Most Paused Movie Scenes Of All Time? Take A Closer Look

Murder mysteries are a genre whose popularity has remained consistent throughout the generations. Tales of murder often lend themselves to questions about ethics, revenge, justifiable violence, psychology, and so on, and can often be controversial in how they ask these questions as well as being quite explicit. The 1975 film The Legend of Lizzie Borden was an example of this. The film follows a still unsolved murder from the 1890’s in New England. The prime suspect was played by Elizabeth Montgomery, who was depicted committing the murders in the film sans clothing, which was censored for American viewers. 

Margot Robbie's fearless and captivating performance in The Wolf of Wall Street includes one of the most provocative scenes in cinema history, where she bares it all, pushing boundaries that many audiences found unsettling. In her role as Naomi Lapaglia, the wife of Jordan Belfort, Robbie embodied both vulnerability and confidence, infusing her character with a raw and unapologetic sexuality that commanded attention. The famous stockings and heels scene, which required her to strip down to her underwear, was a bold and daring choice that showcased her unwavering dedication to her craft. Robbie's fearless approach to acting, coupled with her remarkable range and undeniable talent, cemented her place as a major Hollywood icon, and The Wolf of Wall Street will forever be remembered as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.

In a cinematic tour-de-force, Sharon Stone's portrayal of Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct captivated audiences worldwide. As a novelist suspected of a gruesome murder, Tramell's allure was only matched by her enigmatic nature. But it was in the film's notorious interrogation scene where Stone delivered one of the most daring performances in movie history.

In a move that shocked and thrilled audiences, Stone boldly crossed and uncrossed her legs, revealing a side of herself that had never been seen before. Catherine's sexuality became a central theme of the film, and Stone's unflinching approach to the role solidified her place as a Hollywood trailblazer. In a performance that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in cinema, Stone proved that she was an actress unafraid of taking risks and leaving an indelible mark on film history.

The counterculture and post counter-culture years of the late 1960’s and 70’s led to movies and other art taking a more critical look at the decades that came before, such as the 1950’s, when explicit films were far more taboo. An example of this is the 1971 teenage coming of age drama The Last Picture Show. The film followed a group of high schoolers in Texas during the early 1950’s and the latter stages of their teenage years. It generated some controversy due to it’s sexual content, but overall, is regarded as an excellent film that portrays the slings and arrows of adolescence well. Famed critic Roger Ebert even named it the best movie of 1971. 

Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a 1982 film that has cemented itself as a definitive high school classic, has left an indelible cultural imprint. One scene, in particular, remains seared in the minds of audiences, featuring the character Linda, portrayed by Cates, elegantly diving into a pool and discarding her scarlet bikini top, before proceeding to seduce her friend's older brother, Brad, played by Reinhold. The moment has been immortalized as "the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history" by none other than Rolling Stone magazine, and it's difficult to contest that assertion.

Amidst a sea of tepid love stories, Titanic emerged as an epic, breathtaking achievement in cinema history. The doomed romance between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Winslet), brought to life by their passionate performances, left audiences gasping for air. Not only did the film shatter box office records, but it also earned numerous accolades, including the coveted Best Picture Oscar. For both DiCaprio and Winslet, it was a watershed moment, cementing their status as two of the most talented actors of their generation. And in one unforgettable scene, Jack sketches a portrait of Rose, revealing a boldness and vulnerability that captured the essence of their tragic love story, and further solidified Winslet's place as one of Hollywood's brightest stars.

This serious wowzer of a scene in Trading Places gained attention from fans of the film due to Curtis' seductive and confident portrayal of her character, Louisa. Most members of the audience know Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween, a wallflower at best, but when she shows off all of her glory it's a pause button worthy moment to say the least.

As she undresses, Curtis' character can be seen admiring her own reflection in the mirror and taking pleasure in her own sexuality. The scene is both titillating and empowering, and has remained a fan favorite due to Curtis' captivating performance and the film's exploration of gender and power dynamics. Many viewers have paused the scene to get a closer look at Curtis' character and to enjoy the saucy and confident moment.

