The Most Controversial Movies of the Last 50 Years

The French have a phrase, ‘succès de scandale,’ which describes how a work of art can become famous because of the controversy surrounding it. The idea is similar to the English saying, ‘There’s no such thing as bad publicity.’ Many filmmakers and studios have had to remember this when their movies become the center of public debate.

Movies are a form of art, and all art aims to provoke a reaction. Sometimes, a film sparks such a strong and widespread response that it becomes controversial. This can be good or bad, depending on what the filmmakers intended, but it almost guarantees the movie will be remembered – even if it’s not remembered as a great film.

Certain movies spark much more debate than others. We’ve collected ten films from the past fifty years that caused so much public controversy when they were released, the uproar almost overshadowed the movies themselves. These films faced intense criticism – sometimes due to graphic violence or sexual content, religious themes, or even promoting false ideas – but in many cases, the controversy actually made more people want to see them.

10 Movies That Sparked Major Controversy When They Were Released

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Even the title Cannibal Holocaust hints at the controversy it caused when it was released. The film is notorious for its extreme gore, violence—including scenes of cannibalism—and actual animal cruelty. As a result, it was banned or heavily censored in many countries and is considered one of the most shocking exploitation films ever made. Debate continues among film scholars about whether the film’s graphic violence is a critique of how journalists exploit indigenous cultures, or simply another form of that exploitation. Regardless, it was a highly influential film, pioneering the “found footage” technique decades before The Blair Witch Project popularized it.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

While modern audiences often discuss the sometimes problematic way India and its people are depicted in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the film initially caused controversy for a different reason. Temple of Doom is a notably dark installment in the Indiana Jones series, filled with intense violence and frightening scenes. Many parents in the 1980s were surprised it received a PG rating. Following complaints about the film’s mature content, as well as similar concerns about Steven Spielberg’s Gremlins, which came out just weeks later, the MPAA created the PG-13 rating to better protect young viewers from disturbing imagery – like dark magic rituals and violent acts.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Martin Scorsese’s film, The Last Temptation of Christ, sparked significant controversy among religious groups, but it was particularly bold in showing Jesus struggling with human desires. Based on a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis that was already considered controversial, the movie included dream sequences with sexual themes, leading many Christians to boycott it. However, some religious leaders actually praised the film, and a disclaimer states it’s a fictional exploration of spiritual conflict, not a direct adaptation of the Gospels.

JFK (1991)

Let me tell you, Oliver Stone’s JFK faced an uphill battle from the start. Even before it hit theaters, a lot of folks in the press and within the government seemed determined to discredit it. They essentially launched a smear campaign, claiming the film was nothing more than a collection of conspiracy theories, suggesting it falsely accused the government of framing Lee Harvey Oswald and even plotting to put Lyndon B. Johnson in power. And even after it came out, the debate raged on – was it okay to make a compelling film, even if it presented a potentially misleading narrative? It really made you question where the line is between entertainment and responsibility.

Dogma (1999)

It’s not surprising that the movie Dogma, which features two angels questioning God’s power and unraveling reality, caused an uproar among some religious groups. The Catholic League, in particular, strongly condemned the film as blasphemous, criticizing its irreverent treatment of serious religious topics. Protests occurred in several countries, causing delays in the film’s release, and the director, Kevin Smith, even received death threats. He jokingly joined one of the protests, pretending to be an opponent of his own movie. As often happens, the controversy generated significant publicity, and Dogma ultimately became the most financially successful film in Smith’s View Askewniverse series.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Similar to the film The Last Temptation of Christ and the novel The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s story presents a Jesus that challenges traditional religious views. However, while The Last Temptation of Christ was a more interpretive take, The Da Vinci Code claims its version—that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had a daughter—is a hidden historical truth. The story suggests the Catholic Church has concealed this information for centuries to protect the secret of the Holy Grail. While presented as fact by Brown, with claims of accurate secret rituals and the Priory of Sion, both the book and movie are works of fiction. Untangling the truth from the fiction will require some serious detective work, much like that of Robert Langdon himself.

