There was a time when an X-rating killed a movie’s chance of success. The film couldn’t be released in theaters, and some ended up being banned outright when it came to video. But things have changed a lot over the years. Censorship of movies is not as common as it once was, and while there are still movies that get NC-17 ratings, these movies still have ways to reach fans.
Often, older X-rated movies have become classics decades after they were considered by many to be a death sentence in movie theaters. Some of these films have become cult classics due to their X-rating, while others are so good that not even a horrendous rating can stop them from becoming true classic masterpieces.
Kids (1995) – currently unavailable
In 1995, Larry Clark directed the controversial teen drama children Written by Harmony Korine. The movie was supposed to be a realistic representation of the sexual promiscuity and drug abuse among kids in New York City.
What really led to the ratings committee’s rejection children In fact, these are teenage characters who receive little real punishment for their actions. Despite its X-rating, the Weinstein brothers released the film through a one-off company and it went on to become a cult classic, championed by critics such as Roger Ebert.
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970) – available to rent on Amazon Prime
1967, movie Valley of the Dolls The show, about three women starting a career in adult entertainment, came out and was a critical flop. Three years later, film critic Roger Ebert Beyond the Valley of the Dollsthe Russ Meyer-directed film is a satire that pokes fun at the source material.
The film was rated X, so Mayer wanted to add more nudity and sex, but Fox released the film and wouldn’t let him. The film has since become such a beloved classic that the Criterion Collection even released a special edition of the film in 2016.
Crash (1996) – currently unavailable
David Cronenberg releases films that always push the boundaries of what is acceptable to ratings boards.He even has his own nasty video scanner It later became a revered classic. In 1996, he released collision The film was ultimately rated X.
There was a lot of controversy surrounding the film’s release, and even the British Board of Film Classification went out of their way to ban it. The subject involves sexual behavior after a traumatic accident. Despite protests, collision It ultimately succeeded, winning a Special Jury Prize at Cannes and remains a revered classic to this day.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) – Live on Hoopla
Mainstream movie fans rarely watch it Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Same as the original movie in the series. However, horror movie fans and film scholars alike rated the sequel highly due to its dark comedy surrounding Leatherface and her family.
The film remains a cult classic and is still shown at horror conventions around the world. While the original was re-edited to earn an R rating, the sequel was ultimately listed as unrated due to its gore and violence.
The Evil Dead (1981) – Streaming on HBO Max
One of the most popular X-rated movies of all time is the 1981 Sam Raimi horror classic, evil dead. The film was released unrated and eventually helped Raimi become a cult favorite and director of big-budget blockbusters.
The film received an X rating for its graphic violence and practical effects of demonic Deadites. evil dead It ended up on the list of hated videos and became the start of a successful series that included two sequels, a remake, and a TV show.
Last Tango in Paris (1972) – Live on Tubi
X-rated movies last tango in paris It had a lot going for it when it came out. Marlon Brando, considered one of the most talented actors in Hollywood at the time, stars in the title role, and Bernardo Bertolucci, one of arthouse cinema’s greatest directors, directs. However, it ended up getting an X rating.
An Italian criminal court actually brought obscenity charges against the film, and both Brando and Bertolucci were found guilty. However, it received critical acclaim, with Pauline Kael, the greatest film critic of the era, reportedly calling it “the most powerful erotic film ever made” standard.
“High Voltage” (2003) – Live on AMC+
Speaking of classic films, there are a few horror films that will be praised by fans, even if that appeal doesn’t spread beyond the genre.One film that achieved cult classic status is the 2003 French horror film high tensionalso known as high pressure.
The film follows two girls who go to a secluded farmhouse to study, only to find themselves attacked by a serial killer. The film was initially released with an X rating, eventually helping Shepherd to appear in several similarly violent films.
Man Bites Dog (1992) – Streaming on HBO Max
man bites dog This movie may not be known to many people, but it is highly regarded in the film community and even received a Criterion Collection release. Released in 1992, this film is a black-and-white documentary that was ahead of its time.
In “Man Bites Dog”, A film crew decides to make a documentary tracking a serial killer and documenting his killing spree. The film eventually premiered at Cannes, where it won the International Critics Circle Award, before becoming a cult classic.
Showgirls (1995) – Live on Tubi
Not all movies considered classics are good, and few claim that beautiful girl is a good movie. However, it holds a place in history as the first and only NC-17 film to receive a wide theatrical release, and although it was a box office bomb, it will always have a place in history.
beautiful girl Paul Verhoeven’s film follows a girl (Elizabeth Berkley) who travels to Las Vegas in hopes of rising to the level of a showgirl. Although a box office failure, it was a huge success on video and has become a cult classic since its release.
Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001) – Live on AMC+
Alfonso Cuaron is the first Mexican-born director to win the Academy Award for Best Director and one of the few directors to be nominated for an Academy Award in six different categories.One of the nominations was for Best Original Screenplay Your mother Tambien.
The film is a coming-of-age drama about two teenage boys taking a road trip with an older woman. The film received an X rating for its depictions of sexual content and drug abuse. Still, it set the record for the highest-grossing opening in Mexican film history and remains a minor masterpiece.