Top 15 Scary Movies So Disturbing They Got Banned Worldwide

Horror films are designed to unsettle, but some push boundaries so far that they ignite global controversy, leading to censorship and outright bans. These 15 movies, spanning decades and subgenres, were deemed so disturbing due to graphic violence, taboo themes, or moral outrage that countries worldwide restricted their release. From real animal cruelty to extreme depictions of sexual violence, these films shocked audiences, censors, and even filmmakers themselves, earning infamy as some of the most controversial works in cinema history. I’ll explore each film’s plot, cast, production context, reasons for bans, cultural impact, and lasting legacy. I’ve also included where you can watch them (where legal), their Rotten Tomatoes scores, and insights into why they remain polarizing. Perfect for horror fans craving a chilling journey into the genre’s darkest corners, this list will test your limits. Ready to face the forbidden? Let’s dive in! Note: Availability may vary by region, and some films remain banned or censored in certain countries, so check local regulations.

Click this idea to save for later.

1. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)

Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, is an Italian art-horror masterpiece adapting the Marquis de Sade’s novel, reimagined in the fascist Republic of Salò in 1944. Four wealthy libertines kidnap 18 teenagers, subjecting them to months of sadistic torture, sexual violence, and psychological degradation in a secluded mansion. Starring Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, and Umberto Paolo Quintavalle, the film’s graphic scenes—forced consumption of excrement, mutilation, and sexual assault—are unrelentingly brutal. Its allegorical critique of fascism, consumerism, and power dynamics is unflinching, but its explicit content led to bans in nine countries, including Australia (until 1993), New Zealand (until 1997), Norway, Finland, Canada, the UK (until 2000), Italy (until 1978), Germany, and the USA (select states). Labeled “obscene” and “morally corrupt,” it faced legal battles, with Pasolini himself murdered shortly after its release, fueling conspiracy theories. With a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score, Salò is a polarizing work of art, revered by cinephiles and reviled by censors. Its restored print is available on the Criterion Channel or for rent on Amazon Prime Video in permitted regions.

2. A Serbian Film (2010)

Directed by Srdjan Spasojevic, A Serbian Film is a Serbian horror film that shocked the world with its extreme content. Milos (Srdjan Todorovic), a retired porn star, accepts a lucrative “art film” role, only to discover it’s a snuff project involving pedophilia, necrophilia, and graphic violence, including a newborn assault scene. The film’s allegorical commentary on Serbia’s political trauma and exploitation cinema didn’t shield it from bans in 12 countries: Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Brazil, Singapore, Finland, the UK, and Germany. Festivals like SXSW pulled screenings, and Spasojevic faced legal scrutiny. Critics are split, with some calling it depraved sensationalism and others a bold critique, reflected in its 47% Rotten Tomatoes score. Available on Shudder or Amazon Prime Video (heavily censored) in select regions, it remains illegal in many countries due to its “obscene and harmful” content.

3. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust is a found-footage pioneer that follows a film crew documenting a cannibalistic Amazon tribe, only to face horrific consequences. Starring Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi, and Perry Pirkanen, its hyper-realistic gore impalements, dismemberment, and real animal killings (a turtle, monkey, and pig) sparked outrage. Banned in 13 countries, including Italy (until 1984), Australia (until 2005), the UK, Norway, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA (select regions), it faced obscenity charges. Deodato was arrested for suspected murder until proving the actors were alive. It's 67% Rotten Tomatoes score praises its media critique, but animal cruelty remains a dealbreaker for many. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video where permitted.

