Controversial Behind-the-Scenes Films to Watch

    Some movies are made to provoke. Whether due to bold narrative choices, controversial themes, or behind-the-scenes tensions, these productions faced challenges that went far beyond the screen. From religious protests to on-set conflicts, here are some of the most controversial films you can watch online or in theaters.

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    Jeanne du Barry

    Jeanne du Barry

    6.7/10
    1h56min
    NR
    2024
    Romance
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    Johnny Depp’s return to cinema after his legal battle with Amber Heard was already a major talking point with Jeanne du Barry, but the behind-the-scenes drama in Maïwenn’s film was even more turbulent. The director and lead actress reportedly had frequent disagreements with Depp on set, to the point of ignoring him between takes. Additionally, Maïwenn was sued for spitting on a journalist, adding even more controversy to the production.

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    Emilia Pérez

    Emilia Pérez

    7.4/10
    2h12min
    NR
    2024
    Thriller
    Now playing in theaters

    Jacques Audiard’s film, which blends musical and thriller elements in a story about the world of drug trafficking, sparked controversy from the start. After all, it's a film about Mexican characters, yet it features almost no Mexican actors—Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña are American, while Karla Sofía Gascón is Spanish. To make matters worse, the director is French and admitted in interviews that he never even visited Mexico to understand the reality of the Latin American country he was depicting. As a result, the film’s narrative approach and discussions about representation and stereotypes have divided opinions within the industry and among audiences — especially after its 13 Oscar nominations in 2025.

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    Battle Royale

    Battle Royale

    7.5/10
    2h2min
    TV-PG
    2012
    Action
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    Before The Hunger Games, Battle Royale had already portrayed teenagers forced to fight to the death, causing outrage in Japan. Based on Koushun Takami’s novel, the film was criticized for its extreme violence and accused of promoting youth brutality. It was even banned in some countries and faced limited distribution in the U.S. due to concerns that it could inspire school attacks. Nevertheless, it became a cult classic and influenced an entire generation of dystopian storytelling.

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    The Last Temptation of Christ

    The Last Temptation of Christ

    7.5/10
    2h43min
    R
    1988
    Drama
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    Martin Scorsese’s religious epic sparked massive protests worldwide, particularly among Christian groups. The film was accused of blasphemy for depicting Jesus Christ as a man with doubts and human desires, including a scene in which he imagines a life with Mary Magdalene. There were boycotts, threats against theaters, and even arson attacks on cinemas in France.

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