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When it comes to online streaming platforms, Netflix has become a hub for movies that push the envelope and stir up conversation. However, its vast collection has some movies that have sparked more than just casual discussion — they have ignited debates and intense reactions due to their provocative content and themes. These controversial movies push the boundaries of conventional cinema, tackle sensitive topics, showcase explicit or violent content, or present narratives that challenge societal norms. Today, we have rounded up some of the most controversial movies on Netflix that entertain in seemingly uncomfortable ways.
7 most controversial movies streaming on Netflix right now
This is a Polish erotic film that that tells the story of Laura Biel, a young and successful sales director, who is kidnapped by Massimo Torricelli, a dominant and powerful Sicilian mafia boss after love at first sight. He gives Laura 365 days to fall in love with him while holding her captive in his luxurious estate. Throughout the year, Laura grapples with her feelings towards Massimo, torn between attraction and the moral implications of her captivity. The movie delves into their intense and often problematic relationship, filled with sensual intimate moments, gaslighting, and moments of genuine connection. The movie sparked considerable controversy and debate on its release. One of the major critiques of the movie was that it glamorises kidnapping and abusive relationships, while its portrayal of BDSM has been likened to Fifty Shades of Grey. Despite the backlash, the movie garnered a massive following and spawned two sequels.
This Bengali-language black-and-white modern-day erotic thriller is notable for its experimental style and unapologetic depiction of urban youth in Kolkata. The plot revolves around Shubham Singh, nicknamed Gandu (Anubrata Basu), a frustrated youth living in Kolkata. He harbours resentment towards his circumstances, particularly his mother’s affair with their landlord. Gandu is neck-deep in drug use and sexual fantasies, which often lead to a series of hallucinatory episodes. His life spirals out of control when he meets and forms a friendship with a rickshaw driver named Ricksha, who introduces him to more drugs and bizarre experiences. The explicit content, including nudity, sex, and drug use, and unfiltered portrayal of youth rebellion, sparked controversy. The movie was banned in India due to its graphic nature but gained a cult following internationally, especially at film festivals where it was praised for its bold approach.
Cuties is a French coming-of-age drama that revolves around 11-year-old Amy, living in Paris, and hailing from an orthodox Senegalese Muslim family. Amy struggles with her family's conservative values and her desire to fit in with her peers. She becomes fascinated by a free-spirited dance group called Cutie at her school, whose members are her age but engage in highly suggestive dance moves influenced by adult culture and social media. Amy joins the group and adopts their lifestyle, which includes wearing revealing clothes and performing explicit dance routines. The movie explores Amy’s internal struggle and the impact of her actions on her identity and family relationships. The movie received backlash primarily due to its marketing by Netflix, which featured a poster that many felt sexualised the young actresses. However, director Maïmouna Doucouré stated that she intended to highlight the dangers of sexualising children and to encourage a dialogue about these critical issues.
The movie is a fictionalised take on the life of Marilyn Monroe (played to perfection by Ana de Armas), blending historical facts with imagined events to explore the world of the iconic Hollywood star. The movie traces her journey from a troubled childhood in an abusive home to her rise as a beloved yet deeply troubled Hollywood icon. Through a series of vignettes, the movie portrays Monroe’s relationships, her struggles with identity, fame, and mental health, and the pervasive exploitation she faced in the entertainment industry. The movie was embroiled in a controversy due to its graphic content and fictionalised portrayal of Monroe’s life. The explicit scenes of sexual violence, abuse, and drug use, led to debates over the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when portraying real-life figures and sensitive topics.
Ellen (Lily Collins) is a 20-year-old girl suffering from severe anorexia. After several failed attempts at recovery, she is sent to a group home for youths with eating disorders. There, she meets Dr. William Beckham (Keanu Reeves), who forces her to confront her illness and find a way towards recovery. The movie delves into Ellen's relationships with her family members, insecurities, and the issues that led to her eating disorder. The movie sparked controversy for its portrayal of eating disorders. Critics and viewers felt the movie’s portrayal of eating disorders might trigger unhealthy behaviours in vulnerable viewers. It includes scenes that explicitly depict the physical consequences of eating disorders.
The movie follows Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), a man born on the same day and in the house next to Jesus Christ. Through a series of absurd and comedic events, Brian is mistakenly identified as the Messiah. Brian’s journey takes him through a series of misadventures, including being part of a resistance movement against the Roman occupation, encountering various eccentric characters, and ultimately being crucified. The highly controversial movie received criticism and bans from various religious groups and countries. Many religious organisations accused the movie of blasphemy for its mockery of Jesus Christ, although the character of Jesus is treated respectfully in the movie.
J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso as an adult and Owen Asztalos as a teenager) is a young man from a dysfunctional family in rural Ohio who aspires to break free from poverty and hardship. The narrative alternates between Vance's present as a Yale Law School student and his tumultuous past, highlighting key moments that shaped his life. His mother, Bev (Amy Adams), struggles with drug addiction and unstable relationships, while his grandmother, Mamaw (Glenn Close), is a tough but loving matriarch who instils in J.D. the values of hard work. Many viewers have argued that the movie, based on the memoir of the same name by J.D. Vance, uses negative stereotypes about the Appalachian. Some critics have accused both the memoir and movie of exploiting the struggles of poor, white Americans for entertainment and profit.