Wild Things, the sultry ‘90s classic, has enraptured audiences for years, but let's be honest, it's the steamy scene featuring Neve Campbell and Denise Richards that left viewers breathless. As the two actresses lock lips in a swimming pool, the scene becomes a masterclass in eroticism, a tantalizing moment that had viewers reaching for the pause button again and again. It's a testament to the film's unapologetic sensuality that this moment remains one of the most talked-about in cinematic history. While speaking about the scene with The Guardian, Richards said:

It was terrifying. It was the first time I had filmed anything like that, so I was obviously extremely nervous. There are a couple of scenes that are very risque. There’s a lot of choreography of figuring out who’s going where, so it’s not as sexy as people think.

Did you catch this strange and shocking moment in the most popular film of 1987? The  uber-paused scene in the film Three Men and a Baby (1987) occurs during a pivotal moment in the plot when the characters played by Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson are frantically trying to get the baby to sleep. As they rush around the room, a cardboard cutout of a character can be seen in the background, seemingly standing on its own. 

This scene caused quite a stir among audiences at the time, with many people believing that the cardboard cutout was actually a ghost. The film was released in the late 1980s, a time when the supernatural and paranormal were becoming increasingly popular themes in popular culture. The idea of a ghost appearing in a comedy film was certainly unexpected and shocked many viewers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already entertaining film. Apparently no one realized that the cardboard cutout of Danson wearing a top hat actually appears again during the film in a more prominent position. Maybe we just want to be scared.

American Pie is a coming of age film that still hits hard for people who were teens in the 2000s. This raunchy film about four teenage boys has plenty of moments that tiptoe up to the line, but the scene that crosses it and keeps going features Jim (Jason Biggs) attempting to seduce foreign exchange student Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth) while their entire school watches through the very new (at least then) technology of the web cam. This scene has it all, Elizabeth's bod, Biggs' bod, and Blink 182 hanging out with a weird little monkey while Jim races to the finish line.

This picture shows Dustin Hoffmann and Anne Bancroft in the 1967 film The Graduate. The Graduate is widely considered one of the greatest American films ever made, but it’s immense acclaim and success upon release was not universal, as the plot was controversial. It follows Hoffman, who plays an uncertain college graduate, who begins an affair with an older married women but ultimately falls for her daughter instead. In the end, he runs off married with the daughter, and it ends with them questioning their impulsive decision. In later decades, the controversy around it has shifted more so towards viewing Bancroft’s character as predatory, but it is still lauded as a classic. 

Lynda Carter is most famous for her role as Wonder Woman, but it was not her feature film debut. That came a few months after the release of Wonder Woman in the film Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw. It follows Carter as a young, amateur country music singer, who escapes her life as a waitress and joins with Lyle, played by Marjoe Gortner, who fancies himself a modern day Billy the Kid. They are eventually joined by her sister and her boyfriend and embrace a life of crime. The film was notorious for some explicit scenes featuring Carter. 

The corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is certainly one of the most impressive and insane car stunts in film history. In the scene, James Bond chases his nemesis Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee, in an AMC Hornet before losing him. Bond then has to cross a topsy-turvy bridge in order to continue following Scaramanga. The car performs a series of acrobatic flips through the air before finally landing on the other side, much to the amazement of the audience.

This stunt is particularly impressive because it was performed for real, with no special effects or computer-generated imagery involved. It required incredible precision and skill from the stunt driver, as well as a specially designed car and ramp. The fact that this stunt was performed for real makes it all the more impressive, and it's no wonder that audiences would want to pause the scene to fully appreciate the level of skill and bravery involved.

Overall, the corkscrew car jump scene in The Man With The Golden Gun is a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of stunt performers, and it's one of the most memorable and impressive car stunts in film history.

The scene in the film Back to the Future (1985) where it's revealed that the name of the mall has been changed to "Lone Pine Mall" is a classic moment that has stuck with audiences for decades. In the scene, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) travels back in time to the 1950s and accidentally runs over a tree with his car. When he returns to the present, he discovers that the mall he knows and loves (Twin Pines) has a different name thanks to his time travel shenanigans.

The sign goes by without any pomp and circumstance, which has led audiences to not only pause the scene to make sure they're not seeing things, but to rewind to the previous appearance of the sign and check that they're not losing their minds. It's one of the many Easter eggs that makes this Robert Zemeckis time travel film an absolute masterpiece.

The dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is one of the most famously paused scenes in cinema history, and it's not hard to see why. In the scene, Marilyn Monroe's character, a sultry and irresistible woman simply known as "The Girl" stands on a grate in a white dress as the air from the subway blows it up, revealing her legs and panties. The scene is both sexy and playful, and Monroe's performance is nothing short of iconic.

