Among all film genres, thrillers take third place right after comedies and dramas. And psychological thrillers are especially popular. People from all around the world love these movies for a unique blend of mystery and thrill. However, despite a vast number of successful thriller movies, not all of them are that worth watching. Some films are not approved by moral and even considered harmful, which is why they are forbidden.
A Clockwork Orange
Release: 1972
Director: Stanley Kubrick
The movie shows us a future where violence gets out of control. Also, it analyzes the causes of crime, intolerance, and cruelty of young people, disregard for elementary moral norms, etc.
Apparently, authorities of most countries found the movie too disturbing and violent. In the US and UK, it was permitted only after the most intense scenes were cut or replaced. However, in several countries, including Ireland and Singapore, it remained banned.
The Exorcist
Release: 1973
Director: William Friedkin
This is probably one of the most controversial thriller movies of all times. It is disconcerting and uncomfortable to watch, which is why it has gained viewing restrictions and even was banned in some counties in the UK.
A Serbian Film
Release: 2010
Director: Srđan Spasojević
As soon as this movie was released, it caused a massive public outcry. Due to extensive cruelty and morally unacceptable scenes, it was banned in many countries. Currently, it is prohibited in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and some other countries.
Freaks
Release: 1932
Director: Tod Browning
Although it was created a long time ago, Freaks is still a very shocking piece. Due to inappropriate content and exploit of people’s physical defects, this film was banned in Italy, Finland, Ireland, and the UK.
Battle Royale
Release: 2000
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
This film is also very controversial. It is one of the most popular thrillers in Japan. However, since violence in some scenes is clearly going over the norm, it was banned in a few countries. For example, in Germany, it is prohibited even now.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes
Release: 2008
Re-release: 2017
Director: John Erick Dowdle
This is probably the most terrifying thriller of all. There were many stories about how this film scared the focus group and made them almost lose their minds. Due to its disturbing nature, this movie was banned right after its release in 2008. Later, it was released again. However, it still remains prohibited in some countries and very hard to find.
Salo, Or The 120 Days Of Sodom
Release: 1975
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
This film is extremely sadistic, with numerous scenes of violence, fascism, degrading humiliation, torture, and murder. This piece caused a huge scandal worldwide and was banned in many countries, including Sri Lanka, Germany, Norway, Australia, and many others.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Release: 1974
Director: Tobe Hooper
We bet that many of you have heard of this legendary horror slash thriller film. However, did you know it was banned in a whole bunch of countries? Some of these countries are Australia, Finland, the UK, New Zealand, Germany, etc. The problem with this movie was that it contained so little explicit content that there was nothing to cut down. Still, it was too intense and disturbing for a release.
Cutting Moments
Release: 1997
Director: Douglas Buck
In this short movie you won’t find classic horror movies villains, it shows a family, which members clearly suffer from serious psychological issues. Cutting Moments has an age restriction and falls under the censorship of different countries.
Ilsa, She Wolf Of The SS
Release: 1975
Director: Don Edmonds
This piece was banned in Australia, the UK, Norway, and a few other countries for racism and a high level of violence. As can be understood from its name, the whole plot is related to the Nazi theme. It contains many violent and disturbing scenes of tortures, no wonder why it was banned.
Final Words
Today, fans of this genre can easily access all the best psychological thrillers on Netflix or television. However, as you now know, some films are still prohibited.
This article was written by the author who is also a professional writer publishing works not only in a top essay writer service in the UK but also in various newspapers, and journals of diverse topics. In her blog you can read the most up-to-date articles as well.