10 Best Controversial Movies You Can Stream Now

While we live in a day and age when it often seems like anything goes, with social media highlighting a dangerous stupidity in “trends,” cinema has always been held to a higher standard. Controversy on the screen has existed since the medium’s inception and continues to this day. Yet, with streaming, the way that distributors approach content is different, regardless of how controversial a film is. At the same time, what was once contentious is now seen in a different light decades later.

These 10 films are just a sampling of highly controversial films that are now readily available to stream. Each film, while shocking audiences, facing bans, censorship, and, in some cases, protests, is still very much worth watching, even once.

‘Peeping Tom’ (1960)

Stream on Cultpix, Kanopy, or Fawesome

Mark Lewis, a shy and socially awkward cameraman who works at a film studio, hides a secret fetish from the world, as he stalks and kills women, recording their final moments. As the police start to pick up on Mark’s actions, he begins to spiral, revealing the root behind his murderous intent and obsession with filming.

A Shock to the System for Viewers

Explicit portrayals of voyeurism and sadism are not exactly the stuff of public outrage anymore. However, with Peeping Tom being the first to embody this form of psychological horror, it caused quite an uproar when it was unleashed on audiences in the 1960s. The film is still worth watching, as not only does it remain successfully terrifying decades later, but it is now also historically regarded as an early precursor to the beloved slasher genre.

‘The Witch Who Came From the Sea’ (1976)

Stream on Arrow or Night Flight Plus

Still haunted by the image of her abusive father, Rebecca soon finds that her merging interest in sexuality crosses over with her hatred for the man who abused her, driving a psycho-sexual killing spree where she targets men who remind her of her father. Her life becomes overwhelmed by fantasies, both sexual and violent, and soon it becomes hard for her (and the viewer) to distinguish reality from fiction as she claims more victims.

Falling in Lust With Murder

The Witch Who Came From the Sea lands in highly controversial territory due to being included in the infamous video-nasties ban in the UK; however, many of those films were rather undeserving of the scrutiny. What makes this one stand out among the “video nasties” is its mix of sex and violence, combined with explorations of childhood trauma, and falling under the divisive subgenre of “psycho-biddy.”

Time has not necessarily done the movie many favors, as many still see the film as highly exploitative and revolting. In contrast, others praise it for its moody tone, unapologetic tackling of controversial issues, and psychological depth.

‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian’ (1979)

Stream on Prime Video, Peacock, Kanopy, Pluto TV, or Plex

Brian Cohen, who happens to be born the same day and next door to Jesus Christ, finds himself becoming an unlikely messiah after a series of misunderstandings and assumptions. Thrust into a political and religious spotlight, Brian unwillingly follows the path that was meant for Christ. Monty Python’s Life of Brian featured the British comedy troupe’s signature dark and absurd humor.

“What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?”

It may seem silly in retrospect for some to see Monty Python’s Life of Brian sitting here, as the movie has since become considered a comedy classic. Yet, Life of Brian saw global protests against the showing of the film, which was seen as a mockery of Christ. The film became highly debated, with the Monty Python cast defending the film, adamant it was not a mockery of Christ. Instead, the film was meant to exist as a critique of dogma, political extremism, and the inherent fallacies of organized religion. All that aside, the film is hilarious and certainly worth streaming.

‘In the Realm of the Senses’ (1979)

Stream on The Criterion Channel

Inspired by actual events that shocked the Japanese public, In the Realm of the Senses follows former sex worker Sada Abe, who falls madly in love with married Inn owner Kichizo Ishida. The two begin an all-consuming romance, locking themselves in doors and dedicating their bodies to each other. Realizing it must come to an end, Sada Abe does the unthinkable to ensure she can leave with a part of Ishida to remember him by.

Bringing a Controversial Crime to the Screen

In a conservative landscape, Nagisa Ōshima’s In the Realm of the Senses was seen as downright pornographic with its explicit sexual content that blended eroticism with violence. On a larger scale, the arthouse film raised the broader question of art versus pornography; even with many touting it as a cinematic landmark, the film faced heavy censorship across the globe. A quintessential movie that “broke all the rules,” In the Realm of the Senses, is now seen as a revolutionary exploration of sexual psychology and human obsession, driven by a distinct visual style.

‘Combat Shock’ (1984)

Stream on AMC+, Shudder, Troma Now, or Plex

Opening with a soldier, Frankie, bearing witness to great rule and death during his time in Vietnam, Combat Shock contrasts the war with a dirty and degraded Staten Island slum where Frankie now lives. Dealing with severe PTSD, broke, and unable to care for his family, including a child born with defects due to Agent Orange, Frankie’s decline only continues as he searches for work.

The Horrors of War Don’t Stop After The Battle is Over

Combat Shock presents the depths of human suffering in a raw and gritty style, soaking itself in the suffering of others in a way that will be difficult for most to approach. The bleak tone and shocking conclusion were only part of the film’s controversy, as there were also issues brought up with its depiction of the care of veterans in America.