Released in 1955, The Seven Year Itch was a major success at the box office, and helped to cement Monroe's status as a Hollywood superstar. At the time of the film's release, Monroe was at the height of her fame and had just divorced her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. The film's portrayal of Monroe as a seductive and desirable woman was a perfect reflection of her real-life persona, and helped to further fuel her already considerable fame and popularity.

For home audiences, pausing the dress scene in The Seven Year Itch is a must in order to fully appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the memorable music and sound design to Monroe's captivating performance, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to create a sense of sensual and playful fun.

In the original Star Wars: A New Hope, the stormtrooper who hits his head on a low hanging door frame has become a beloved and iconic moment in the film. Despite being highly trained soldiers, this stormtrooper managed to completely miss the fact that there was a door in front of him, resulting in a comical and embarrassing moment. 

The scene has been parodied and referenced countless times, with many fans affectionately referring to the stormtrooper as "Door Head." To this day, the stormtrooper's mishap continues to bring a smile to the faces of Star Wars fans everywhere, and serves as a reminder that even the most skilled and formidable of warriors can have a moment of clumsiness.

In the 1994 action thriller Speed, actor Dennis Hopper gives a memorable and intense performance as the film's antagonist, Howard Payne. However, his death scene in the film has gained a certain level of notoriety due to a continuity error that can be spotted if the scene is paused at the right moment. During the scene, Hopper's character is seen falling from a great height and crashing through a glass ceiling. 

If the scene is paused at just the right moment, it is possible to see that Hopper has been swapped out with a dummy for the fall, which is a common technique used in film to depict falls from great heights. This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years and has become something of an Easter egg for those who are familiar with it. Despite the mistake, Hopper's death scene is still an intense and memorable moment in the film.

The scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where a fly lands on Belloq's face is a moment that has remained ingrained in the memories of many fans of the film. As Belloq, played by Paul Freeman, delivers a monologue about the power of the Ark of the Covenant, a fly can be seen landing on his face and remaining there for a moment before flying off.

The scene has become memorable for its unexpected and humorous nature, and many fans of the film have paused the scene to get a closer look at the fly and make sure it's real. The fly's brief appearance in the scene has added an extra layer of nostalgia and whimsy to the film, and has remained a fan favorite moment for decades.

In the 1967 film The Graduate, there is a seduction scene that has become iconic and memorable for its sexual tension and innuendo. In the scene, the character of Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, seduces the film's protagonist, Benjamin, played by Dustin Hoffman. The scene is filled with suggestive dialogue and innuendo as Mrs. Robinson attempts to lure Benjamin into a sexual encounter.

The scene is both titillating and uncomfortable, as it portrays a taboo and inappropriate relationship. Despite its controversial nature, the seduction scene in The Graduate is one that audiences continue to pause to this day, thankfully digital versions of the film ensure that no VHS tapes are being destroyed.

In the 1985 film Teen Wolf, eagle-eyed viewers have been entranced by an alleged continuity error involving a background extra. In the scene, high school basketball fans are celebrating a major win by their werewolf-led team, and in the background, an extra can be seen with their pants unzipped. 

This error has been pointed out by numerous fans of the film over the years, and has led to speculation about whether the error was intentional or accidental. Regardless of the reason for the error, the scene has become something of an Easter egg for fans of the film, who often pause the movie to get a closer look at the unzipped pants and to see if they can spot any other shenanigans in the background.

The famously paused bear suit scene in The Shining, a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history in spite of its brevity. In the scene, Danny Torrance is running away from his father, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), and as he takes a hard turn through the Overlook Hotel's many corridors Danny comes face to face with a man wearing a bear suit on his knees in front of one of the Overlook's many apparitions.

The scene became so popular due to its unexpected and surreal nature, as well as the intense performance by Nicholson. The Shining was released in the era of postmodernism, a time when traditional narrative structures and conventions were being challenged and subverted in art and culture. As a result, the bear suit scene perfectly exemplified the themes and stylistic choices of the film, which blended horror and psychological thriller elements with a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The scene's lasting impact can be seen in its numerous parodies and homages in popular culture.

This incredibly shocking scene from Alien where Kane (played by John Hurt) is suddenly and unexpectedly attacked by a creature that bursts out of his chest remains one of the most anticipated and rewatchable moments in film history. The scene is both graphic and unexpected, and has been praised for its effectiveness in creating tension and fear. 