Antichrist (2009)

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve always known that anything by Lars Von Trier is going to spark debate – he really isn’t afraid to push boundaries. His films often delve into incredibly dark and disturbing territory, and he’s no stranger to controversy. Take Antichrist, for example. It’s probably his most extreme work, and caused a real uproar when it premiered at Cannes – people actually walked out or even fainted! He wrote it after a really tough period with depression, when he wasn’t even sure he could direct again, and it kicked off a fascinating, if bleak, series of films – what he called his ‘Depression Trilogy,’ continuing with Melancholia and Nymphomaniac. Interestingly, when Antichrist was being sold, there were two cuts available: a ‘Catholic’ version with some of the more graphic stuff removed, and a full, uncut ‘Protestant’ version. While most countries got the uncut version, it almost always came with a restricted rating, which isn’t surprising!

Black Swan (2010)

When Black Swan was released, it sharply divided audiences – people either loved it or hated it. Many professional ballerinas were particularly critical, finding the film to be an unrealistic and exaggerated depiction of the life of a dancer. They often described it as overly sensational and sexualized, pointing to the storyline where a demanding instructor pushes his lead dancer to be more provocative. Ballerina Sarah Lane also stated she wasn’t properly credited for serving as Natalie Portman’s dance double, and that the film led viewers to believe Portman performed all the dancing herself.

The Interview (2014)

The movie The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, caused a major international incident with North Korea. The film’s plot – a fictional talk show interview with Kim Jong Un – deeply offended the North Korean government, which threatened the U.S. if the movie was released. Shortly after, Sony, the studio behind the film, experienced a significant computer hack believed to be linked to North Korea. Threats were also made against any cinemas showing the film. As a result, most major U.S. theater chains refused to screen it. Sony ultimately released The Interview online on Christmas Eve in 2014, followed by a limited theatrical release the next day.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The Star Wars franchise has often faced criticism and sparked debate, especially with the prequel films that disappointed many fans and the sequel trilogy that generated its own controversies. Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi, the middle film of the new trilogy, was particularly divisive. It provoked such strong reactions that the next film essentially undid many of its plot points. The movie seemed to upset everyone, whether it was over details like Luke Skywalker’s behavior or the way certain characters’ stories unfolded. The backlash even led to actress Kelly Marie Tran leaving social media due to extreme harassment. The Last Jedi signaled a shift in how franchises are made, highlighting the power of vocal fans and suggesting that meeting expectations is often the easiest path.

Overlooked ’90s Movies That Should Have Been Bigger

The Paper (1994)

With a box office total of $48.4 million, The Paper is often overlooked among Ron Howard’s more popular 90s films like Backdraft, Apollo 13, and Ransom. However, many consider it to be his best work from that decade. This energetic film offers a look inside a major city newspaper, starring Michael Keaton as a stressed-out editor whose relentless pursuit of a story puts both his job and marriage at risk. For fans of journalistic dramas, The Paper is a standout, featuring a remarkable cast including Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Jason Alexander, Marisa Tomei, and Jason Robards.

Guilty As Sin (1993)

The film earned $22.8 million at the box office. Director Sidney Lumet, known for realistic crime dramas like Dog Day Afternoon and 12 Angry Men, teamed up with exploitation film expert Larry Cohen – an unlikely pairing that somehow worked. Guilty As Sin starts with a clever idea: a lawyer (Rebecca De Mornay) becomes attracted to the main suspect (Don Johnson) in his wife’s murder, flipping the premise of Basic Instinct. Lumet lets the actors lead, and the film really becomes a platform for Don Johnson to shine as a charming, yet awful, character. He’s incredibly entertaining as someone you really want to see get what’s coming to him. (There’s a scene where he lets a woman pay for his drink, then immediately leaves her with the empty glass and the bill!) You’ll be waiting for him to face the consequences.

