the controversy is the film’s portrayal of Baby Doll as a sexually naive and manipulative character. Despite her young age, she exudes a potent combination of innocence and sensuality, which both Archie and Silva find irresistible. The suggestive dialogue and provocative imagery, including Baby Doll’s childlike behavior and revealing nightgowns, pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema at the time. Controversial subject matter aside, the film isn’t as sleazy as you’d imagine. It’s actually a bold, subversive comedy with great performances (Carroll Baker received an Oscar nom), dark humor, complex characters, and is a daring exploration of taboo subjects.
-Sailor Monsoon
92. Henry & June (1990)
In 1931 Paris, Anaïs Nin (Maria de Medeiros) meets author Henry Miller (Fred Ward) and his wife June (Uma Thurman) and is immediately captivated by their view on sex. Since it’s the first film to receive the NC-17 rating, you can safely assume it’s more about their relationship than it is about the “Tropic of Cancer”. The film’s explicit portrayal of sexuality, including scenes of nudity, masturbation, and BDSM, drew criticism from conservative groups and censorship advocates who argued that such content was inappropriate for mainstream cinema.
Some critics accused the film of glorifying or romanticizing extramarital affairs and unconventional sexual practices, while others praised it for its boldness and frank exploration of human desire. Since it’s clearly not a porno but does have enough sex in it that a creep could theoretically rub one out in the theater, the MPAA decided to created a new rating to replace the X. The NC-17 was basically created to tell horny pervs that the film in question will get you off and you’ll actually get a good movie if you stay after you shoot your wad.
-Sailor Monsoon
91. Haxan (1922)
Just over 100 years old, Häxan (Swedish for “The Witch”) is a dramatization/visual essay on the history of witchcraft and satanism. The subject matter alone guaranteed controversy. However, filmmaker Benjamin Christensen didn’t just titillate with graphic scenes of torture, nudity and satanic rituals – he also critiqued religion and men in power. The film includes both a reconstruction of a witch trial from accusation to sentencing and how mental illness and the misunderstanding thereof has (and continues to) contributed to the persecution of women, children and those outside the mainstream. The film was heavily edited in the US and managed to offend people worldwide (though it was initially successful in Sweden.) The film remains effecting today, with dramatic and horrifying imagery that is often poetic, and a message about intolerance of those different from the mainstream that resonates – particularly in our own charged cultural climate.
-Bob Cram Jr.
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How many of these controversial movies have you seen? Did you find any of them controversial?