20 Most Controversial Movies Since 2000

3. Antichrist

A few years before Nymphomaniac kicked up a stir with its portrayal of a sex addicted woman, Lars Von Trier collaborated with Charlotte Gainsbourg on another project which had people up in arms: Antichrist. Also starring Willem Defoe, Antichrist is the first installment in Von Trier's unofficially titled "depression trilogy", for which the aptly titled Melancholia made up the centerpiece.

The title might seem like it was designed to provoke ire amongst religious organizations - and that was certainly the case on its release - but Von Trier attempts to use his film Antichrist to explore deep theological concerns, albeit within a horror framework inspired by the moody and suspenseful works of Hideo Nakata. Still, graphic scenes of genital mutilation were enough for plenty to be shocked at, regardless of their religious beliefs, and several people were reported to have fainted during a screening of Antichrist at the Cannes Film Festival. It's one of the most provocative films from a director noted for his transgressive approach to filmmaking.