A controversial film can mean many things, from a filmmaker’s bravery in pushing or crossing the limits of what is considered acceptable cinema to tackling sensitive subject matter. These films often spark intense debates about their impact on audiences, challenging societal norms and provoking discussions about their themes and the reactions

they elicit. Provocative films often touch on casting choices, racial and historical inaccuracies, and matters of religious sensibility, all of which may add to their controversial nature. Through their rendition of gritty and disturbing truths or stirring reflection upon forbidden issues, they become points of contention as well as admiration. For everyone who is curious about such films and their influence, the following are some of the most controversial films out there to view on Netflix.

8. To the Bone (2017)

Marti Noxon’s ‘To the Bone’ is a film about a 20-year-old woman called Ellen, AKA Eli, who suffers from anorexia. She has attempted numerous recovery programs but to no avail. This begins to change, though, after she gets accepted into Dr. William Beckham’s program. How the other patients influence her and how she manages all of it is the fundamental idea of ‘To the Bone.’ The movie goes deep into various facets of individuals’ personal lives and how they influence Ellen, taking her on a rabbit hole of anxiety and exacerbating her condition. The film features Lily Collins as Ellen, Keanu Reeves as Dr. William Beckham, and Carrie Preston as Ellen’s stepmother, Susan. The film is controversial because of how the latter treats anorexia. The film was criticized by many people for apparently glamorizing the potentially lethal disorder. There are numerous media outlets that expressed concern about it and even went so far as to claim that the film ignores the present research. Responding, the director Noxon revealed that he created the film in order to utilize it as a dialogue generator and to dispel the myths surrounding the eating disorder. You can view ‘To the Bone’ here.

7. The Two Popes (2019)

Based on Anthony McCarten’s play ‘The Pope,’ ‘The Two Popes’ is a biographical drama in which Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins portray Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, and Pope Benedict XVI, respectively. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the satirical drama traces their extensive conversation about the destiny of the Catholic Church on the backdrop of opposing ideologies — conservative and liberal. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, and filmed in Vatican City, ‘The Two Popes’ also discusses faith, leadership, and individual change. It has been criticized for its apparent false representation of things, stereotyping, and unwarranted levity. Although it merely merely glances at the 2012 Vatican leaks scandal, numerous accuse it of creating the impression of misleading or distorting information. Political and religious prejudices were cited, with Bishop Robert Barron voicing his objection to its portrayal of Benedict. You may stream ‘The Two Popes’ here.

6. The Laundromat (2019)

This satirical story of the Panama Papers leaks scandal is based on Jake Bernstein’s book ‘Secrecy World.’ ‘The Laundromat’ features Meryl Streep as Ellen Martin, a widow who is probing insurance fraud, which makes her use the tainted tactics revealed by the Panama Papers. Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas feature as real-life attorneys, Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca, respectively, narrating how their firm, Mossack Fonseca, became embroiled in the scandal. Filmed by Steven Soderbergh, the film was criticized, with many criticizing Streep for what they perceived as wearing blackface. The law firm in the middle of the scandal, Mossack Fonseca, also sued Netflix to prevent the release of the film, citing defamation. In the end, the court ruled that the film was under free speech protection and so could be released. Panamanian authorities too had protested the movie, and it was banned in China for featuring disgraced politician Bo Xilai. ‘The Laundromat’ can be seen on Netflix.

5. Munich – The Edge of War (2021)

A spy thriller based on the backdrop of the 1938 Munich Agreement, which was a defining moment that gave rise to the seeds of World War II. Munich – The Edge of War’ is the tale of British envoy Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and his classmate and German bureaucrat Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner), both of whom try to avoid war. Christian Schwochow, a German director, directed it on the basis of Robert Harris’ 2017 novel ‘Munich.’ It combines real-life events with fictional ones. ‘Munich – The Edge of War’ was in the spotlight for its sympathetic presentation of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who was frequently criticized for his appeasement strategy towards Hitler. The narrative supposedly indicates that the Munich Conference could have been a strategic maneuver to gain time for Britain to rearm and form alliances. This depiction caused light controversy among viewers and historians concerning the revisionist school of thought in Chamberlain’s contribution to the lead-up to World War II, contradicting the traditional image of him as ineffectual. Netflix has the thriller available to watch.

