While it’s true that any publicity is good publicity, the saying couldn’t be any more accurate when it comes to the world of showbiz. While pay-per-view kings like Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor have proven that controversy sells, the same could also be said about the film industry.

From religion to politics, and violence to excessive skin, there are some obvious culprits which have resulted in movies getting axed by cinemas. That said, some productions have indeed ended up reaching new heights of fame and notoriety after being blacklisted from certain regions. After all, some of us are more inclined towards things we can’t have—the forbidden fruit.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

At the time of its publication, Erich Maria Remarque’s novel All Quiet on the Western Front received harsh criticism from the get-go. Despite being one of the greatest literary successes in German history, the internationally best-selling World War I story was controversial at best and even banned and burned in protest in countries like Germany.

In 1930, the book was picked up for its big-screen adaptation with director Lewis Milestone at the helm. Although the motion picture was initially approved for screening by Berlin’s Supreme Censorship Board, audiences were quick to leave in a terrified frenzy. The film was later banned in both Germany and Australia.

American Sniper (2014)

Following its premiere, American Sniper sparked anger in the Muslim and Arab community, with protests in countries like Iraq and Iran. In the United States, the controversial war film led to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiments, according to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

The Clint Eastwood-directed thriller is loosely based on the experiences of US soldier Chris Kyle during the period of his deployment in Iraq from 2003 to 2009. The war veteran was dubbed as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history, with at least 160 confirmed killers, as per the Pentagon.

Christopher Robin (2018)