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.
40. Happiness (1998)
While fucked up in its own way, Happiness might be the hardest film to watch on this list despite being far less extreme than most due simply to the fact that it’s designed to make you squirm, cringe and be as uncomfortable as humanly possible. Todd Solondz created the ultimate prison of cringe and once you’re locked up, he throws away the key. Weaving together multiple narrative threads, the film is an anthology that focuses on the dysfunctional lives of several individuals living in suburban New Jersey. Among the characters are three sisters: Joy (Jane Adams), Trish (Cynthia Stevenson), and Helen (Lara Flynn Boyle), each grappling with their own personal struggles and desires. Their stories intersect with those of their neighbors, acquaintances, and family members, creating a tapestry of suburban malaise and discontent.
One of the most infamous storylines revolves around the character of Bill Maplewood (Dylan Baker), a seemingly mild-mannered father and husband who harbors disturbing pedophilic urges. His storyline, while shocking and disturbing, is presented with a mixture of empathy and dark humor, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of human nature and the depths of depravity. Another central storyline follows Joy, a struggling musician desperate for connection and intimacy. Her quest for happiness leads her into a series of disappointing relationships and encounters, highlighting the pervasive sense of alienation and disillusionment that permeates the lives of the film’s characters. For some, this is a black comedy that uses extreme uncomfortable moments as comedy but for others, this is the ultimate horror film. Being stuck with these people and their problems is a nightmare. The nightmare of normalcy.
-Sailor Monsoon
39. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Trey Parker and Matt Stone had become accustomed to sparking controversy since they created a little animated show that followed a group of four kids. The show was known for its bold and unapologetic humor, irreverent satire, and graphic content. So the fact that their feature-length film, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, upset people was not surprising in the least. Based on their popular animated television series South Park, the film follows the foul-mouthed adventures of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny as they inadvertently spark a war between the United States and Canada after watching an R-rated Canadian film. The movie sparked controversy for its sharp social commentary, musical numbers, and willingness to push boundaries, particularly in its treatment of religion, censorship, and political correctness.
The controversy surrounding South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut largely revolved around its explicit language, crude humor, and controversial subject matter. The film’s relentless use of profanity, sexual humor, and crude animations challenged traditional sensibilities and offended many viewers, particularly parents and conservative groups. Additionally, its irreverent treatment of sensitive topics such as religion and censorship led to criticism and calls for censorship. Despite the controversy, the film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its biting satire and clever writing, and it has since become a cult classic among fans of adult animation.
-Vincent Kane
38. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Silent Night, Deadly Night was not the first killer Santa movie but it became the most famous and controversial one before it’s release due to it’s marketing campaign. TV spots that were shown during family friendly shows depict on a killer dressed as Santa became the emphasis of a PTA protest to try and hinder the release of the film to theaters. Protests would form outside of theaters and malls with picket signs while they sang Christmas Carols. Six days after it’s release, advertising would be pulled and shortly after that, the film itself would be removed from theaters due to the outcry. Once the critics condemned the film, that pretty much buried it altogether. Of course, this would simply cause it to have a cult following which would garner a holiday horror franchise with four sequels.
-Vincent Kane
37. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
It took me a long time to get around to watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Its reputation was so over the top that I had a panic attack the first time I tried. The media sensation about the violence and gore is all outsized compared to the reality – you’ll find more blood in your average Steven Segal film, as Roger Ebert noted. It’s the gritty, realness of the film that makes it seem so bad. Like you could easily be watching a documentary or snuff film, rather than a product of exceptional filmmaking. It has an unsettling mood that starts right from the first few shots of a diseased and malignant sun; a corpse on a gravestone; an armadillo rotting in the heat. Once Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns), her brother Franklin (Paul Partain) and their friends pick up a disturbed hitchhiker you just know they’re all going to die, and die badly. Or maybe you got that from the title alone.
One of the greatest horror films of all time, it’s the rare film that both deserves its horrifying reputation and doesn’t. It IS a grueling experience, a terrifying ordeal for both viewer and the protagonists. But it isn’t merely violence for its own sake. It’s a work of terrible and beautiful art, that can still shock and dismay and entertain without lingering on decapitations or women on meathooks. Director Tobe Hooper doesn’t show us the worst, he just lets us imagine it for ourselves. Somehow, that turned out to be even more horrifying.
-Bob Cram Jr.
36. Caligula (1979)
Caligula is kind of like the porn version of Blade Runner in the sense that there’s about a million cuts of the damn thing, most of which are awful and none of which fix the root problem with the film, which is that it’s boring. The film presents a fictionalized account of the reign of the Roman Emperor Caligula (Malcolm McDowell), follows his rise to power and descent into madness, depicting his tyrannical rule, depraved sexual escapades, and brutal acts of violence. The narrative explores themes of absolute power, decadence, and the corrupting influence of unchecked authority.
Caligula garnered attention not only for its explicit content but also for its lavish production values and prestigious cast, which included respected actors such as Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, and John Gielgud. Despite its high-profile talent, the film’s controversial subject matter and graphic depictions of sex and violence led to widespread condemnation and censorship. The film features numerous scenes of graphic sexuality, including orgies, incest, and rape, as well as explicit depictions of torture and murder. These controversial elements caused significant controversy upon the film’s release, leading to censorship, bans, and legal battles in various countries. Tinto Brass tried making art, Bob Guccione wanted smut and the end result is a mess no one wants.
