From Explicit Content to Religious Concerns, Here Are 8 Films Banned from Cinemas in M'sia

While in certain cases, some films may need to be re-edited before they can be shown on the silver screen, there are some films that were banned altogether from being screened.

Here are some films that never made it for cinema viewings in Malaysia:

1. Lightyear (2022)

Lightyear is an animated spin-off film of the Toy Story movie franchise. The film serves as the origin story for the fictional character named Buzz Lightyear. In this film, the legendary Space Ranger went on a journey alongside his crews to find their way back home after they were stranded on a hostile planet about 4.2 million light-years from Earth.

According to FMT, the movie was banned in 14 countries, including Malaysia. While there wasn't an official statement regarding the ban from Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates banned the film for showing a same-sex couple kissing on screen.

It is also reported that China had asked for cuts to the movie, but Disney declined to do so, thus leading to the film being banned in the country.

2. Zoolander (2001)

This 2001 American comedy was banned due to its controversial storyline that includes a plot to assassinate a fictional Malaysian prime minister who was threatening the fashion industry with minimum-wage plans. Although the prime minister is not killed in the film, it's already proven to be scandalous enough that it is banned from the local silver screen.

On top of that, it did not help that the movie, starring Ben Stiller, depicted Malaysia as an impoverished nation where sweatshops are commonplace.

3. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)

While the works of the comedy troupe Monty Python may have been well-received by many, especially in the West, the same can't be said for one of their early films.

The film Life of Brian was embroiled in quite a controversy for its depiction of Jesus of Nazareth, which garnered criticism from religious groups.

Aside from Malaysia, this film also never hit the silver screens of countries like Ireland, Norway and Italy.

4. Schindler's List (1993)

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List was a 1993 movie adapted from a true story of a German industrialist who saved over a thousand lives during the Holocaust.

According to FMT, the film was initially banned and was called ‘a propaganda with the purpose of asking for sympathy’ by the local censorship board.

The ban was eventually lifted in 1994, with a heavily censored DVD version releasing a decade later.

5. Babe (1995)

Who knew a pig could be the reason for a film to be banned? That's exactly the case with this light-hearted comedy-drama produced by George Miller.

The main character of this film, Babe, an orphaned pig, was said to be a sensitive issue among locals, thus leading to the film's being banned from the silver screen.

However, after an appeal by Universal Pictures, the ban was overturned, and this film received a direct-to-video release.

6. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Grossing USD $218 million worldwide in theatres, The Prince of Egypt was regarded as one of the most successful non-Disney animated features of all time. However, this film was banned from airing in many Islamic countries for its visual depiction of Moses, a prophet in Islam.

In a report, Film Censorship Board Chairman Lukeman Saaid said the film was found to be insensitive for religious and moral reasons, as religion is a very sensitive issue in Malaysia.

7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Despite the awards and recognition this film has received, The Wolf of Wall Street was controversial for many reasons and was not only banned in Malaysia but also Kenya.

The film that covers the debauched life of former stockbroker Jordan Belfort features sexual themes, drugs and explicit language, which, needless to say, raised concerns among the public.

8. Siksa Neraka (2023)

Adapted from a popular comic series with the same name in the 1980s, Siksa Neraka was a 2023 Indonesian film that follows the story of four siblings who went missing before waking up in the afterlife. There, they would have to face hell itself and the punishments it has to offer for their worldly sins.

This thriller film was reportedly not only banned in Malaysia but was also not allowed to be aired on the big screens in Brunei.