The chest burster scene has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in science fiction film, and is often cited as one of the most paused scenes in cinema history. Many fans have paused the scene to get a closer look at the creature and to marvel at the special effects used to create the memorable moment.

This chilling still from The Wizard of Oz (1939) occurs as Dorothy and her friends are skipping down the yellow brick road, singing the iconic song "We're Off to See the Wizard." As they skip along, a shadowy figure can be seen in the background hanging from a tree. This figure is often believed to be a suicidal munchkin, and the scene has stuck with audiences for decades. The film was released in the 1930s, a time when suicide was a taboo subject and not often depicted in mainstream media. The idea of a munchkin, a fantastical and childlike creature, committing suicide adds a disturbing and unsettling element to the otherwise magical and light-hearted film. The scene has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years, with some people claiming that it was simply a bird or a shadow, while others insist that it was a munchkin who had taken their own life. Regardless of the true explanation, the scene has left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to be a source of fascination and mystery.

The often paused scene at the end of the 1960 film Psycho has become one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinematic history. In the scene, the character of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, is revealed to be the killer who has been terrorizing the film's protagonists. As the truth is uncovered, a skull is superimposed over Norman's face, symbolizing the death of his true identity and the emergence of his psychopathic alter ego. The scene is both frightening and thought-provoking, as it suggests that anyone can be capable of darkness and that appearances can be deceiving. The film, which was released during the early 1960s, was a pioneering work in the horror genre, and it proved that Alfred Hitchcock was the master of the genre.

The shower scene at the beginning of Sixteen Candles is a poignant and nostalgicically evocative moment that perfectly captures the themes of isolation and growing up that run throughout the film. As the camera lingers on the steamy bathroom, we see Samantha, the protagonist, and her best friend watching the most popular girl in school standing alone under the spray of water, rinsing off after gym.

This is definitely a seriously paused scene from the '80s, but it's also a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges that come with growing up, and it perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the film, which follows Samantha as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and the search for connection and belonging. Despite the warm and humorous tone of the film, this scene reminds us of the moments of isolation and introspection that are an integral part of the human experience, and it speaks to the universal longing for connection and understanding that we all share.

In the 1982 science fiction film Tron, there is a scene where the villain, Sark, is viewing a schematic of one of its maze-like environments. Within this schematic, there is an Easter Egg in the form of a Pac-Man character.

The inclusion of Pac-Man in Tron reflects the influence of video games in popular culture at the time. The scene in which Pac-Man appears is brief, but it adds an element of fun and nostalgia for audiences familiar with the game. Easter Eggs like this one, which are hidden references or jokes within a work of media, are a common way for creators to pay homage to other media or to add an element of surprise for their audience. They also invite viewers to watch the film again and again with their fingers on the pause button.

Marilyn Monroe's shower scene in the 1953 film Niagara remains one of the most famous and paused scenes in cinema history for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the first instances of a major Hollywood star appearing in a sexually suggestive or risque scene. This was a bold move for Monroe, who was already a major star at the time, and it helped to solidify her image as a sex symbol. The scene itself is also masterfully shot and edited, with the use of close-ups, cross-cutting, and the sound of the running water all contributing to a sense of tension and mystery. 

The opening scene of Jaws is a memorable and iconic moment in film history that has left a lasting impression on audiences. This 1975 thriller, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows the story of a police chief, a scientist, and a grizzled fisherman who team up to hunt down a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town. The film's opening scene sets the stage for the terror to come, as it depicts a young woman, Chrissie (played by Susan Backlinie), swimming alone in the ocean at night.

The scene is shot beautifully, with the moonlit water and the sounds of the ocean creating a sense of peacefulness and solitude. However, this peace is shattered when Chrissie is suddenly attacked by a shark, an event that is depicted in a series of quick, jarring cuts that ratchet up the tension and suspense. It's easy to see why audiences might want to pause the film at this point, as the scene is both visually striking and emotionally charged. The opening scene of Jaws is a masterful example of how to establish a film's tone and setting while creating an incredibly pausable moment.

One of the most iconic scenes in the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors occurs when Joey is tricked by dream demon Freddy Krueger, who is in disguise as a sexy high school nurse. This scene is full of tension, surprise, and plenty of naughtiness as Joey is lured in by the seductive nurse only to realize that it's actually the terrifying Fred Krueger. This film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and innovative use of dreams as a means of terror, making it a must-see for any horror fan. 

