12 Movies That Caused Protests — and Were Later Pulled
These movies sparked outrage, and the backlash was loud enough to get them pulled.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some movies cross a line that audiences or governments are not willing to ignore. These films triggered protests, bans, and serious backlash, and enough to get them yanked from theaters or streaming platforms. Each one hit a nerve, whether due to politics, religion, or graphic content. Here’s a look at the films that caused such a stir they were pulled from public view.
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
Chicago Tribune on Wikimedia Commons
D.W. Griffith’s silent epic was groundbreaking in its cinematic techniques but deeply controversial for its racist portrayals and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. The film sparked nationwide protests, particularly from African American communities, and faced bans in several cities.
2. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Rob Croes for Anefo on Wikimedia Commons
Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’s novel depicted Jesus in a humanized light, leading to accusations of blasphemy. The film was banned or censored in multiple countries and faced significant protests upon release.
3. The Lady of Heaven (2021)
Zygmunt Put on Wikimedia Commons
This film about the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad faced backlash for its depiction of Islamic figures. Protests erupted in the UK, leading major cinema chains to cancel screenings to ensure public safety.
4. Persepolis (2007)
Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons
An animated adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, “Persepolis” was criticized by the Iranian government for its portrayal of the Islamic Revolution. The film faced bans and censorship in several countries, including Iran and Thailand.
5. The Blue Kite (1993)
Flickr_-Sasoriza-_The_Warrior_and_the_Wolf,_by_Tian_Zhuang-zhuang.jpg: Bryan Chan on Wikimedia Commons
Directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang, this film offers a critical view of China’s political movements. It was banned in China upon completion, and the director faced a ten-year filmmaking ban.
6. Fanaa (2006)
Bollywood Hungama on Wikimedia Commons
Aamir Khan’s comments on the Narmada Dam project led to political backlash in Gujarat, India. The film was unofficially banned in the state, with theaters refusing to screen it amid protests.
7. Vishwaroopam (2013)
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Kamal Haasan’s spy thriller faced protests from Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu, India, over alleged negative portrayals. The state government imposed a temporary ban, leading to financial losses and debates on artistic freedom.
8. Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Gotfryd, Bernard, photographer on Wikimedia Commons
Bernardo Bertolucci’s film faced renewed criticism decades after its release due to revelations about a controversial scene involving actress Maria Schneider. Screenings were canceled amid protests highlighting issues of consent and exploitation.
9. And Then We Danced (2019)
Przemysław Jahr on Wikimedia Commons
This Georgian film depicting a same-sex romance within a traditional dance ensemble faced violent protests in its home country. Despite international acclaim, screenings were disrupted by conservative groups opposing its LGBTQ+ themes.
10. Insan Aur Gadha (1973)
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This Pakistani satirical film was banned shortly after its release due to a scene perceived as mocking the public. The government’s decision highlighted sensitivities around political satire in cinema.
11. India: The Modi Question (2023)
Narendra Modi on Wikimedia Commons
This BBC documentary, critical of Narendra Modi’s role during the 2002 Gujarat riots, was swiftly banned in India. The government blocked online access and screenings, prompting debates about press freedom and censorship.
12. Cuties (2020)
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Netflix faced intense criticism for this French coming-of-age film over accusations of sexualizing minors. Though the director aimed to highlight societal issues, the film was pulled from some regions after petitions and political outcry.