45 Most Controversial Movies in Hollywood History

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The Whale (2022)

The Whale follows the story of a reclusive English teacher. From the beginning, the film sparked discussions and concerns. There were debates regarding the portrayal of the protagonist's physical appearance.

IMDb // The Whale (2022)

Some critics expressed their reservations, accusing director Aronofsky of the insensitive portrayal of the character's situation. They argued that the film could've explored the deeper aspects of the challenges faced by the character without relying on superficial elements.

The Devils (1971)

Ken Russell's The Devils shocked film censors in France. They wanted so many changes that different countries had their own edited versions. The Devils was seen as highly critical of certain groups of people, particularly in its portrayal of corruption within the institutions.

The Movie Database // The Devils (1971)

Even though Russell won the award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, that didn't stop Italian authorities from putting a ban on the film.

Freaks (1932)

Tod Browning had the chance to realize his passion project, a tale of underdog carnival performers whose moral code is violated by one of their own. The studio, however, was shocked when Browning insisted on employing actual circus performers for the film.

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Freaks didn't find a sympathetic audience until the counterculture period of the 1960s. By that time, Browning's career had already undergone irreparable harm. Some films are truly ahead of their time.

Viridiana (1961)

Luis Buñuel aimed his art's penetrating glance at all things sacred. In his masterful film, a young nun at the center of the story faces a challenging test of her faith during a visit to her uncle's estate.

IMDb // Viridiana (1961)

Over the years, Viridiana has gained a reputation as a powerful and thought-provoking film. Its exploration of human behavior, morality, and the clash between beliefs, ideals, and worldly desires continues to resonate with audiences.

Last Tango in Paris (1972)

Upon its release, Bernardo Bertolucci's drama stirred controversy. However, it was a specific scene that elevated its infamy to a new level in recent years.

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The scene was so controversial that even the actors involved in it later revealed that they felt uncomfortable doing it. The release of the film led to several international controversies and drew censorship in different jurisdictions.