The scene where Joey is tricked by Freddy is just one example of the clever and twisted ways in which the film uses the dream world to terrorize its characters. It's a scene that audiences will want to pause and analyze, trying to spot the subtle clues that hint at Freddy's true identity while also taking in everything the nurse has to offer. 

Overall, Dream Warriors is a classic horror film that continues to thrill and surprise audiences with its imaginative and terrifying story.

The scene in Scanners where Michael Ironside's character makes a guy's head explode with telekinesis is an iconic moment in film history. It has achieved widespread popularity and has become one of the most memorable and memorable scenes in the film. 

Scanners, directed by David Cronenberg, has gained cult status due to its unique blend of science fiction and horror elements, and this scene is certainly a standout moment. It's not for the faint of heart, as it is quite graphic and gory, but audiences may want to pause it for a closer look at the special effects and to see just how it was done. The sheer force and power of Ironside's character's telekinetic abilities are truly impressive, and it's no wonder this scene has become such a fan favorite.

The home video version of The Rescuers, a popular animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, was released in 1977. However, it was later discovered that a brief, but highly controversial and offensive, image was included in the background of one scene. This image, which had to be paused in order to be scene was believed to be inserted into the film during post-production but it's unclear who was exactly responsible. The poster, a picture of a topless woman, was removed following the 1992 home video release of the film and all future home video releases were created from a different print.

The woodshed scene in Evil Dead 2 (1987) is a perfect example of the film's clever blend of horror and humor. As Ash (Bruce Campbell) heads to the the shed to retrieve items for unholy battle, viewers may be tempted to pause the film at just the right moment to catch a glimpse of a certain iconic horror movie prop hanging on the wall. That's right, if you pause the film at just the right moment, you can see see none other than Freddy Krueger's glove from A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) hanging on the wall in the background.

This playful nod to the crossover between the two horror franchises is just one of the many moments of nostalgia and wit that make Evil Dead 2 such a beloved and enduring classic of the genre. It's a testament to the creativity and cleverness of director Sam Raimi, who has a knack for paying homage to the horror films that inspired him while also putting his own unique spin on things. Whether you're a fan of Evil Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or both, the woodshed scene is sure to bring a smile to your face and a shiver down your spine.

The mirror scene in Repulsion is a true masterpiece of horror cinema, and is widely considered to be one of the first jump scares in the genre. In the scene, our protagonist Carol (played by the brilliant Catherine Deneuve) is in the midst of a mental breakdown, and begins to see grotesque and terrifying images of herself in the mirror. As she becomes more and more unhinged, the scene becomes increasingly intense and suspenseful, culminating in a shocking and memorable jump scare that is sure to leave audiences gasping.

Released in 1965, Repulsion was one of the first films to truly embrace the horror genre, and paved the way for many of the classic horror films that would follow in its wake. At the time of its release, horror was still a relatively new and untested genre, and Repulsion was a trailblazer in terms of its use of psychological terror and its ability to disturb and unsettle audiences. The mirror scene is a perfect example of this, as it uses a simple and familiar object (a mirror) to create a sense of unease and discomfort that is truly masterful.

For home audiences, pausing the mirror scene in Repulsion is a must in order to fully appreciate the expert craftsmanship that went into creating it. From the chilling music and sound design to the brilliant use of Catherine Deneuve's expressive face, every detail of the scene has been carefully crafted to build tension and suspense. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a good scare, the mirror scene in Repulsion is sure to delight and terrify in equal measure.

The scene in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader is electrocuted and audiences can briefly see his skeleton is one of the most famously paused scenes in the Star Wars franchise. In the scene, Vader is being tortured by the Emperor, who is attempting to turn him back to the dark side. As Vader writhes in pain, the electrical charges passing through his body cause his armor to briefly reveal his skeleton, giving audiences a glimpse of the man underneath the mask.

The Star Wars films are among the most popular and beloved franchises in the history of cinema, and Return of the Jedi is no exception. When the film was released in 1983, it was a massive hit with audiences and critics alike, and helped to solidify the franchise's place as a cultural phenomenon. The scene in which Vader is electrocuted is a key moment in the film, as it reveals that there is still some humanity left in him despite his fall to the dark side. This moment of vulnerability and humanity makes Vader a more complex and relatable character, and helps to deepen the emotional impact of the film.

