30 Disturbing Movies Because of What We Know Now

30 Disturbing Movies Because of What We Know Now

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at 30 movies whose legacies have been deeply affected by real-world revelations, scandals and controversies.

“The Flash” (2023)

Released in 2023, “The Flash” had the ingredients of a superhero spectacle—heart, nostalgia and multiverse chaos. But while Barry Allen was racing through time to save his mom, lead star Ezra Miller was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Multiple arrests, disturbing allegations and violent outbursts are hardly the resume you’d want for a cinematic hero. Frankly, casting someone accused of choking a woman and grooming minors as a crime-fighting, selfless Barry Allen just didn’t sound right. The film bombed at the box office. Sure, other factors came into play, but Miller’s controversy didn’t exactly help things. It just goes to show that off-screen chaos can sometimes mess up even the most ambitious universes.

“Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012)

This dark fantasy film reimagined the classic fairy tale with a gritty, battle-heavy twist. Still, it did pretty well at the box office, even though it received mixed reviews from critics. But while the film looked like a fairytale reboot, it wound up becoming Hollywood drama meets tabloid nightmare. Why? Well, in 2012, a scandal erupted when Kristen Stewart was photographed in an intimate moment with Rupert Sanders, the film’s married director. This happened while she was still dating her “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson. As expected, the scandal triggered a tabloid frenzy and ignited fan backlash. Stewart and Sanders eventually apologized. Honestly, it was such a mess, and now we can’t think about the film without remembering that real-life betrayal. It seriously broke hearts.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005)

Doug Liman’s spy-thriller is an entertaining romp that sees Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt play rival assassins tasked to kill each other. But let’s be real, most people can’t talk about the film without thinking of one of Hollywood’s biggest scandals. It all started on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” when rumors swirled that Jolie and Pitt had more than just on-screen chemistry. The catch? Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Though they denied having any affair, the timeline of his divorce and his new relationship with Jolie fueled media speculation. Eventually, Jolie and Pitt admitted they fell in love while filming. Once you know that, it’s hard not to feel like we’re watching the moment things changed, for all three of them.

“Call Me by Your Name” (2017)

Luca Guadagnino’s coming-of-age drama was released in 2017, way before Armie Hammer’s controversy surfaced. At the time, it was celebrated for being a tender, sun-baked romance with emotional depth and unforgettable performances. But years later, that image took a hit when Hammer became the center of a disturbing allegation in 2021. Multiple women came forward with disturbing claims of sexual coercion and even cannibalistic fantasies. The fallout damaged Hammer’s image and his career. So, you can’t blame anyone who can’t watch Oliver without viewing him in the light of Hammer’s real-life allegations. It might sound dramatic, but for some, it may be hard to watch the film without feeling a sense of unease.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018)

While “Bohemian Rhapsody” got mixed reviews, fans still loved it for being a dazzling celebration of Queen’s legacy and Freddie Mercury’s brilliance. Even so, some viewers may find it uncomfortable to watch given the director’s history. Truthfully, this biopic looked like a triumph, but the production? Not-so smooth. The film’s original director, Bryan Singer, was fired mid-production for unexplained absences, late arrivals and tension with the cast. But that wasn’t the worst of it. Around the film’s awards-season run, serious allegations about sexual misconduct and abuse against Singer resurfaced. As a result, he was removed from the film’s BAFTA nominations. So while the film shines on, its legacy is somewhat tainted by the actions of the man behind the camera.

“Rebel Without a Cause” (1955)

Can we really talk about the most tragically cursed movie casts in Hollywood history without bringing up this coming-of-age classic? It captured teenage angst with great authenticity, but the real heartbreak happened off-screen. All three of the film’s leads died young and under eerie circumstances. James Dean was the first—killed in a car crash at just 24, a month before the movie premiered. Sal Mineo, who played Plato, was stabbed at age 37 in what looked like a random robbery. Natalie Wood drowned under mysterious circumstances—which still sparks questions. So, it’s only natural if viewers don’t just watch these youngsters wrestle with teenage problems, but also mourn stars who never got old. The ghostly feeling is hard to shake.

“I Heart Huckabees” (2004)

Known for its quirky, existential style, “I Heart Huckabees” is a film where characters grapple with the meaning of life. It appears to promote spiritual awakening, compassion and letting go of ego. That’s why the infamous behind-the-scenes incident between actress Lily Tomlin and director David Russell feels so jarring in comparison. In 2007, leaked footage showed Russell and Tomlin in a very tense screaming match. Russell went as far as hurling profanities at Tomlin, and even throwing objects in a complete loss of control. Isn’t it ironic that a movie that preaches about Zen-like calm and enlightenment had such an aggressive making? We certainly can’t blame anyone who can’t separate the film’s message from that on-set meltdown.

