It’s a strange concept to think that somewhere within the corridors of power there is a select group of individuals determining what movies are suitable for viewing. Freedom of expression becomes somewhat confused when with dictatorial fury these members decide that a piece of celluloid is filled with such corruptive depravity that it must be erased from the face of the earth. Hindsight usually corrects this decision, but our history is filled with those moments when viewing audiences were treated like fragile children and, in what is reminiscent of the harshest fascist regimes, movies were banned.

Ratings are a fundamental part of films. They give a snapshot of the content that we are about to experience and at the very least have prevented many a ruined evening of film viewing. I’m all for warning labels but I’m deeply insulted when the capacity to choose has been taken from me. After all, we are talking about fiction and no matter how graphic or realistic, governments have better things to worry about.

We have compiled the top ten banned movies in Australia. May this be just a sad chapter from our past and thanks to the glory of the internet and torrents, never be repeated.

** Please be aware that some of these clips may be disturbing for some viewers **

10. Nightmare on Elm Street 3 Dream Warriors (1987)
Absurdly banned in Queensland for several years before finally being released on video. Maybe Joh wasn’t a Dokken fan.



9. The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906)
The film was outlawed in Benalla, Wangaratta, Adelaide and NSW because of its bushranger content.



8. Nekromantik (1987)
Cult German horror film was banned due to its creative use of dead bodies.



7. Pink Flamingos (1972)
Banned until 1984 for offensive content. I’m sure the dog poop scene had nothing to do with this.



6. Blowup (1966)
What the hell? Banned for a brief period in the 60s, strangely enough this brilliant and highly influential film is not available on DVD in Australia. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and check it out at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne.



5. Baise-Moi (1999)
After being briefly released the film was banned in 2002.



4. Ken Park (2002)
Infamous for the protest screening held by Margaret Pomeranz that was shut down by NSW police. Democracy indeed.



3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Banned for 20 years, the fact that it’s not a good film makes this even more confounding.



2. Salò (1975)
Still banned in Australia after thirty years due to its depiction of graphic violence, sadism and sexuality.



1. Cannibal Holocaust (1984)
Banned virtually everywhere and only recently certified in Australia. A classic in its own special, disturbed way.