- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
- The Birth of a Nation (1915)
- The Devils (1971)
- Pink Flamingos (1972)
- Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
- Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
- The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
- Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
This curated list of films delves into the world of cinema that has been deemed too controversial, provocative, or politically sensitive for public viewing. These films, once banned, offer a unique glimpse into the boundaries of artistic expression and societal norms. Each film in this collection has been officially dubbed or subtitled in British English, making them accessible to a wider audience. Explore these cinematic gems that challenge, provoke, and enlighten.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Description: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Anthony Burgess's novel was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence and themes of free will, leading to its withdrawal from UK cinemas by Kubrick himself.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK for 27 years until Kubrick's death in 1999, after which it was re-released.


The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: Tobe Hooper's horror film was banned in several countries for its graphic violence and disturbing themes, despite its relatively low body count.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK until 1999 and was one of the "video nasties" targeted by the British government.


The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Description: Martin Scorsese's portrayal of Jesus Christ, exploring his human struggles, was banned in several countries for its perceived blasphemy and controversial depiction of religious figures.
Fact: The film was banned in Singapore and the Philippines, sparking protests and riots in some places.


The Birth of a Nation (1915)
Description: D.W. Griffith's epic was banned in several cities for its racist portrayal of African Americans and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, sparking protests and riots.
Fact: It was the first film ever screened at the White House, but its content led to widespread condemnation.


The Devils (1971)
Description: Ken Russell's film about a 17th-century priest was banned for its graphic depiction of religious hysteria, sexual content, and blasphemy, leading to its withdrawal from UK cinemas.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK for over 10 years and remains heavily censored in many countries.


Pink Flamingos (1972)
Description: John Waters' cult classic was banned for its extreme content, including scenes of coprophagia, leading to its notoriety as one of the most shocking films ever made.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries and remains controversial for its boundary-pushing content.


Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Description: Pier Paolo Pasolini's film, set during the last days of Mussolini's regime, was banned for its extreme depiction of sexual violence, torture, and degradation.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries and remains one of the most controversial films ever made.


Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Description: This Italian horror film was banned for its graphic violence, animal cruelty, and accusations of being a snuff film, leading to legal issues for its director, Ruggero Deodato.
Fact: Deodato was arrested and charged with obscenity and murder, as viewers believed the actors had been killed on screen.


The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Description: Peter Greenaway's film was banned in some countries for its explicit sexual content, violence, and themes of cannibalism, making it a landmark in British cinema for its daring narrative.
Fact: The film was banned in Ireland and faced significant censorship in the UK.


Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Description: This satirical film was banned in several countries for its perceived blasphemy and mockery of religious figures, leading to protests and censorship.
Fact: The film was banned in Ireland and Norway, and even faced protests in the UK, but has since become a cult classic.