The scene in North By Northwest where a boy can be seen holding his ears in the background in anticipation of coming gun fire is a classic example of a blooper, and it's one of the many fun Easter eggs that film enthusiasts love to look for in movies. This particular scene takes place during a tense moment in the film when the main character, played by Cary Grant, is hiding from a group of villains in the Mount Rushmore visitor's center. As Grant petitions Eva Marie Saint's character for a little help, a young boy can be seen holding his ears in the background, seemingly anticipating the loud gunshot that will be fired a few seconds later.

Alfred Hitchcock was known for his attention to detail and his meticulous approach to filmmaking, so it's surprising to see a continuity error like this in one of his films. However, it's important to remember that even the most well-planned and executed productions can have mistakes, and these errors can add an extra layer of enjoyment for audiences who like to pause the movie and look for them.

In 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, E.T. (or three of E.T.'s family members) can be seen in the Galactic Senate during Princess Amadala's speech. This payback to Steven Spielberg including R2-D2 and C-3PO in Raiders of the Lost Ark is not only unexpected but it adds an extra layer of whimsy and humor to the scene if you know when to pause.

Some fans have speculated that E.T. may be a member of a previously unseen alien species, while others have speculated that he may be a force-sensitive being. Regardless of the reason for his appearance, E.T.'s cameo in the Galactic Senate has continued to intrigue and delight fans of the film.

Prison films and shows are an excellent way to examine the themes of authority, power, punishment, and exploitation. The setting of a prison and its straightforward hierarchy lends itself to such discussions. The 1983 pictured film Chained Heat examined these topics in the context of a women’s prison. It was controversial due to its depiction of sexual exploitation, drugs, and inter-prisoner race relations. It came under particular fire from lesbian activists, who felt it was far too stereotypical in its depictions. 

Few directors have achieved the success and fame of Stanley Kubrick. Nearly all of his films have survived in the public imagination as critically acclaimed cult classic masterpieces. On his Mount Rushmore of films is A Clockwork Orange. Based on the novel by Anthony Burgess, it takes place in a dystopian Britain and follows a group of young delinquents who commit heinous acts of violence and rape. It’s popularity amongst young people and thereafter inspiration of copycat acts of violence similar to the film led to Kubrick going as far to request that the film be pulled from theatres in the United Kingdom. 

It is common for films viewed as controversial on release to be later appreciated and thereafter developed into cult classics among small but passionate fans. The 1970 film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls stands out as an example of this. The film follows an all-female band, one of whom is an heir to a large fortune, and their navigating the music industry amongst some less-then-upstanding characters they meet. The film was partially written by famed film critic Roger Ebert, and was controversial for its explicit violence and sexual content. 

Few comedy films have pushed the limits and maintained an absolutely iconic status in the way Mel Brook’s 1974 comedy Blazing Saddles has. The film has endured as a pillar of the comedy film genre ever since it’s release. It was thought to be controversial due to its crude use of language for jokes, particularly racial humor. During production, Brooks even said to the writers “Write anything you want because we’ll never be heard from again. We’ll all be arrested for this movie”. Ultimately, however Blazing Saddles was a massive success and has become an American classic. 

Halloween has long been a cliché setting within which to set a horror film. The apex of this notion is the 1978 classic Halloween starring Jamie Lee Curtis, as this picture shows, in her film debut, and others such as Michael Meyers. The film is lauded as a classic of the horror genre and was even selected by the Library of Congress as being worthy of special preservation. It was controversial at the time due to the sexual themes in the film, but has stood the test of time as being one of the better horror films ever made.  

The behavior of celebrities has always been a cause for public debate and controversy on ethics and personal decisions due to the fact celebrity behavior is covered by tabloids and is always in the public eye. The public often loves nothing more than they do a celebrity scandal, particularly one regarding an affair. Sometimes, controversial statements on subjects like this from celebrities become hot button subjects of debate. This quote by the pictured actress Claudia Cardinale, justifying infidelity, is a great example thereof. 

Comedy and senses of humor change from generation to generation: often, something one generation finds hysterical will be found to be utterly boring by the next. Some films, however, stand the test of time and become classics of comedy. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one such film that has never gone out of fashion. The film follows parodies of King Arthur and his court trying to find the illusive holy grail, and their adventures along the way. Since it’s release, it has secured a place on the Mount Rushmore of all-time comedies, but remains controversial to some due to it’s language and themes and the subjects it mocks. 