4. Maestro (2023)

Bradley Cooper wrote, directed, and produced ‘Maestro,’ in which the actor stars as the iconic conductor Leonard Bernstein. The long-brewing drama goes deeper into the personal life of the title composer and his marriage to his wife, Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). ‘Maestro’ delves into Bernstein’s musical brilliance and private life and the relationship between the two over a period of decades. It is also a sensitive love story that shows his complicated marriage. This Netflix biopic created controversy regarding Cooper’s employment of a prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein, prompting charges of “Jewface” and reinforcing Jewish stereotypes. The casting of Cooper and Mulligan, not a Jew, further raised eyebrows, with some claiming it ignored Jewish actors. Despite this, Cooper’s portrayal was defended by Bernstein’s children. The movie was also termed “Oscar bait,” with controversies surrounding its authenticity and representation even before its release. You can see the movie here.

3. Nyad (2023)

Based on the memoir ‘Find a Way’ by Diana Nyad, the sports drama ‘Nyad’ features Annette Bening wearing the sports star’s swimsuit in an Academy Award-nominated performance. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the sports drama chronicles the inspiring journey of the swimmer and journalist who at the age of 60 attempts a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida. Assisted by her best friend, ex-partner, and coach Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster) and driven by her unwavering determination, she encounters several obstacles in attempting this incredible task. When released, Nyad’ received some backlash, with many noting it downplays the specifics of Nyad’s Havana in the Caribbean Sea to Key West island swim, showing her with just a single boat and attesting to an “unassisted” swim. Many even noted that such a presentation devalues the care of the thorough crew and several other boats. The biographical movie is equally dependent on fictionalized material, including a failed swim across the English Channel and a shark attack, which have influenced the marathon swims of many other competitors but not Nyad’s. Watch the film here.

2. Blonde (2022)

Ever since Ana de Armas was announced for the role, this biopic of one of Hollywood’s most influential actresses ever received continually skeptical treatment. However, defying skepticism and grievances questioning her ethnic background as a major flaw, de Armas steps into Norma Jeane, aka Marilyn Monroe, in an Academy Award-nominated role. Based on the eponymous biographical fiction novel by Joyce Carol Oates, ‘Blonde’ delves into Monroe’s double life, caught between tragedy and glamour. Most of the key experiences of her private life, her ascension to fame, and the production of ‘Some Like It Hot,’ blend

seamlessly history and drama. The script also explores her private battles, with an opinionating CGI fetus occasionally addressing her from inside her womb, exploring themes of motherhood. Backlash engulfed ‘Blonde’ from the production stages, with an MGM executive being let go after refusing to allow director Andrew Dominik to incorporate vintage footage of Monroe’s movies. When released, it was greeted with divided reviews, and numerous people called it exploitative, arguing it dwelled more on Monroe being a sex icon than a person. Both de Armas and Oates rejected this argument, stressing that the film is an unapologetic feminist retelling. Arguments have been made in response, citing nude scenes with full-frontal nudity, sexual abuse, and rape. Further, although Monroe had no history of abortion and had miscarried three times, the film appears to be insinuating otherwise, with most claiming it is promoting political agendas. Rated as a “fictional portrait of Marilyn Monroe” to steer clear of more controversies, ‘Blonde’ on Netflix is rated NC-17.

1. May December (2023)

‘May December’ revolves around a forbidden romance between an older woman and a young guy. It features Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, an actress preparing for her next film about a woman named Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore). 20 years earlier, Gracie had been discovered in a compromising position with the much younger Joe (Charles Melton), and it had caused a national scandal, although they are married with children now. Elizabeth contacts Gracie to get ready for her part, and the ensuing probing of the three personalities there brings to the forefront complex feelings compounded by social prohibitions such as grooming and pedophilia. Directed by Todd Haynes and starring powerful performances by Portman, Moore, and Melton, ‘May December’ is a well-received drama. You can stream it here. Read More: Best Taboo Shows on Netflix