20. Joker (2019)
Todd Phillips’s Joker ignited intense controversy upon release, with critics and officials voicing concern that its portrayal of mental illness and societal alienation could inspire real-world violence. Some theaters implemented extra security or restricted showings due to these fears.
The film’s reception sparked global debate over the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting sensitive issues like violence and mental health, thrusting Joker into the center of ongoing cultural conversations. For more on the controversy, see The New York Times.
