The MPAA is an antiquated institution that brands censorship as protection while judging violence less harshly than sex. There shouldn't be rules to what makes a movie.
Ratings are a means to 'save the children' but they're window dressing in many ways. And for good reason, Americans are overwhelmingly sheltered when it comes to controversy in cinema. With movies from directors like Alfonso Cuarón, Lars Von Trier, and Gaspar Noé, Netflix has lured foreign audiences by refusing to strictly cater to American inclinations of what makes a worthy film. Pushing the boundaries of art is the only way to advance it. Art is a reflection of society and, while it can be influential, it's as old as civilization itself. Movies that deal in taboo subjects are always targeted by conservative complainers who blame art for society's woes. Scandalous press, on the other hand, is the most sensational. Bad press, for one, is the easiest way to identify a controversial film. What makes a film controversial, exactly? There are many factors. We've dug deep and uncovered the five most controversial films on the streamer. People may be surprised, but Netflix has a large amount of these types of movies, from grisly true-life thrillers to sexually promiscuous romps and everything inbetween. The deepest darkest corners of Netflix's streaming service hide the controversial films you won't see on the site's playful front page.