All time most controversial film had sex scene so graphic it was banned across the entire world

There are controversial films, and then there’s the 1996 movie that had audiences so gobsmacked it was banned in multiple countries and almost wiped from screens entirely.

Directed by David Cronenberg and based on J.G. Ballard's 1973 novel, the film didn't just push boundaries - it smashed right through them at 100mph, leaving a trail of scandal, outrage, and even a global petition to ban it.

This wasn't your run-of-the-mill raunchy film. It won a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, but instead of cheers, it was met with boos so loud they probably echoed through the French Riviera.

Cronenberg himself claimed the film was blocked from winning the Palme d’Or by none other than The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola, who apparently wasn’t a fan of its, er, unique vibe.

Crash is certainly controversial (New Line Cinema)

So what was it about the film - titled Crash - that had everyone clutching their pearls?

The film follows a married couple stuck in an open relationship rut – until one of them survives a near-fatal car crash. Turns out, the brush with death revs his engine in more ways than one. The couple then stumble into a bizarre underground world of people who are sexually aroused by car crashes. Yes, you read that right – car crashes.

The film doesn't hold back on the graphic scenes either. Buckle up, because one particularly infamous moment features a man having sex with a woman by penetrating a scar on her leg - a result of a previous car crash.

If you think that's wild, the film also explores the ultimate thrill-seekers who dream of dying in a car crash as their final, twisted fantasy.

Unsurprisingly, Crash sparked absolute chaos when it was released. While the British Board of Film Classification approved it, Westminster Council wasn’t having it and slapped a ban on screenings in parts of London.

Across the pond, cinemas in Ohio, US, and Norway joined the boycott, refusing to play the movie. And, because it wouldn’t be a true scandal without a Daily Mail campaign, the right-wing tabloid led the charge to have the film banned entirely. Spoiler alert: they failed.

The film contains some shocking sex scenes (New Line Cinema)

Critics were split down the middle. While some dismissed it as depraved and disgusting, others found it oddly brilliant.

Roger Ebert called it 'challenging, courageous, and original', though he admitted, "I admired it, although I cannot say I 'liked' it."

Honestly, same.

Despite the uproar, Crash is still out there today, waiting for curious (or brave) viewers to hit play. If you think you can stomach its blend of graphic sex, disturbing imagery, and heavy symbolism, you can stream it now on Apple TV+ in the US.

But don't say we didn't warn you - this is one cinematic ride you won't forget anytime soon.