1995 Film, Once Banned in Malaysia, Is Climbing the Charts 31 Years Later
Family-friendly films often follow a specific formula that makes them an entertaining watch for both kids and adults alike: a wholesome plotline, little to no profanities, and a touch of whimsy. However, that doesn't mean they're free from controversies.
An Academy Award winner that has become one of the most beloved feature-length movies of the last several decades, one classic family favorite movie has faced its fair share of backlash, including being banned from a country upon its initial release.
Babe was released in 1995 and features a human and animatronic voice cast. James Cromwell starred as Farmer Arthur Hoggett and Magda Szubanski played his wife, Esme Hoggett. Christine Cavanaugh voices the titular character, Babe the Gallant Pig.
The 1990s movie was briefly banned by the Malaysian Film Censorship Board due to religious sensitives, but the ban was overturned a year later and Babe was permitted for home release.
Elsewhere, it was reported that there was some tension behind-the-scenes surrounding the film's crew. While Chris Noonan is credited as the movie's sole director, various cast members have said that writer-producer George Miller "ghost-directed" the movie and was his input heavily influenced the overall production.
Despite its controversial qualities, the film is as popular as ever. Rotten Tomatoes has ranked it as one of the best Prime Video movies in May 2026. Placing eight out of 100, the classic has a Tomatometer of 98% and has received rave reviews from film critics.
"Babe is an ancient genre, the beast story updated with animatronics, computerized effects and voice-dubbing by some good actors," Newsweek critic Jack Kroll wrote. "Director Chris Noonan is clearly having fun...Babe is a loining experience."
"A film that is exceptional in its technical effects and its graceful ability to entertain," said Seattle Times' Doug Thomas.
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In 2023, actor Cromwell opened up about his famous last line: "That'll do, pig. That'll do."
During the movie's iconic final scene, Hoggett and Babe the pig are competing in a sheep herding competition. As the crowd waits with bated breath, Babe successfully herds the sheep into their pen, with Hoggett closing the gate.
"I opened the gate, the sheep walked in, they erupted. So, the difficult shot was done," Crowell, who was nominated for an Oscar in Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his perfomance, told Turner Classic Movies' Ben Mankiewicz for CBS. "Put the camera low. I said, ‘Where do you want me to take this to?' I knew what I wanted to do."
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 8:03 AM.