9 Shocking Films That Should Have Been Rated X/NC-17

9. The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Despite its intense portrayal of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and the brutal realism that director Mel Gibson infused into every lash and wound, 'The Passion of the Christ' received an R rating. The film's graphic depiction of violence was such that it stunned both audiences and critics, leading to fainting and shock in theaters. This visceral experience sparked significant discussion, with some groups advocating a more restricted rating for its unflinching look at suffering.

A bloodied Jesus looks on in The Passion of the Christ

8. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Stanley Kubrick's final film, 'Eyes Wide Shut,' is an erotic odyssey that explores the complexities of human desire and infidelity. Despite its sexually charged atmosphere and explicit imagery, the film was released with an R rating after Kubrick made compromises to ensure its broader accessibility. Critics, including Roger Ebert, lamented the censorship, arguing that it diluted Kubrick's artistic vision while paradoxically making the adult-themed film available to a younger audience.

A group of masked characters in hoods from Eyes Wide Shut

7. Caligula (1979)

'Caligula' is notorious for its unbridled depiction of sex and power in Ancient Rome. The film's director, Bob Guccione, sidestepped the MPAA entirely by releasing it under a 'Mature Audiences' label, circumventing the traditional rating system. The erotic drama, featuring an ensemble of esteemed actors, was met with legal challenges and outrage, yet it managed to avoid the NC-17 rating by adopting an unconventional distribution strategy, which included renting entire theaters to maintain control over its exhibition.

Malcolm Mcdowell in Caligula.

6. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

The raucous animated film 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut' pushed the envelope with its satirical, profane humor. The creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, faced an uphill battle with the MPAA to avoid the dreaded NC-17 rating. Through strategic edits, they managed to secure an R rating, but the film's bold mockery of censorship and societal norms left many surprised that it didn't receive a more severe rating, given its explicit language and adult themes.

The kids from South Park stand in front of a crowd from the movie

5. Basic Instinct (1992)

The neo-noir 'Basic Instinct,' with its blend of sexual intrigue and murder, became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. Notably, the film featured an infamous scene with Sharon Stone that has since become iconic. Despite the film's overtly erotic content and violent narrative, it was granted an R rating. Stone later expressed regret over filming certain scenes, yet 'Basic Instinct' remains a topic of debate regarding its controversial content and the surprising leniency of its rating.

Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct during the interrogation scene

4. Breaking the Waves (1996)

Lars Von Trier's 'Breaking the Waves' is a devastating exploration of love, faith, and sacrifice. The film's intense emotional and sexual content led to an R rating, but the depth of its tragic narrative and the raw portrayal of the human psyche suggested that it warranted a much stricter classification. The performance by Emily Watson as Bess McNeill is both powerful and haunting, contributing to the argument that 'Breaking the Waves' should have been restricted to a more mature audience.

Breaking the Waves, Emily Watson as Bess McNeill and Stellan Skarsgård as Jan Nyman

3. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' remains one of the most controversial films due to its graphic violence and dystopian themes. Initially rated X, Kubrick cut a mere 30 seconds to achieve an R rating, a decision that still perplexes many given the film's disturbing content. The film's unsettling portrayal of a society grappling with the nature of free will and morality continues to provoke discussion about the effectiveness and consistency of film ratings.

Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange Therapy

2. The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkin's 'The Exorcist' sent shockwaves through the audience with its portrayal of demonic possession, leading to reports of fainting and hysteria in theaters. The film was rated R, a surprising decision considering the psychological and physical horror it depicted. From the notorious head-spinning scene to the chilling atmosphere, 'The Exorcist' challenged viewers' thresholds for fear and left many questioning whether the rating truly reflected its impact on the audience.

A possessed Regan MacNeil glares at the camera in The Exorcist.

1. Jaws (1975)

The film that made audiences think twice about going into the water, Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' was curiously rated PG, despite its intense sequences of shark attacks and bloodshed. The tale of a man-eating great white shark not only pioneered the summer blockbuster genre but also left an indelible mark on viewers with its visceral imagery and tension. It's a wonder that a film responsible for widespread cinematic neurosis, including one reported case of a teenager experiencing night terrors, was not subjected to a more stringent rating upon its release.

Shark eating a boat in Jaws