Setting the Stage: When Horror Movies Cause Real-World Tremors
Horror as a genre has always been designed to push boundaries, and sometimes those boundaries go beyond what authorities consider “acceptable.” From the United States to Europe and beyond, numerous films have faced outright bans, sometimes even in their home countries. What is it that makes these movies so controversial? And where can you now watch these films that were once forbidden? Let’s dive in.
“The Exorcist” (1973) – A Scare Too Far
“The Exorcist is one of not just the most successful horror films of all time, but one of the most successful films in general.” — William Friedkin, Director
Director William Friedkin’s masterpiece caused more than just audience screams; it led to actual bans. Initially, the film was prohibited in some parts of the United Kingdom. However, the bans didn’t prevent it from becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films ever. You can catch “The Exorcist” on Max.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) – Too Much For The Imagination
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is available to stream on Peacock, AMC+, The Roku Channel, Tubi, Shudder, and Freevee.”
Tobe Hooper’s gruesome masterpiece was banned in multiple countries, including Great Britain, from 1974 to 1998. Despite the bans, the film was never short of audience or impact. You can now stream it on various platforms like Peacock and Shudder.
“I Spit on Your Grave” (1978) – Crossing All Limits?
“I Spit on Your Grave was banned entirely in Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and West Germany.”
Deemed grotesque and disturbing, this film faced bans in multiple countries. However, it managed to secure an R-rating in the U.S., leading some to question the effectiveness of the MPAA’s guidelines. For those brave enough, the film is available on Tubi, Redbox, and other platforms.
“Cannibal Holocaust” (1980) – A Real-Life Horror?
“Cannibal Holocaust is available to stream on AMC+, Kanopy, Shudder, and Peacock.”
Cannibal Holocaust was so intense it led to the arrest of its director, Ruggero Deodato, as people believed they had witnessed actual murders. After Deodato was cleared, the film still faced bans in Italy and Australia for its graphic content.
“The Evil Dead” (1981) – The Classic That Almost Wasn’t
“The Evil Dead is available to stream on AMC+.”
Initially tagged as a “Video Nasty,” Sam Raimi’s cult classic was once banned in Finland and Ukraine. Despite its troublesome history, it’s now considered a cornerstone in horror cinema and is easily accessible on AMC+.
“Land of the Dead” (2005) – When History Haunts
“Land of the Dead is available to stream on DirecTV, AMC+, Starz, and Peacock.”
George A. Romero’s film didn’t just churn stomachs, it reopened historical wounds in Ukraine, where it was banned due to painful memories it evoked related to the Germans’ attack on Kharkiv in 1943.
“Hostel: Part II” (2007) – What’s Too Much?
“Hostel: Part II is available to stream on fuboTV, Pluto TV, and Plex.”
The sequel found itself under scrutiny and was banned in New Zealand due to a particularly disturbing scene that combined torture and sexual gratification.
“Saw 3D” (2010) – The Saga That Couldn’t End
“Saw: The Final Chapter is available to stream on fuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, Starz, Tubi, and DirecTV.”
The conclusion to the original Saw series, “Saw 3D,” was banned in Germany, and it remains so to this day. However, a copy for personal viewing is still accessible to residents.
“The Human Centipede II” (2011) – Where to Draw the Line?
“The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is available to stream on Tubi, DirecTV, and AMC+.”
Initially banned in Australia and the UK, the sequel to the grotesque original didn’t do itself any favors with its “sexually violent and potentially obscene” content.
“The Last House on the Left” (1972) – Uncomfortably Good
“The Last House on the Left stays with you, except for those in Britain, where it was banned until 2002.”
This Wes Craven directorial debut was so impactful it got banned in Britain until 2002. The film is as well-crafted as it is disturbing, making its scenes hauntingly unforgettable.
Now You Decide: Taboo or Classic?
These movies pushed the envelope in ways that often attracted the wrong kind of attention. Yet, they remain integral to the history of horror cinema. Most of these once-banned films are now easily accessible for streaming. The question that remains is, will you dare to watch?
(Note: Always make sure to check the ratings and viewer discretion notices before streaming any film, especially those of the horror genre.)
That’s all, folks! If you found this read spine-chilling, remember to share it with fellow horror aficionados.
