The French Classification Committee has officially banned minors under 18 from viewing Terrifier 3, marking a rare decision for the horror genre. This move comes after multiple walkouts during the film’s premiere in the United Kingdom, further highlighting the intense nature of Damien Leone’s latest slasher sequel.

This level of restriction, equivalent to the NC-17 rating in the United States, is seldom applied in France. The last time a horror film received such a ban was in 2006, with the release of Saw 3 directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. While Terrifier 3 is set to be released in U.S. theaters unrated, the French ban may affect the film’s availability for some viewers when it opens in the country on October 9th.

French distributors expressed disappointment at the decision, emphasizing that Terrifier 3 embodies the traditional slasher genre, featuring exaggerated and “grand-guignolesque” violence. According to them, the film’s playful tone and unrealistic elements make it accessible to mature audiences who understand and appreciate the artistic approach.

The distributors also voiced concerns over how the ban may impact creative freedom and genre cinema, citing the close relationship between the history of cinema and genre films’ boundary-pushing elements. They reaffirmed their commitment to defending creative and radical genre cinema, which they believe attracts passionate cinephiles, including teenagers.

Terrifier 3 will still open in France on October 9th, despite the ban for under-18 audiences.