The top 10 most controversial movies of all time and why they caused a stir

Over the years, there have been a number of films that have sparked controversy for their subject matter, themes, or presentation. These movies have pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or appropriate, and often sparked intense debate and discussion. Here are the top 10 most controversial movies of all time and why they caused a stir.

  1. The Birth of a Nation” (1915) Directed by D.W. Griffith, this silent film is considered a landmark in American cinema, but it has also been criticized for its racist depiction of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan.
  2. A Clockwork Orange” (1971) Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this film follows a young delinquent who undergoes experimental aversion therapy in an attempt to “cure” his violent tendencies. The film’s graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault caused a stir upon its release, leading to it being banned in several countries.
  3. The Exorcist” (1973) Directed by William Friedkin, this film follows the possession of a young girl and the attempts to exorcise the demon within her. The film’s graphic depiction of violence and blasphemy caused controversy, with some religious groups calling for a boycott.
  4. Cannibal Holocaust” (1980) Directed by Ruggero Deodato, this film follows a team of documentary filmmakers who travel to the Amazon rainforest and encounter a cannibalistic tribe. The film’s graphic violence and depictions of animal cruelty led to it being banned in several countries.
  5. Natural Born Killers” (1994) Directed by Oliver Stone, this film follows a young couple who embark on a killing spree. The film’s use of violence and satire caused controversy, with some critics accusing it of glamorizing violence.
  6. Kids” (1995) Directed by Larry Clark, this film follows a group of teenagers in New York City as they engage in sex, drugs, and violence. The film’s explicit depiction of underage sex and drug use caused controversy, with some critics accusing it of promoting reckless behavior.
  7. The Passion of the Christ” (2004) Directed by Mel Gibson, this film follows the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. The film’s graphic depiction of violence and its portrayal of Jewish characters caused controversy, with some critics accusing it of being anti-Semitic.
  8. The Human Centipede” (2009) Directed by Tom Six, this film follows a mad scientist who creates a “human centipede” by surgically connecting three people together. The film’s graphic violence and disturbing premise caused controversy, with some critics accusing it of being gratuitous and exploitative.
  9. The Interview” (2014) Directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, this comedy film follows two journalists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The film’s depiction of the North Korean leader led to threats of violence and a massive cyber attack on Sony Pictures.
  10. Joker” (2019) Directed by Todd Phillips, this film follows the origin story of the infamous Batman villain. The film’s portrayal of violence and mental illness caused controversy, with some critics accusing it of glorifying the actions of a disturbed individual.

In conclusion, these films have all caused controversy for various reasons, ranging from their portrayal of violence and sexuality to their political or social commentary. While some have been banned or boycotted, others have become cult classics, proving that controversial films can also be thought-provoking and impactful.

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Michael P
Los Angeles based finance writer covering everything from crypto to the markets.

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