“The Conqueror” (1956)

No movie is worth dying for, right? But this 1956 historical epic—which flopped at the box office—ended up costing far more than anyone bargained for. Probably in pursuit of authenticity, “The Conqueror” was filmed in Utah, dangerously close to nuclear testing sites. The crew knew about this, but the government assured them it was safe. So, production went ahead. Radioactive waste was even shipped back to Hollywood for reshoots. Out of 220 cast and crew members, 91 developed cancer. Many, including actors like John Wayne and Susan Hayward, eventually died from the disease. Though it hasn’t been conclusively proven the filming location caused these deaths, the grim possibility has led it to be considered one of Hollywood’s deadliest productions.

“Blade: Trinity” (2004)

This 2004 superhero movie wasn’t just the end of the “Blade” trilogy; it marked the beginning of the end of Wesley Snipes’ career. Reports say Snipes was unhappy with the choice of director, refused to leave his trailer and communicated with the cast and crew using Post-it notes. This troubled shoot cast him in a negative light, and damaged his reputation. Not long after, he faced legal issues that landed him in jail, and his leading-man status in Hollywood quickly disappeared. Once you hear about the backstage drama like how Snipes allegedly refused to keep his eyes open, it’s hard to unsee the tension. Instead of just another action flick, it feels like you’re witnessing the unravelling of a star in real time.

“Twilight Zone: The Movie” (1983)

You thought this sci-fi anthology was scary? Wait until you hear about the tragic behind-the-scenes incident that shattered its legacy. In 1982, during the filming of “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” a helicopter accident changed everything. Vic Morrow and two children were killed in a Vietnam War scene gone horribly wrong. The kids had been hired illegally and worked past legal hours. The freak incident sparked public outrage over safety violations and the use of underage actors. Director John Landis and his crew were charged with manslaughter, though they were later acquitted. So, what should’ve been a revival of a beloved classic became one of Hollywood’s darkest on-set tragedies.

“The Birth of a Nation” (1915)

A technical marvel that ushered in many of the filmmaking techniques used today, this movie's impact on the future of the medium cannot be understated. And yet, there's more than a few reasons why they don't teach “The Birth of a Nation” in film class. The big one is it's often considered one of the most racist movies ever made. Every single African American character is portrayed as a mindless, damaging caricature, which is made all the worse since most of the performances are by white actors in blackface. Under a modern social lens, the truly abhorrent depiction of race relations overshadows any of the film's cinematic merit.

“It Ends with Us” (2024)

Forget the onscreen fireworks, the juiciest drama here happened behind the scenes. Director and star Justin Baldoni had a seriously rocky relationship with leading woman, Blake Lively, and by the time the film released, it had soured into a full-on publicity warzone. On one hand, you had fans calling out Lively for her cavalier treatment of the film's sensitive themes. On the other, there was Baldoni, who fielded allegations of onset harassment and intimidation. This wasn't just mud-slinging, though. Things got so bad, lawyers had to get involved, burying the film's box-office success underneath a mountain of legal gossip. Something tells us when people think of this movie, it won't be because of the storytelling.

“Better Off Dead” (1985)

Ricky Smith is an awkward deconstruction of the guy-next-door trope. He's rightfully called out for his very uncomfortable obsession with Monique, and spends most of “Better Off Dead” as the butt of a joke. It's all fine and dandy until you realize Ricky is played by Dan Schneider. Yeah, Nickelodeon's Dan Schneider. For those who don't know, he was the creator behind several iconic kids shows like “iCarly,” “Victorious,” and “Zoey 101.” But, his work has since been heavily scrutinized for putting young, female performers into highly inappropriate situations. Given that Ricky Smith is the exact kind of creep Schneider’s accused of being, “Better Off Dead” is nye unwatchable anymore.

“The Blind Side” (2009)

A captivating true story of community, passion, and football, 2009's “The Blind Side” is an Oscar-winning crowd-pleaser for all ages. Or, at least, it was, until 2023. The film version of events see down-on-his-luck Michael Oher adopted by the Tuohy family, who help propel him into a mainstream football star. Fourteen years later, Oher revealed the Tuohys hadn't adopted him at all, but rather invoked a conservatorship, which allowed them to profit off his likeness. Kind of makes you question their motives, doesn't it? Even without touching on the White Savior part of it all, the allegations alone are enough to change how you see “The Blind Side” forever.

