10 Most Controversial Comedies Of All Time

Prior to the release of 1999's star-studded Dogma, Kevin Smith was best known for his crafty amateurism and his vast collection of dick and fart jokes. But it was Dogma, his fourth film, that forced mass audiences to stand up and take notice of the burgeoning director.

Of course, it didn't hurt that Smith had the Catholic church giving the film a whole lot of free marketing. See, apparently certain sects of the religious right took offense to many of the ideas expressed in Smith's satire.

The basic premise of the movie involves two fallen angels (played by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) trying to get back into heaven. It also skewers the Immaculate Conception, the Bible's inherent racism, and God's overall quirkiness and potential lack of omnipotence. Add to that the smarmy "Buddy Christ", a stripping angel, a giant poop monster, and two stoner "prophets" and, yeah, the Catholic church had plenty of ammunition to use in their protests.

Although the Catholic church never issued a statement on the matter, the Catholic League, an anti-defamation organisation, had a field day on opening weekend. But truth be told, their fervent demonstrations only made those outside of Smith's usual niche market more curious. They unwittingly gave the movie much more exposure than it likely would have otherwise, making it one of Smith's highest grossing films to this day.