The World’s Most Banned Horror Movies

What makes a horror movie truly scary? Blood? Demonic possessions? Twisted minds? Sometimes, a film is so disturbing that governments and censors slam the brakes, banning it from public viewing. These movies are not just terrifying—they’re forbidden nightmares that some countries refuse to let their citizens see.

Are you brave enough to dive into the darkest corners of banned horror movies? Warning: These films aren’t for the faint of heart! 

1. The Exorcist (1973) – Banned in the UK & Several Countries

“Too demonic, too real”

William Friedkin’s legendary horror film about a girl possessed by a demon was so horrifying that people fainted in theaters. In the UK, it was outright banned on home video until 1999! Some places even had ambulances waiting outside cinemas because audiences were passing out.

2. A Serbian Film (2010) – Banned in Over 50 Countries

“Sick, twisted, and beyond disturbing”

This is one of the most banned films in history—and for good reason. The Serbian psychological horror contains shocking, beyond-horrific themes that many countries deemed too sick for public viewing. It was banned in Germany, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Norway, and more.

3. Cannibal Holocaust (1980) – Banned in Over 30 Countries

“Too realistic… and real animal cruelty”

This gruesome found-footage horror movie was so realistic that the director was arrested for murder! Authorities believed he had actually killed the actors on camera. While he proved it was all special effects, the brutal scenes of real animal killings led to it being banned in Italy, the UK, Australia, and the U.S.

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Banned in Several Countries

“Too violent and disturbing”

Inspired by real-life serial killer Ed Gein, this slasher classic follows a group of friends being hunted by the deranged Leatherface. The brutality and sheer terror of the film led to bans in Germany, Brazil, Singapore, and parts of the UK.

5. The Human Centipede 2 (2011) – Banned in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand

“Pure nightmare fuel”

The first Human Centipede movie was already horrifying, but its sequel took the horror to an insane, grotesque level. Some critics called it “sadistic torture porn”, while others said it was too sick for human eyes. The UK refused to classify it, effectively banning it, and Australia made over 32 cuts before allowing a release.

6. Grotesque (2009) – Banned in the UK

“Too violent, no plot, just pain”

Japan is known for extreme horror, but Grotesque took things too far. The UK outright banned it, stating it had “no artistic value, only torture and extreme suffering.” It’s a brutal film that makes Saw look like a Disney movie.

7. Faces of Death (1978) – Banned in Over 40 Countries

“Blurring the lines between real and fake death”

This controversial documentary-style horror features actual footage of real deaths mixed with fake staged scenes. The problem? Many viewers couldn’t tell which parts were real, leading to global bans in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Finland.

These films pushed the limits of horror, morality, and sanity, leading to government bans and widespread controversy. But for hardcore horror fans, they remain must-watch (or must-avoid) legends.

So, are you brave enough to track these films down? Or will you sleep better never knowing what nightmares they hold?