A Look at Some of the Most Controversial Horror Movie Posters of All Time
Article by Anthony Cleveland
Earlier we posted some extremely brutal horror VHS covers. These boxes were all over VHS covers and received some criticism, but not near as much as these posters from more contemporary horror films. Parental outcry caused not just the posters be pulled but the films as well. A bit crazy how much time can change in just a few years. Here's our compilation below.
- The Last Exorcism (2010)
It wasn’t the satanic or blasphemous imagery that cause outcry from the overly sensitive public. It was the blood around the front of the minor’s dress. Many took it as symbolism for sexual assault.
- Silent Night Deadly Night (1984)
This film was released in December at the peak of the holiday season. Released in 198, parents and kids were aware of slasher films and knew to avoid them, But, when the beloved Chris Kringle was turned into the axe welding maniac, parents demanded the poster and film be pulled. the majority of theaters did pull the film and set the posters out for garbage day.
- Saw 2 (2005)
This one’s all on the MPAA. They said the two severed and decaying fingers on the Saw sequel poster had to go. The producers removed the fingers and suggested that the MPAA should shove them up their ass. (No. Not really.)
- The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007)
MPAA at it again. This time, they thought a hand clawing at the sand was too graphic and suggestive. Apparently, a dangling leg out of the bag is fine. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Man Bites Dog (1992)
The French are no stranger to risqué film posters. Sex and nudity are sometimes called into question, but violence and gore are far less tolerated, especially against minors. The original poster featured the serial killer firing a magnum revolver at a baby (not pictured) and a blood spattered pacifier blowing back from the blast. The poster removed the pacifier and added dentures instead.
- Final Destination 5 (2011)
This poster features a skull with steel rods protruding from the eyes and mouth. It's actually pretty tame, but in London, 13 complaints were filled, which was enough to have it pulled because it was "too distressing to minors." So, instead, we got this "really great" updated version that you can thank the Brits for.
What do you think? Do you think any of these posters should have to be banned or updated? Do you think the MPAA is weak and the Brits are thin-skinned? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!