3. The Exorcist
Despite since being hailed as one of the greatest horror movies of all-time and the benchmark when it comes to portraying a possession, William Friedkin’s movie still went caused a fair bit of controversy upon release.
Banned in certain parts of the UK, moviegoers keen to experience this terrifying story of a priest attempting to cast out a demon from a young girl ended up organising coach trips to watch the movie in neighbouring counties and cities.
The BBFC didn’t allow a home release until 1999 due to claims that The Exorcist would be damaging to adolescent girls (doesn’t make much sense we know). There was so much concern about the effect this movie would have on viewers, some groups even offered counselling after.