Gore Vidal was one of the most controversial and hot topic authors in American literature during the 20th century, and the films based on his novels inherited this. The 1970 comedy Myra Breckinridge was no exception. The film was immensely controversial for its depiction of highly explicit sexual content including rape, as well as its depiction and commentary on transgender issues. Although the novel was critically acclaimed, the film was largely regarded even outside of it’s controversial aspects as being a poorly made one.

Music and what types of it are popular are often the most vivid, memorable and defining aspects of what separates different generations. The differences between generations and teenage or youth culture is a subject that many films have examined through the lens of music. This picture shows PJ Soles and Joey Ramone on the set of one such film, 1979’s Rock 'n' Roll High School. The film depicted late 1970’s and early 1980’s youth culture through the lens of contemporary music and touches heavily on young people versus established authority and other topics. 

The Italian film industry has long punched above its weight in its export of critically acclaimed and controversial films. Its film industry is much more willing to take risks and push the limits of acceptability. Bicycle Thieves, released in 1948, is one such film. It is a neorealist film about a man who loses his bicycle that he needs to keep his job to support his family in the ruins of post war Italy. The cast was entirely first-time actors to make it as authentic as possible. It was controversial for its depiction of Italians and some graphic scenes but is in general lauded as one of the most influential films ever made for its impact on other directors. 

Witches and other traditional elements of folklore have long served as inspiration for horror films. The 1960 Italian horror picture Black Sunday tells the tale of a 17th century Moldavian witch who curses the descendants of her executioners and comes back to life centuries later. The film was controversial due to extremely graphic sexual and violence-based scenes. However, it is considered a pillar and foundational element of Italian gothic horror films and as such is remembered in high regard due it’s influence on future films. 

Before Quentin Tarantino’s western epic Django Unchained, there was the earlier inspiration for it, the 1966 Italian spaghetti western Django. Whereas many westerns prior and after it are typically slower paced dramas that ultimately center around climactic action scenes (such as A Fistful of Dollars), Django was regarded as an immensely violent film upon it’s release and was not shown in some places and countries that found said aspects excessive. However, it became a cult classic and quite obviously was the main inspiration for Tarantino’s later re-adaptation of the story. 

Underground artistic films are often breeding grounds for boundary pushing controversy. The pictures 1963 experimental film Flaming Creatures is the absolute picture of this phenomenon. The film is a loosely structured collection of scenes in which most of the characters are dressed in drag. The various scenes are quite graphic, particularly some that have vivid and explicit sexual content. The filmmakers were charged with obscenity and the it was banned, but as a result of this it became a symbol of fighting against such laws and therefore famous as a result. 

Institutions making a large fuss about movies portraying them in a light that is less than favorable is far from a purely modern phenomenon. John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!, made in 1963, was sued by the University of Notre Dame for it’s depiction of the university. It follows a downed Air Force pilot in an Arab country who is an ex-college football star. The fictional country stages an exhibition game against the fighting Irish with the downed pilot on their team. Notre Dame felt they were being put in a bad light and sued to block the release of the film, albeit unsuccessfully. 

Only once has a controversial, X-rated film won an academy award: Midnight Cowboy. The above pictured Jon Voight played an aspiring male prostitute and the film’s plot revolves around him making his way through the seedy world of prostitution and his interactions with various pimps and clients. It explores various themes of masculinity and sexual orientation and portrays it all in explicit detail. The film was controversial for it’s explicit sexual imagery but was thought of highly enough in terms of it’s cinematic value to earn the aforementioned award. 

The 1960 film Peeping Tom was thought of as a horrible film at the time, but is an example of a film that became beloved in retrospect and extremely influential on other films. It follows a serial killer who murders young women and uses a camera to record his actions, played by Carl Boehm. It was controversial due it’s graphic violence, but the camerawork techniques and exploration of dark psychological themes let to it be re-appreciated in retrospect and influential to future “slasher” films. 

Some films invite great controversy and anger by depicting absurd degrees of graphic excess on screen. This is certainly true of the 1972 cult classic Pink Flamingos. It follows a drag queen who makes it her express goal to be as “filthy as possible”. She engages in a wide variety of increasingly outrageous acts, ranging from murder to cannibalism and so on. It ends with a revolting scene wherein she consumes dog feces. The film is considered an example of abject art, where art is detached from social norms. 