“A Beautiful Mind” (2001)

All it takes is a little digging to see that this biography isn't really based on a true story at all. While John Nash was a gifted mathematician and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics, that's about as accurate as “A Beautiful Mind” gets. It conveniently leaves out Nash's complicated history with women, his alleged antisemitism, and how serious his schizophrenic behavior really was. “A Beautiful Mind” is definitely a well-made film, but it tries so hard to make you root for its main character, it becomes glorified fan-fiction. The truth doesn't always make for a good story. But, trying to conceal it is a surefire way to destroy your movie's reputation.

“Last Tango in Paris” (1972)

In this erotic drama, a young Marlon Brando begins a risque relationship with a young, Parisian girl. When she rejects him, he takes what he wants with force. It's a harrowing scene in what is already one of the most explicit films ever made. But, to make matters worse, actress Maria Schneider had no idea just how far it would go when she showed up to set that day. In order to elicit a more natural reaction, both Brando and the movie's director withheld the specifics of Schneider's role. It's a choice that left the 19-year-old utterly traumatized. Nowadays, the most famous scene in “Last Tango in Paris” is also the one we recommend fast-forwarding through.

“The Adventures of Milo and Otis” (1986)

How controversial could a children's film about cats and dogs get? Well, the answer is pretty darn controversial, especially when the production is accused of numerous counts of animal neglect. Since Milo and Otis were both played by real animals, many international Humane Societies launched investigations into whether the pets were properly cared for during the long shoot. No hard evidence was found either way. However, rumors of its eerily realistic stuntwork has followed “The Adventures of Milo and Otis” ever since. We get why. These two furballs are so adorable, the mere thought of them being harmed in the making of this movie is completely unforgivable.

“Heathers” (1988)

These days, a high-school drama with murder, sexual harassment, and bomb threats would be yanked out of theaters faster than you can say, ‘Sorry, Heather.’ But, in the 80s, it was just good popcorn entertainment. “Heathers” was a teen thriller so divorced from reality, it could cut right to its razor-sharp social commentary. However, as the years go by, Veronica and J.D.'s ultra-violent love-story becomes closer and closer to everyday high-school life. In an age where schools are common targets for acts of terror, “Heathers” strikes a much darker chord. If you want proof, just look at the ill-fated TV adaptation, which had to be pushed back again and again due to rising gun violence.

“Poltergeist” (1982) & “Poltergeist II: The Other Side” (1986)

While some might find the movie too scary to sit through, in reality, “Poltergeist” is tough to revisit for reasons outside its narrative. Her name is Heather O’Rourke. The acclaimed child actor was the heart of the movie as Carol Ann, a young girl who's trying desperately to evade a ghostly trip to the otherworld. But, the scary movie became an eerie prophecy of sorts when O’Rourke passed away in 1988 at the age of twelve. Given the real-life circumstances, seeing her character nearly die in “Poltergeist II” is extremely hard to stomach. In a way, it's a testament to O’Rourke's work; she's simply too convincing.

“Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979)

No judge or jury needed here; Dustin Hoffman is 100% in the wrong. His commitment to method acting is commendable. But, it crosses a lot of lines when he can't separate his castmates from their characters, such as in “Kramer vs. Kramer.” In the name of invoking a better performance from her, Hoffman repeatedly harassed co-star Meryl Streep. It ranged from insults, to slaps, to even throwing a real glass at a wall without her knowledge. You can literally see the tension between them onscreen. Knowing the extent of Hoffman's behavior reframes these top-tier performances into a case-study of an extremely toxic work environment.

“American Beauty” (1999)

In 1999, Kevin Spacey found Oscar Gold for playing Lester Burnham, a man who pursues a scandalous relationship with his daughter's best friend. For years, it was the Kevin Spacey role. Then, in 2017, the #MeToo movement revealed that Spacey and Burnham had more in common than previously thought. Multiple men stepped forward accusing Spacey of unwanted sexual advances over the years. Immediately, “American Beauty's” Oscar gold dimmed, with many finding the parallels too close for comfort. Even though Spacey has since been acquitted of liability, the damage to his image means there's no way to watch “American Beauty” without thinking of the scandal.

“The Shining” (1980)

The scariest part of this classic horror flick is what happened to Shelley Duvall. As Jack Nicholson's character falls deeper into madness, director Stanley Kubrick knew Duvall had to serve as the audience surrogate. A.K.A, her job was to freak out in the final act. Kubrick, however, was unsatisfied with her work, and he made sure she knew it. Duvall was verbally berated, kept for long hours, and allegedly made to do takes over a hundred times. Before the film was finished, clumps of Duvall's own hair were falling out from the stress. We can't argue with the results; “The Shining” is a true genre-defining staple. But, it came at way too high a cost.

