Horror Movies That Were Banned- 64 Days to Halloween

Blood Feast (1963) 

The 1963 splatter movie directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis was ahead of its time. To draw attention to the film the producer David Friedman suggested vomit bags be provided to the audience. He also had an injunction filed purposely in Sarasota, Florida to gain publicity for the film. These promotions worked and gave the film some notoriety for its release. Years later, Blood Feast would be added to the United Kingdoms infamous Video Nasty list and would not be release uncut for over 40 years.

The Last House on the Left (1972)

Wes Craven's first film featured a plot involving rape, murder, and revenge. The movie gained a negative reputation with some audiences demanding the film be destroyed. The film was added to the UK Video Nasty list but gained a following among fans of extreme and controversial cinema.

The Exorcist (1973)

After the release of The Exorcist, the film faced protests in the UK by Christian groups and citizens concerned about the nature of the film. During its release on video, the film was pulled and not allowed back for five years. In the US the film was briefly banned in Boston, Massachusetts and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In other communities, strict age restrictions were enforced to discourage teens and young kids from watching.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Inspired by the crimes of Ed Gein, Tobe Hooper's film caused controversy despite the movie showing little blood and minimal gore. The film was banned briefly in the Uk, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, W Germany.

Faces of Death (1978) 

What is regarded as one of the most infamous and controversial movies ever made, Faces of Death claims to be banned in 40 over countries. The reality is that Faces of Death was only banned in Australia, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and the UK. Despite the movie using staged events and fake scenes of death, the pseudo-documentary has remained a popular title over the years based on the taboo subject matter.

I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

This infamous 1978 rape-revenge film faced controversy overseas and was banned in Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and West Germany. It was banned in Canada but then left to the provinces to decide. The extreme scenes of prolonged rape and violence gave the film a dubious reputation that led to its being included in the infamous UK video nasty list. The film was allowed in the UK in 2001 but only after cuts were made.

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Ruggero Deodato's cannibal film faced controversy when it was released due to the intense sexual violence and killing of animals onscreen. The film was advertised as being banned in 50 countries, but this was a marketing gimmick. In Italy, the director faced accusations of making a snuff movie and obscenity. After proof was shown that the deaths confirmed were fictional, the charges were dropped, but Deodato did face legal trouble for violation of a law concerning cruelty to animals. At one time prior to 1984 Cannibal Holocaust was banned in Australia, United States, Norway, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, and Singapore.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Sam Raimi's directorial debut is a celebrated classic, but the film was banned Malaysia for the excessive violence and gore shown on screen. The 2013 remake also faced scrutiny in Ukraine for excessive violence and gore.

Possession (1981)

This psychological horror movie directed by Andrzej Zulawski was included on the UK's Video Nasty list but would be released after 2000 on DVD.

A Serbian Film (2010)

This Serbian exploitation horror-thriller faced immediate scrutiny for its plot involving pornography, rape, necrophilia, and sexual abuse of a minor. The movie was removed from Netflix and banned in Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. Given the controversial nature and subject matter of the film, it has become a sought after film by fans of extreme cinema.