-Sailor Monsoon
35. Coonskin (1975)
This film is the epitome of the old adage “an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.” Ralph Bakshi remaking Song of the South is akin to watching the truck from the film Sorcerer barrow towards a runaway freight train that’s transporting nothing but babies, nuns, and dynamite. No matter the quality, it’s going to be the most controversial thing ever. These two things should never collide but since Bakshi is one of the best directors of the 20th century, it works. It works if you understand what it is and what it’s trying to say. Coonskin is a brutal satire that takes aim at racism and prejudices and doesn’t let anyone off the hook. Nobody is portrayed as the quote-unquote superior race and there are no heroes. This is an angry film that takes a sledgehammer to subtlety. It doesn’t scream at its audience. It grabs it by the throat and doesn’t let go till you understand its message. Which we still haven’t.
-Sailor Monsoon
34. Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS (1975)
While not the first of the Nazi death camp subgenre of films, Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS is by far the most famous, creating not only the blueprint that every rip-off would follow but was so popular that it spawned three sequels. Set in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II, the film centers on Ilsa, played by Dyanne Thorne, a sadistic and sexually dominant commandant whose primary aim is to conduct horrific medical experiments on female prisoners. These experiments, conducted under the guise of proving the endurance of women over men, include brutal torture methods such as electrocution, mutilation, and sexual abuse. The experiments are about as hardcore as you’d imagine, with many critics being unable to stomach them. Gene Siskel gave it zero stars and called it “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown … Ilsa plays like a textbook for rapists and mutilation freaks.”, whereas Vincent Canby reportedly walked out of his screening. If you’re a fan of extreme cinema, few films push the boundaries of what is acceptable on screen like this one does.
-Sailor Monsoon
33. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Set during the Great Depression in the 1930s, Bonnie and Clyde follows the turbulent lives of Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) and Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty), two young lovers who become notorious bank robbers. As they embark on a crime spree across the American Midwest, they capture the attention of the public and law enforcement alike. Along the way, they are joined by Clyde’s brother Buck (Gene Hackman), Buck’s wife Blanche (Estelle Parsons), and other accomplices. Arthur Penn wisely decided to focus on the myth of the duo rather than go for historical accuracy. In this retelling of events, the love birds might as well be counter culture icons the way they rebel against society. They are anti-establishment rebels who defy societal norms and challenge authority figures. Their actions are driven by a desire for freedom and a rejection of the oppressive economic conditions of the time. What makes this a masterpiece isn’t that it updates old historical legends by modernizing them but by ripping that image away by accurately portraying the consequences to their actions. As their crimes escalate, so does the brutality of their encounters with law enforcement, leading to a tragic and inevitable conclusion.
-Sailor Monsoon
32. Cannibal Ferox (1981)
Cannibal Ferox, also known as Make Them Die Slowly, will forever live in the shadow of the much more notorious film that inspired it but just because it’s “the other cannibal film”, doesn’t mean it’s any less grisly. The film follows a group of American college students who travel to the Amazon jungle in search of evidence to disprove the existence of cannibalism. However, they soon find themselves in a nightmare as they encounter hostile indigenous tribes, drug traffickers, and sadistic violence. Notorious for its shocking scenes of violence, including brutal torture, rape, and cannibalism, the graphic nature of the film led to widespread censorship and bans in several countries upon its release. The world was not ready for Umberto Lenzi’s no holds barred exploitation nasty but over time, it garnered a cult following among fans of extreme cinema. Its visceral portrayal of violence and its unapologetic approach to taboo subjects have earned it a place in the pantheon of cult classics within the horror genre.
-Sailor Monsoon
31. Freaks (1932)
Tod Browning’s classic, Freaks, takes place in a circus and follows the lives of its performers, many of whom were actual circus sideshow attractions. It explores themes of acceptance, exploitation, and the humanity of those deemed “freaks” by society. The film was met with controversy and scandal upon its release due to its depiction of individuals with physical deformities and disabilities. During test screenings, it was reported that viewers were not just walking out but running. One lady even threatened to sue MGM because she blamed the film for causing her miscarriage. The film was heavily edited from its original run time of 90 minutes down to 60.
Critics of Freaks pointed to its unsettling portrayal of individuals with physical differences and disabilities. The film was criticized for exploiting its performers and sensationalizing their conditions for shock value. Additionally, audiences were shocked and disturbed by the film’s climax, which features a scene of revenge orchestrated by the “freaks” against a character who betrays them. Some viewers found the film’s depiction of violence and its use of real-life performers in exploitative roles deeply offensive.
Despite the controversy, Freaks has since been reappraised as a cult classic and a landmark in horror cinema. It is celebrated for its subversion of traditional Hollywood norms and its humanization of its marginalized characters. While it remains controversial for its portrayal of individuals with disabilities, Freaks continues to be studied and analyzed for its complex themes and its impact on the representation of diversity in film.
-Vincent Kane
50-41 | 30-21
How many of these controversial movies have you seen? Did you find any of them controversial?