The Quick and the Dead (1995)

With a box office total of $18.6 million, Sam Raimi is now considered one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation. However, in the early 1990s, many critics believed his films were visually impressive but lacked depth. They underestimated movies like his Western, The Quick and the Dead, which was arguably the most visually striking Western since Sergio Leone’s films. Despite a fantastic cast – including Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, and rising stars Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio – the film wasn’t well-received. Westerns weren’t popular at the time, and audiences largely ignored The Quick and the Dead. It’s surprising that such a visually exciting movie didn’t resonate more with audiences; it seems people at the time didn’t fully appreciate what they had.

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

The film earned $16.1 million at the box office. Beyond the numbers, though, Devil in a Blue Dress is a standout movie, largely thanks to Denzel Washington’s captivating performance – arguably one of the best leading roles of the 1990s. He plays Easy Rawlings, a man down on his luck who gets pulled into a complex mystery when he searches for a missing person. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a young Don Cheadle, is excellent. Director Carl Franklin’s script powerfully explores the racial tensions of 1940s Los Angeles. Ultimately, the film is utterly compelling, with Denzel Washington commanding attention in every scene.

Trial and Error (1997)

The film earned $14.5 million at the box office. While many stars from popular 1990s sitcoms didn’t succeed in movies, this film stands out as a charming and unusual comedy. It’s similar in spirit to Kindergarten Cop, and features Michael Richards (from Seinfeld) playing a man who pretends to be a lawyer when his friend (Jeff Daniels) is unable to attend court due to a wild bachelor party. It’s a lighthearted, farcical comedy that’s rare today, and it also includes an early film role for Charlize Theron.

Lone Star (1996)

The film Lone Star earned $12.4 million at the box office. Director John Sayles was a highly respected independent filmmaker in the 80s and 90s, but his output slowed down in the 2000s, with his last film released in 2013. This may have caused a newer generation of film fans to overlook his work. Lone Star, released in 1996, featured an early role for Matthew McConaughey and tells the story of a sheriff’s son (Chris Cooper) who investigates the discovery of remains years after his father’s death. The investigation uncovers hidden truths about the town and its people. Lone Star is a compelling mystery that challenges the idealized image of small-town American life.

The Two Jakes (1990)

With a box office total of $10 million, The Two Jakes initially seems like an unnecessary sequel to Chinatown. However, once you watch it, it feels like the perfect answer to a question you barely remember hearing. The film picks up long after the events of Chinatown, with Jack Nicholson (who also directs) playing private detective Jake Gittes. He gets tangled up in a complex case involving a client (Harvey Keitel) who may be using him to hide a murder. As Gittes investigates, he uncovers a connection to his own history. Despite a difficult production and initial failure, The Two Jakes, penned by the original Chinatown writer Robert Towne, is a beautifully sad story about being haunted by the past. While the ending of Chinatown is famous, the final line of The Two Jakes – “It never goes away” – is arguably even more chilling.

The Red Violin (1999)

With a box office total of $10 million, “The Red Violin” is a captivating, yet often overlooked, film. It tells the story of a centuries-old violin, following its journey from its creation in the 17th century to a Montreal auction in the late 1990s. Through a series of interconnected stories, we see the violin pass through Vienna, Oxford, Shanghai, and other locations, and witness the impact it has on those who possess it. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a subtly powerful performance as an appraiser who uncovers a key secret about the violin’s history.

Dirty Work (1998)

As a comedy fan, it always bothered me that Norm Macdonald didn’t get the recognition he deserved while he was alive. They even fired him from SNL for being too funny! He kept making great stuff – movies, stand-up, whatever – but it often got dismissed by critics and audiences. Take Dirty Work, for example. It only made $10 million at the box office and has a pretty low score on Rotten Tomatoes. But honestly, it’s a really funny movie – way funnier than a lot of the comedies that did get praised back then. Norm is fantastic in it, even if the plot is a little thin and some of the jokes are… well, let’s just say they haven’t aged perfectly. Plus, someone needs to explain Norm’s shirts in that movie – seriously, they’re enormous! I’m definitely adding Dirty Work to my weekend rewatch list.