Where some saw it as an unflinching critique of Reagan-era neglect, others saw it as pure exploitation of the suffering of veterans. Combat Shock is one of the less talked-about, highly controversial films of the 80s, perhaps because it is still uncomfortable to watch today.

‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer’ (1986)

Stream on Prime Video, Arrow, Pluto TV, or Plex

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer follows the titular Henry, an ex-convict who aimlessly wanders Chicago with his prison friend Otis. Together, the two start a skilling spree, without a clear motivation or preference for a victim. When Otis’s sister Becky moves in with them, things become complicated, as she begins to put her trust in Henry, who feigns kindness toward her. As the violent nature of the crimes of the two continues, and Becky’s presence causes issues between Otis and Henry, something has to give between the two serial murderers.

Misunderstood and Maligned

Graphic realism presented in a very matter-of-fact way when showcasing the murder of innocents made Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer one of the most infamous crime films of both the 80s and 90s; it took several years for the film to be released domestically, so many never got to see it until the early 90s. The most also sparked controversy, being tied to the real-life crimes of Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole, who at the time were believed to have possibly killed hundreds.

For a long time, censors and distributors had no idea what to do with the film, with many releases being heavily edited. However, now its unflinching realism is touted as being highly influential on other filmmakers, and its critique of media glorification of serial killers is seen as initially misunderstood as glorification.

‘Hard Core Logo’ (1996)

Stream on Night Flight Plus or Hoopla

Shot in the form of a mockumentary, Hard Core Logo follows a fictional Canadian punk rock band of the same name on one last tour, reuniting a decade after they broke up. The movie follows the challenges of life on the road, as well as the band members – Joe “Nasty” Dick, Bucky Haight, John Oxenberger, and Billy Tallent – as they try to work through serious issues that led to their initial split. Yet, singer Joe Dick has an alternative plan to cap off his reunion.

Life and Death of a Punk Rocker

While the infamy of Hard Core Logo is more prevalent in Canada, where director Bruce McDonald hails from, the film saw controversy for tackling the idolization of death in music. The film’s climax, which sees singer Joe Dick kill himself in front of fans at the end of the tour, led to worry among some groups that it would be seen in a glorifying light. The delivery of Joe Dick’s death is also viscerally shocking compared to the rest of the tone of the movie, deepening its controversial nature.

‘Battle Royale’ (2000)

Stream on Prime Video, Plex, or Fawesome

Set in an alternative, near-future Japan, Battle Royale follows a class of students whose field trip is abruptly ended, and they are forced to compete in a deadly fight for survival against one another. Fitted with devices that explode if tampered with, the large class is set free on an island with a random bag of materials to help them in their bloody fight. Alliances are made, some embrace the game, others try to figure out a way out, while others sink into despair.

Kids Fighting to the Death

Facing outright bans and heavy censorship abroad, Battle Royale rocketed into cult infamy for its graphic violence that saw children at the center of a deadly game of survival. Stripping aside its sensational elements, the film explores the desires, fears, and anger of youth in a way that is rather unparalleled in cinema, backed by a dystopian vision of an oppressive government system. Heart-wrenching, terrifying, and fascinating all at once.

‘The House That Jack Built’ (2018)

Stream on Hulu, Phillo, Shudder, Mubi, or AMC+

The House That Jack Built follows psychopathic killer Jack (Matt Dillon) through over a decade of killings. Each murder that Jack commits is presented as a larger piece of a puzzle, told through narration from Jack as he speaks to a mysterious figure named Verge. As the brutality of his killings heightens, Jack finally strings together one last spectacle of his lifetime of cruelty.

Gazing Into the Face of Pure Evil

When it comes to modern-day provocateurs, Lars Von Trier is one name that stands tall, as every project the director undertakes usually comes with controversy, bans, and angry walkouts at film festivals. Many of Trier’s films could have fit the bill here. Still, the film being interpreted by many as a justification of murder as a form of art, combined with graphic imagery, including the murder of children, makes The House That Jack Built one of the director’s most brutal. It is a spectacle and a discussion starter, cruelty at its most unapologetic, that is shockingly effective in showing the inner workings of a force of evil in Jack.

‘Titane’ (2021)

Stream on Kanopy

Alexia, a woman with a titanium plate in her head due to a motor vehicle accident as a child, has grown up to be a dancer and car fetishist. After she is impregnated by a car and commits a series of murders, she decides to disguise herself as the long-lost son of a firefighter, Vincent, to escape the authorities. The two start a bizarre familial relationship, with Vincent slowly accepting Alexia despite knowing she is not his lost son.

Modern Day Proof that Film Can Still Shock and Inspire

Titane’s controversy could be seen in real time with its premiere at Cannes, leading to both walkouts and a standing ovation. Besides the film’s graphic content, the movie also became contentious in its exploration of sexuality, with the blurring of gender lines met with both scorn and praise from different audiences. Still, Titane has found ample, deserved praise, including earning the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2021 for director Julia Ducournau, the second woman to have won the award.