15 Music Videos from the ’90s That Were Banned or Censored
These 15 music videos from the 1990s were banned or censored due to graphic, violent, or controversial content.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1990s, music videos pushed creative and social boundaries, often sparking public debate. Some were pulled from TV or edited heavily because of their imagery, themes, or messages. This list looks at the videos that stirred controversy and were taken off air, despite their popularity or artistic value.
1. Madonna – “Justify My Love”
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This black-and-white video featured Madonna in scenes of sexual roleplay, same-sex intimacy, and nudity. MTV banned it immediately after its 1990 release, calling it too explicit for air. Instead of pulling back, Madonna released it as a video single, which became a top-selling VHS. It remains one of the most high-profile cases of music video censorship.
2. Nine Inch Nails – “Closer”
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The video’s disturbing visuals included nudity, religious imagery, animal parts, and bondage themes. MTV heavily edited it, and even the censored version aired only during late-night hours. Director Mark Romanek created a surreal, intense atmosphere that matched the song’s dark tone. The original version is now seen as a landmark in alternative visual art.
3. Prodigy – “Smack My Bitch Up”
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Filmed entirely from a first-person view, the video showed drug use, violence, and a twist ending that revealed the main character was a woman. Critics attacked it for its title and visuals, while others praised its boldness. MTV refused to play it during regular hours, limiting it to uncensored blocks. The video remains highly controversial and frequently debated.
4. Nirvana – “Heart-Shaped Box”
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The video included vivid, symbolic scenes such as a child in Klan robes and a man on a cross. MTV removed or blurred certain shots to make it suitable for TV. Kurt Cobain had full creative control and worked closely with director Anton Corbijn. Even the edited version kept its eerie, unsettling feel.
5. Pearl Jam – “Jeremy”
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The original cut ended with the main character committing suicide in a classroom, a scene later removed. MTV aired a toned-down version after concerns over school violence. Many viewers misunderstood the final edit due to the missing context. Despite the change, the video still sparked debate and was eventually taken off the air entirely.
6. Soundgarden – “Jesus Christ Pose”
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Christian groups protested the video’s imagery, which included crucifixion poses and dark religious references. MTV banned it shortly after its release. The band said the song criticized people who use religion for personal image. The video was intense, fast-paced, and visually striking, even without the deeper context.
7. Fiona Apple – “Criminal”
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The video showed Apple in party scenes, often half-dressed or lying around in dimly lit rooms. Critics claimed it sexualized a teenage girl and pushed the limits of what was acceptable. Some edits were made for broadcast, but the original version aired on select programs. Apple later explained it was meant to explore guilt and vulnerability.
8. Rage Against the Machine – “Sleep Now in the Fire”
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Filmed on Wall Street and directed by Michael Moore, this video included real protests and anti-corporate messages. Police shut down the shoot, and Moore was briefly detained. Many networks avoided airing it, fearing backlash. The video captured real political tension in a single-day shoot.
9. Metallica – “Turn the Page”
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The video followed a sex worker trying to survive while raising her daughter, with scenes of violence and exploitation. MTV played a censored version but banned the full cut from daytime. Critics praised its honesty but noted it was hard to watch. Metallica defended the video as real and powerful.
10. Tool – “Prison Sex”
Jon Iraundegui on Wikimedia Commons
This claymation video represented childhood trauma through disturbing and symbolic images. MTV removed it completely, calling it too graphic and hard to explain. The band said it helped express deep pain that couldn’t be shown in words. Today, it’s seen as one of the most intense animated music videos ever made.
11. George Michael – “Jesus to a Child”
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Though visually soft, the video was seen as controversial for its open references to same-sex love and loss. Some U.S. stations avoided it entirely. George Michael later spoke out about how his sexuality affected media coverage. In Europe, the video aired without issue and was better received.
12. Marilyn Manson – “The Beautiful People”
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This video was filled with aggressive visuals, body distortion, and Nazi-style outfits. MTV cut several scenes and limited when the video could be shown. Manson’s image and message were seen as a threat to conservative viewers. The censorship only increased his public profile.
13. Britney Spears – “Sometimes”
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The music video faced temporary censorship due to a copyright dispute over its original choreography. A lawsuit was filed by a choreographer who claimed the routine was copied without permission. MTV briefly pulled the video while the issue was reviewed, then aired a reedited version. Though less extreme than others on this list, it shows how legal issues — not just graphic content — could lead to censorship in the 1990s.
14. Moby – “Natural Blues”
Michiel Van Balen on Wikimedia Commons
This video tells the story of an old man in a hospital, confronting aging and memory loss. It wasn’t banned for violence or sex, but for being emotionally heavy and bleak. Some broadcasters found it too somber for general audiences. Moby said it was one of his most personal works.
15. Madonna – “Erotica”
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Released during her Sex book era, the video showed bondage, nudity, and club scenes. MTV aired it once late at night, then pulled it entirely. Madonna never backed down and used the attention to fuel her image. It is still unavailable on most platforms in its full form.