Night Falls Over Manhattan (1996)

With a box office total of $9.8 million, Night Falls on Manhattan is a classic Sidney Lumet film. It follows a promising young lawyer, played by Andy Garcia, who discovers the corruption within New York City’s political and legal systems. While the plot is a bit complex, the movie avoids sensationalism and quickly moves past the expected courtroom drama to focus on how power and ambition can compromise justice. Keep an eye out for early appearances by future The Sopranos actors like Dominic Chianese, Frank Vincent, and James Gandolfini, who plays a police officer with a hidden darkness.

Matinee (1993)

With a box office total of $9.5 million, Matinee offers a heartwarming look at 1960s B-movies, but acknowledges the difficult realities of the time. The film centers on Gene (Simon Fenton), a teenager living on a military base with his mother and brother while his father is deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Gene often takes care of his younger brother, Dennis, and they find escape and joy at the local movie theater. However, Matinee is more than just a nostalgic trip. Director Joe Dante uses classic films to examine the difference between genuine fear and the manufactured thrills created by cheesy filmmakers like Lawrence Woolsey (played by John Goodman). Surprisingly, this film about a low-budget producer is remarkably insightful.

The Spanish Prisoner

The movie The Spanish Prisoner has earned $9.5 million at the box office. This clever and complicated con man story, written by David Mamet, features a strong cast including Campbell Scott, Ben Gazzara, Ricky Jay, Ed O’Neill, and Steve Martin. The plot centers on Joe, played by Scott, who has invented a potentially valuable process, and Jimmy, a businessman played by Steve Martin, who suddenly shows interest. This raises the question: who can Joe trust? Is everyone trying to trick him? And what exactly is the mystery of the “Spanish prisoner”? (It’s actually the name of an old scam, not a person.)

Serial Mom (1994)

With a box office total of $7.8 million, John Waters’ darkly comedic take on America’s fascination with true crime feels surprisingly prescient, but much funnier than real life. Kathleen Turner stars as a seemingly normal suburban mother who secretly has a violent side, punishing anyone who breaks her personal rules. (A word of warning: if you ask her daughter out, don’t cancel the date!) While now a cult classic, Serial Mom received mixed reviews and didn’t perform well at the box office when it was released in the mid-1990s. However, the media frenzy surrounding the O.J. Simpson trial a few years later made John Waters seem like a strangely brilliant visionary.

The Man in the Moon (1991)

The film earned $2.8 million at the box office. Reese Witherspoon became a well-known actress thanks to films like Election and Cruel Intentions, but she showed her acting skills very early on in her career. Her first film was the touching independent drama The Man in the Moon. In it, the 14-year-old Witherspoon plays a girl growing up in 1950s Louisiana, experiencing her first crush on Jason London’s character. Even in her debut, Witherspoon acted with the poise of a seasoned professional. Viewers who saw the film in the early 1990s likely weren’t surprised by her later success.

Household Saints (1993)

With a box office total of $751,233, Nancy Savoca’s Household Saints is a unique film that skillfully blends humor and sadness while exploring spirituality with both honesty and doubt. Perhaps its unconventional nature contributed to it being largely forgotten, as it defied easy marketing. It’s too passionate to attract a purely religious audience, yet it doesn’t aim to ridicule Catholicism. This makes it a film worth seeing – it offers a fresh perspective on these themes and the people within them. Lili Taylor delivers a truly remarkable performance at the heart of this story about an Italian American family, and her character feels unlike anyone I’ve seen on screen before.

2025-10-31 17:01