Jack Nicholson has been a mainstay of American cinema for decades and has achieved iconic status as a dynamic and superbly talented actor. Nicholson came of age as an actor during the counter-cultural years of the 1960’s and the film Psych-Out depicts the changing norms and culture of that era. It follows a group of hippies who engage in psychedelic drugs and all the other associated activities of hippies during the 60’s, all in vividly explicit detail. Ultimately, the film is meant to have an anti-drug message and does well reasonably well. 

Of all the movies that have garnered controversy and have been thereafter censored or banned, few have done so at the level of the 1971 Ken Russell production The Devil. The film takes place in France during the era of Cardinal Richelieu and The Three Musketeers stories and follows an immoral priest and nuns who are alleged to be witches. The film is packed with unbelievably graphic violent, sexual, and sacrilegious content. It was not given good reviews and is viewed as among the most controversial films ever made. To this day, finding a full copy is difficult. 

The 1950’s was a time of strict cultural conformity and frowned upon controversy and movies pushing the limits of social acceptability. For this reason, the 1953 movie The Moon is Blue was a controversial one. It follows a young unmarried woman who goes to the apartment of two older playboy men. They are disappointed when their efforts to win her over fail as she much prefers to discuss the hot button cultural issues around sexuality of the day. The discussion of these topics on film made it a controversial release. 

Marlon Brando was an actor who achieved what almost all actors strive for: he ascended to the status of a cultural icon. Key to his ascendancy to this status was the 1953 film The Wild One. Brando portrayed the character of Johnny Strabler, a biker gang criminal, which became one of his most iconic roles in his long and storied career. It’s depiction of youthful crime and rebellion led to it being banned in the UK until 1967, over a decade after it’s release. The film has stayed relevant for it’s sheer cultural status. 

Often times, governments are far more interested in trying to censor documentaries directly investigating societal issues than they are in doing so with provocative films. Titicut Follies was a documentary that was released in 1967 that investigated and shed light on a mental hospital in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Frederick Wiseman produced and directed the film, and it exposed the awful conditions of the facility. The state of Massachusetts went to great lengths to block its release, stating that it violated the inmates right to privacy. It was not until 1992 that it was publicly shown on PBS.

The Vanishing Prairie was a documentary made by Walt Disney in the 1950’s that documented the decline of the great plains and vast prairies of the American west, focusing on the increasing extinction threats to much of the wildlife there. It showed unvarnished footage of the animals such as the buffalo, including a scene where a buffalo gave birth. This was considered obscene by the authorities and thus it was originally censored in the state of New York. The film became a lasting pillar of the Disney documentary collection. 

The 1960’s saw the beginning of a major societal shift in how homosexuality was viewed. Few films embodied this better than the 1961 British movie Victim. The plot is centered around a highly successful barrister (or lawyer as he would be called in the U.S.) who has a relationship with another man. The other man is blackmailed about his sexuality and commits suicide. Eventually, the barrister decides to ruin his career rather than give in. The film was initially censored but has been praised for it’s sympathetic portrayal of gay characters since. 

The cold war in the first few decades after the second world war led to a consistently less than friendly attitude towards Latin American revolutionaries, which in the political context of the time evoked images of Fidel Castro and Che Guvera, among others. For this reason, the 1965 comedy Viva Maria! starring famed actresses Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau, both playing characters named Maria, aroused controversy upon release. It follows the two as Latin American women in the 19th century caught up in a revolution in south America. 

Most western films, particularly from the 1960’s and surrounding eras, often glossed over the brutality of the old west and depicted it in a very romanticized fashion. This cannot be said of the 1969 Sam Peckinpah movie The Wild Bunch. It is centered around a gang of outlaws on the U.S.-Mexico border and their attempts to survive. Their lives and journey and the violence surrounding it are shown in very graphic detail, unlike other westerns. For these reasons, the film is retrospectively viewed as one of the greatest westerns ever made. 

The crime wave of the late 1960’s made the issue a highly salient one in the public eye. As such, films addressing the issue became popular. Few achieved as much success as 1974’s Death Wish starring Paul Bronson. It follows a man whose wife and daughter are murdered on their way home by criminals. Bronson’s character embraces vigilante justice and hunts down criminals to kill them. The film was controversial for its violence but was highly successful.