The Interview (2014)

The Interview ignited an unprecedented geopolitical crisis: a comedy about assassinating Kim Jong-un that triggered a cyberattack on Sony Pictures, leaking unreleased films, executive emails, and employee data. North Korea threatened theaters with 9/11-style attacks, prompting major chains to pull the film and President Obama to criticize the decision as self-censorship. Despite its mediocre critical reception (earning a 51% Rotten Tomatoes score), it cost $44 million to produce—20% less than the typical Hollywood comedy of its scope—yet became a symbol of nation-state cyberwar. Less financially successful than #9 Fahrenheit 9/11, its real controversy lies in how a film can provoke sovereign retaliation.