7 most controversial movies streaming on Netflix right now

The movie is a fictionalised take on the life of Marilyn Monroe (played to perfection by Ana de Armas), blending historical facts with imagined events to explore the world of the iconic Hollywood star. The movie traces her journey from a troubled childhood in an abusive home to her rise as a beloved yet deeply troubled Hollywood icon. Through a series of vignettes, the movie portrays Monroe’s relationships, her struggles with identity, fame, and mental health, and the pervasive exploitation she faced in the entertainment industry. The movie was embroiled in a controversy due to its graphic content and fictionalised portrayal of Monroe’s life. The explicit scenes of sexual violence, abuse, and drug use, led to debates over the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when portraying real-life figures and sensitive topics.

5. To the Bone

Ellen (Lily Collins) is a 20-year-old girl suffering from severe anorexia. After several failed attempts at recovery, she is sent to a group home for youths with eating disorders. There, she meets Dr. William Beckham (Keanu Reeves), who forces her to confront her illness and find a way towards recovery. The movie delves into Ellen’s relationships with her family members, insecurities, and the issues that led to her eating disorder. The movie sparked controversy for its portrayal of eating disorders. Critics and viewers felt the movie’s portrayal of eating disorders might trigger unhealthy behaviours in vulnerable viewers. It includes scenes that explicitly depict the physical consequences of eating disorders.

6. Monty Python’s Life of Brian

The movie follows Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), a man born on the same day and in the house next to Jesus Christ. Through a series of absurd and comedic events, Brian is mistakenly identified as the Messiah. Brian’s journey takes him through a series of misadventures, including being part of a resistance movement against the Roman occupation, encountering various eccentric characters, and ultimately being crucified. The highly controversial movie received criticism and bans from various religious groups and countries. Many religious organisations accused the movie of blasphemy for its mockery of Jesus Christ, although the character of Jesus is treated respectfully in the movie.

7. Hillbilly Elegy

J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso as an adult and Owen Asztalos as a teenager) is a young man from a dysfunctional family in rural Ohio who aspires to break free from poverty and hardship. The narrative alternates between Vance’s present as a Yale Law School student and his tumultuous past, highlighting key moments that shaped his life. His mother, Bev (Amy Adams), struggles with drug addiction and unstable relationships, while his grandmother, Mamaw (Glenn Close), is a tough but loving matriarch who instils in J.D. the values of hard work. Many viewers have argued that the movie, based on the memoir of the same name by J.D. Vance, uses negative stereotypes about the Appalachian. Some critics have accused both the memoir and movie of exploiting the struggles of poor, white Americans for entertainment and profit.