Movies that have been banned

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Movies that have been banned

Well-known movies that were banned in various countries upon their release.

With the sequel to 'Human Centipede' being banned in the UK, let's take a look back at popular movies that have been banned in countries around the world. Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers" was banned in Ireland and faced a slew of critics here in the States who said the movie promoted senseless violence.

"The Evil Dead" was one of the first films deemed a 'Video Nasty' in the UK and was finally released uncut in 2001. The low budget horror film, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell, became a cult hit and spawned a franchise.

The original "Last House on the Left" was released in 1972, directed by a then unknown Wes Craven. The horror movie was long-banned in the UK for scenes of violence and sadism, and was only released in its uncut format there in 2008. In the US, the film gained a cult following, with Wes Craven going on to become a well-respected director of the genre. The movie was remade in 2009.

The original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was banned outright in several countries upon its 1974 release. It was a hit in the U.S. and became one of the top independent films of its time. It was not released uncut in the UK until 1999. (Seen here is the lead character 'Leatherface' from the 2003 remake.)

Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ" caused outrage among Christian groups around the globe despite the fact the movie clearly states it is based on a 1960 novel and not the Bible. The questionable casting (Willem Dafoe as Jesus, Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene, Harvey Keitel as Judas Iscariot, David Bowie as Pontius Pilate) also caused furor. It was banned in Savannah briefly and in many countries for years, though most have now lifted the ban.

"A Clockwork Orange" was not banned in the UK, though it did receive an X rating. Director Stanley Kubrick had it removed from British theaters after he and his family reportedly received death threats. He did not allow the movie to be screened there until after his death in 1999. Several other countries did ban the movie, fearing it would inspire copycat behavior.

"Last Tango in Paris" was one of the most controversial films of the 1970's. Starring Marlon Brando, the sexually explicit film was banned in several countries, including Italy until 1986.

The original "Mad Max" was an Australian action film starring Mel Gibson, before he became a superstar. New Zealand and Sweden initially banned the film due to its violent content but have since released the film.

"Cannibal Holocaust" is an Italian documentary-style horror movie released in 1980. Due to its graphic, realistic-looking violence, the director was arrested on obscenity charges at the film's premiere. Marketing material for the film claims it was banned in as many as 50 countries. It is included on the 'video nasties' list in the UK and is considered by many critics to be one of the most controversial movies ever made.

"Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" was banned in China as part of their 2011 crackdown on time-travel scenes in movies and TV shows.

Credited as the first "splatter" film, this film directed by B-movie king Herschell Gordon Lewis became a cult classic in the U.S. but also landed on the UK's 'video nasty' list. It was not released uncut there until 2005.

"The Outlaw," directed by Howard Hughes, was completed in 1941 but set on the shelf for years before receiving approval from Hollywood's production code board. Actress Jane Russell's cleavage seemed to be the source of the censor board's disapproval. The film continued to be screened despite the ongoing legal battles, though the film was temporarily banned in New York City and a San Francisco theater owner was arrested for screening the film.

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With the sequel to 'Human Centipede' being banned in the UK, let's take a look back at popular movies that have been banned in countries around the world. Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers" was banned in Ireland and faced a slew of critics here in the States who said the movie promoted senseless violence.

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