“The Crow” (1994)

If you watched “The Crow” with no prior knowledge, you'd probably be enthralled by its unapologetic style and edginess. Unfortunately, the film takes on a whole new meaning when you learn leading man Brandon Lee died onset. With only three days of shooting left, negligent handling of a prop gun put the entirety of “The Crow” into question. Eventually, producers decided to go forward with a theatrical release. But, considering “The Crow” features Lee's character rising from the dead to exact vengeance on those who wronged him, the actor's death isn't exactly easy to forget. All things considered, though, it's a feat “The Crow” never saw the light of day in the first place.

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

Dorothy's trip to Oz was made with a herculean effort from the cast, many of whom have actual scars to prove it. For example, the original actor for the Tin Man had a severe reaction to the aluminum makeup and was hastily replaced. Then, there's Margaret Hamilton, who suffered third degree burns during a botched stunt. Oh, and there's also the original director, who was fired partway through production for creative reasons. Most of all, we can't forget Judy Garland, who endured nonstop ridicule and harassment during shooting. Suffice it to say, if you follow the Yellow Brick Road, you're going to stumble on a lot of classic, Hollywood scandals!

“In Cold Blood” (1967)

Actor Robert Blake stepped into the shoes of murderer Perry Smith back in 1967. Later, in 2001, Blake experienced another murder trial. Only this time, he wasn't acting. When the body of Blake's second wife turned up in his vehicle, he became the prime suspect in the news story of the year. Even though Blake was acquitted of murder charges, the court of public opinion was slow to forgive and forget. It's especially hard given his performance in “In Cold Blood,” where Blake convincingly plays someone charged with the very same crime. No matter your opinion, it's easy to see why many opt out of seeing this movie.

“Contagion” (2011)

Years before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into quarantine, a sci-fi thriller hit screens with an uncomfortably similar premise. Based on the name, it's obvious what “Contagion” is about. But, it went viral in 2020 for more than its plot. No, the movie also features several small details about pandemic life that felt incredibly apropos. The masking. The social distancing. The bevy of conspiracies and social unrest. “Contagion” basically predicted exactly how the world would respond to a mass outbreak. It's quite a storytelling feat, all things considered. Although, that's also why many think it hits too close to home.

“Powder” (1995)

A solid but unspectacular installment in Disney's live-action catalogue, the only time anyone mentions “Powder” anymore is to bring up the movie's director, Victor Salva. In 1988, he was convicted of gross acts towards the underage star of his film, “Clownhouse.” To reiterate, “Powder” is a Disney movie. A convicted felon not only got another directing gig, but this time for one of the most family-friendly companies on Earth. Let that sink in. Despite some concerted protests, this wasn't the end of Salva's career, either. He'd go on to helm the cult-hit “Jeepers Creepers,” too. Some of those scenes will definitely make you shudder - and not just because of the creeper!

“The Fearless Vampire Killers” (1967)

Spoiler alert; Sharon Tate dies in this movie. Roman Polanski tries to save her character, but she falls victim to the vampires, and the credits roll. That wasn't the end of their story, though. The performers fell in love and got married only for Tate to meet the same fate as her character two years later. You might know it better by the name The Manson Murders. It's one of the most notorious acts of violence in American history. So, seeing Polanski and Tate unknowingly act out their future makes “The Fearless Vampire Killers” an incredibly disturbing watch. Vampires or not, this movie felt way too real.

“Manhattan” (1979)

In 1979, Woody Allen dated a young girl, while also exploring feelings for two other women in his life. Oh, sorry, that's not Allen, that's the plot of “Manhattan,” a movie he coincidentally wrote, directed, and starred in. If some of those details seem familiar, it's because Allen himself has faced serious accusations of uncouth behavior towards his daughter, Dylan Farrow. While nothing's ever been proven, the substantial media attention has stained much of Allen's cinematic legacy. Particularly the movie where he literally dates a teenager. For all its positive buzz, “Manhattan” might just be too far gone to ever recover in the eyes of the public.

Every Harvey Weinstein Film

If your favorite movie came out in the ‘90s or early 2000s, there's a good chance it's forever ruined thanks to the actions of one man. Bonus points if it has a female lead! Harvey Weinstein's stink infected Hollywood for generations, to the point it's not fair to single out one film. He harassed so many women, that his grubby legacy is over comedies, horrors, dramas, and everything in between. It's a real shame that such a large corner of the industry is forever tainted by such a despicable man. Then again, the real question is how his behavior went unchecked for so long.

What other film’s legacy has been tainted by backstage drama, tragedy or scandal? Let us know in the comment section.