Greetings from the world of horror films! This list of 15 outlawed horror films has something for everyone, whether you enjoy them or are just browsing for fun. These films, which range from gory slashers to psychological thrillers, have gone too far for the audience. For viewers, some are too violent, disturbing, or politically charged.As a result, they have been outlawed in various nations for being too offensive or shocking. Whatever the cause, the ban has increased their notoriety rather than diminished it. The restriction would pique interest in watching horror films when discussing them.Therefore, we have everything you’re looking for if you want something a little riskier than the typical horror film. Those who have seen them regard some of them as masterpieces and cult classics. This list is for you if you’re looking for something that goes beyond the bounds of what’s “acceptable”!Let’s explore banned horror films, which range from those with gruesome violence and gore to those about demonic possession. These include timeless films like The Exorcist and more recent ones like A Serbian Film. Beware; the cinematography in these might even startle you.
1. The Exorcist
The Exorcist was written by William Peter Blatty, and it was directed by William Friedkin. It is a horror film that draws its ideas from the 1971 book of the same name. The movie chronicles a 12-year-old girl’s demonic possession.The frantic efforts of her mother are another major theme. These were intended to protect her daughter from an exorcism performed on her by two priests. The film’s excellence is clear from the awards it received. Ten Academy Awards were nominated for it, and it received two wins for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.By emphasising psychological terror rather than graphic violence, the movie has both revolutionised and legitimised contemporary horror. It has received praise for its accurate depiction of demonic possession. Additionally, it effectively evokes dread and horror through the use of music and sound design.
Release Date: December 26, 1973
Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair
Box Office Earnings: $441.3 million
IMDb: 8.1/10
Director: William Friedkin
2. Possession
The film was filmed in West Berlin as part of an international French-West German co-production. Andrzej Uawski directed this psychological horror and drama movie from 1981. In addition, it was co-written by Frederic Tuten. It tells the tale of a husband and wife who work as international agents. The latter acts in a troubling manner and demands a divorce. It obliquely follows the plot.A spiral staircase and an endless metaphysical game of cat and mouse also feature in the novel Possession. It results in a “spotlight” on God and a spiritual search for heaven. It is a terrifying, high-octane baroque masterpiece, a scornful detective story, and a horror story all rolled into one. The movie is filled with numerous allegories, symbols, and contentious ideas.As a result, everything results in its prohibition. Therefore, we need to warn you if you are thinking more about this movie. It’s due to the fact that it includes elements of self-harm, suicide, intense jealousy, etc. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this movie belongs with some classic psychological movies.
Release Date: 27 May 1981
Cast: Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill, Margit Carstensen, Heinz Bennent, Johanna Hofer, Carl Duering, Shaun Lawton, Michael Hogben
Box Office Earnings: 11 lakhs USD
IMDb: 7.3/10
Director: Andrzej Żuławski
3. Slender Man
Parents should be aware that creepypasta plays a major role in the horror movie Slender Man. There is an internet urban legend about a faceless entity that kidnaps kids. The film features jump scares, teens in danger, chokeholds, and teenage girls being grabbed. Nightmarish imagery that is equally disturbing also passes by.It has received harsh criticism from critics and has angered many viewers as well. This 2018 film was produced by Mythology Entertainment, and it was released by Screen Gems. The reason for its ban is the most fascinating yet shocking tale. People perceived the film as criminalistic because one girl began to believe that Slender Man, a fictional character, was actually real.
Release Date: August 10, 2018
Cast: Joey King, Julia Goldani Telles, Jaz Sinclair, Annalise Basso, Alex Fitzalan, Taylor Richardson, Javier Botet
Box Office Earnings: 5.17 crores USD
IMDb: 3.2/10
Director: Sylvian White
4. The Human Centipede 2
The Human Centipede 2, a 2011 body exploitation horror movie, was written, co-directed, and co-produced by Tom Six. Media and critics have panned it because of its vivid depictions of physical, sexual, and other atrocities.In the media, The Human Centipede 2 received a lot of attention and criticism. We have the right to delete offensive content because we live in a world that is heavily censored. Its performances, storyline, and violence were deemed offensive by the public, leading to a ban.Even the flimsiest moral principles are violated in this horrifying, shocking, ugly, unoriginal film. It draws attention to Martin, one of the characters, who is untrained in surgery. By sewing the leather pieces of a wallet together, he appears to stitch his victims together using a summer camp trick.
Release Date: 22 September 2011
Cast: Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie, Maddi Black, Kandace Caine, Bill Hutchens
Box Office Earnings: 1.42 lakhs USD
IMDb: 3.8/10
Director: Tom Six
5. The Bunny Game
A prostitute suffers greatly when she accepts the wrong man’s offer to take her away. She is captured and tortured by the latter. It appears that the horror genre willingly degenerates. It will be intended to horrify, disgust, and shock its audience.Of course, this assertion is not new. The exploitation films from the 1970s and 1980s are perhaps where people are most familiar with these claims. It therefore bears a strong relationship to those that appeared on the British Video Nasties list. People have always accused and criticised films for these things.Undoubtedly, similar claims have been made in the past. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), however, changed its mind and decided to outright forbid the film.
Release Date: 7 April 2012
Cast: Rodleen Getsic, Jeff Renfro, Gregg Gilmore, Drettie Page, Curtis Reynolds
Box Office Earnings: N/A
IMDb: 3.4/10
Director: Adam Rehmeier