4. The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011)

Tom Six’s The Human Centipede 2 escalates the original’s body horror, following Martin (Laurence R. Harvey), a disturbed loner obsessed with the first film, who creates a 12-person centipede through grotesque mutilation. Its black-and-white aesthetic, graphic sexual violence, and torture scenes led to bans in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Philippines. The BBFC initially refused classification, citing “unacceptable material.” With a 29% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s divisive, with fans praising its audacity and detractors calling it exploitative. Available on IFC Films or Amazon Prime Video (censored) in select regions, it’s a test of endurance for horror fans.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre follows Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen) and his cannibalistic family terrorizing a group, including Marilyn Burns. Its low-budget rawness, implied gore, and relentless terror led to bans in 14 countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Iceland, Norway, Singapore, West Germany, the UK (until 1999), and South Africa. Despite minimal explicit violence, its psychological intensity sparked moral panic. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a genre-defining classic that inspired slashers like Halloween. Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

6. I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

Meir Zarchi’s rape-and-revenge film, originally titled Day of the Woman, stars Camille Keaton as a writer brutally assaulted by four men, later exacting gruesome vengeance. Its 30-minute gang-rape scene and graphic violence led to bans in Australia, Ireland, Thailand, Iceland, Norway, West Germany, and Canada for “glorifying violence against women.” Roger Ebert’s infamous “vile bag of garbage” review fueled controversy, though feminist readings have since emerged. With a 51% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a cult classic. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video in permitted regions.

7. The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkin’s The Exorcist follows a possessed girl (Linda Blair) and priests (Max von Sydow, Jason Miller) battling a demon. Its blasphemous themes, shocking scenes like the crucifix self-mutilation, and audience fainting led to bans in Tunisia and partial UK restrictions. The trailer was banned for strobe effects. With an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a cultural juggernaut that redefined horror. Its religious controversy and visceral scares make it timeless. Stream on Max or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

8. The Last House on the Left (1972)

Wes Craven’s debut follows two girls (Sandra Peabody, Lucy Grantham) kidnapped, raped, and murdered, with their parents seeking brutal revenge. Its raw violence led to bans in the UK (until 2002), Australia, and New Zealand for “obscene content.” Rated R, its 63% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its gritty impact. A precursor to Craven’s later hits, its unrelenting tone shocked audiences. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video in select regions.

9. Faces of Death (1978)

Directed by John Alan Schwartz, Faces of Death is a pseudo-documentary mixing staged and real death footage, including executions, accidents, and animal slaughter. Banned in Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Finland, and the UK for its “exploitative” content, it sparked moral panic over its authenticity. With a 17% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a controversial relic, yet its cult status endures. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video, where legal.

10. Hostel: Part II (2007)

Eli Roth’s Hostel: Part II follows three women (Lauren German, Heather Matarazzo, Bijou Phillips) lured to a Slovakian torture hostel. Its graphic gore—castration, dismemberment—led to bans in Germany and New Zealand, with the latter rejecting even the edited cut. Rated R, its 44% Rotten Tomatoes score belies its gorehound fanbase. Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

11. Grotesque (2009)

Kōji Shiraishi’s Japanese horror follows a couple tortured by a sadistic captor. Its relentless mutilation and lack of narrative depth led to a UK ban, with the BBFC citing no redeeming value. With a 40% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a niche extreme horror. Available on Tubi or Amazon Prime Video (limited regions), it’s a grueling watch for hardcore fans.

12. The Evil Dead (1981)

Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead follows friends (Bruce Campbell) battling demons in a cabin after reading the Necronomicon. Its graphic gore and demonic imagery led to bans in the UK, Iceland, and Germany. Rated R, its 95% Rotten Tomatoes score hails its inventive horror and humor. A cult classic, its raw energy still terrifies. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

13. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, starring Malcolm McDowell, depicts ultraviolence and sexual assault in a dystopian future. Voluntarily withdrawn in the UK at Kubrick’s request after copycat crime fears and banned in South Africa, its provocative themes sparked outrage. With an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a cinematic landmark. Stream on Max or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

14. Braindead (1992)

Peter Jackson’s Braindead (aka Dead Alive) is a splatter-comedy about a zombie outbreak triggered by a rat-monkey bite. Its over-the-top gore lawnmower massacres, organ explosions led to bans in Finland, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, and the UK. With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a beloved cult hit. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

15. Ichi the Killer (2001)

Takashi Miike’s Ichi the Killer follows a sadistic yakuza (Tadanobu Asano) and a disturbed assassin (Nao Omori). Its extreme violence, tongue-slicing, and torture led to bans in Germany, Norway, Malaysia, Ireland, and China. With a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a cult favorite for its chaotic energy. Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon Prime Video, where permitted.

Why These Films Were Banned

The bans stemmed from a mix of graphic content and cultural sensitivities. Salò and A Serbian Film were banned for extreme sexual violence and taboo themes, with censors citing public harm. Cannibal Holocaust’s real animal cruelty and hyper-realistic gore led to legal battles, while The Exorcist’s religious blasphemy offended conservative regions. A Clockwork Orange faced bans over fears of inspiring violence, reflecting 1970s moral panics. Other films, like Faces of Death, were banned for exploiting real death, while The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and I Spit on Your Grave shocked with their raw intensity. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Germany enforced strict censorship, often requiring heavy cuts or delaying releases for decades. These bans often amplified the films’ infamy, drawing curious viewers and sparking debates on artistic freedom versus public safety.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

These banned films have left an indelible mark on cinema. The Exorcist and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre redefined horror, spawning subgenres and inspiring filmmakers like James Wan and Ari Aster. Cannibal Holocaust birthed found footage, influencing The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. Salò remains a critical touchstone for its political allegory, studied in film schools despite its controversy. A Serbian Film continues to divide, with some praising its bold commentary and others dismissing it as exploitation. The Evil Dead and Braindead gained cult followings, proving horror’s ability to blend humor and terror. Even lesser-known films like Grotesque and Faces of Death shaped niche extreme horror communities. Their bans often reflected cultural anxieties 1970s religious fears, 1980s video nasty panics, or modern sensitivities about violence making them time capsules of societal limits.

Censorship and Artistic Freedom

The bans raise questions about censorship’s role in art. Many of these films, like Salò and A Clockwork Orange, use extreme content to critique power, society, or media, yet censors often focused on surface-level shock. Cannibal Holocaust’s animal cruelty sparked ethical debates still relevant in discussions about documentary ethics. A Serbian Film’s bans highlight tensions between artistic intent and public perception, with Spasojevic defending its allegory while critics saw only depravity. The BBFC, Australian Classification Board, and other bodies faced pressure to balance free expression with protecting audiences, often leading to inconsistent rulings. For example, The Exorcist was banned in Tunisia but embraced in the USA, showing cultural variances. These debates continue today, with streaming platforms like Shudder navigating global restrictions.

Where to Find These Films

Here’s where you can watch these films (where legal; check local restrictions):

• Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• A Serbian Film: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent, censored)
• Cannibal Holocaust: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Human Centipede 2: IFC Films, Amazon Prime Video (rent, censored)
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• I Spit on Your Grave: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Exorcist: Max, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Last House on the Left: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Faces of Death: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Hostel: Part II: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Grotesque: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video (rent, limited regions)
• The Evil Dead: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• A Clockwork Orange: Max, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Braindead: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Ichi the Killer: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)

Check platforms like Shudder, Max, Peacock, Criterion Channel, Tubi, or Amazon Prime Video. Some films remain censored or banned in regions like Australia, Germany, or Malaysia.

Final Thoughts

These 15 horror movies, from Salò’s nihilistic brutality to The Exorcist’s religious terror, crossed lines that led to global bans, cementing their status as cinema’s most disturbing works. Their graphic violence, taboo themes, and cultural provocations challenged censors and audiences, sparking debates on art, morality, and freedom. While some, like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Evil Dead, are now celebrated classics, others, like A Serbian Film and Grotesque, remain divisive. For horror fans, these films offer a daring glimpse into the genre’s extremes, but they’re not for the faint-hearted. As you explore these forbidden titles, proceed with caution—they’re as unsettling today as when they were banned. Which one will you brave? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let me know your take on these controversial masterpieces. Happy (or terrifying) viewing!