The Motion Picture Association's rating system has long restricted filmmakers' ability to distribute explicit content, with the NC-17 classification (introduced in 1990 to replace the X rating) severely limiting theatrical release and marketing opportunities. Nevertheless, several films bearing this rating have achieved recognition as culturally and artistically significant works, proving that mature content restrictions need not prevent a film from gaining critical attention and historical importance.

Ang Lee's 2007 World War II espionage thriller Lust, Caution became the highest-grossing NC-17 film ever released despite generating controversy over its explicit scenes, whilst Steven McQueen's 2011 psychological drama Shame earned critical respect for its serious examination of addiction through Michael Fassbender's powerful performance. The scarcity of major NC-17 releases since Netflix's Blonde in 2022 highlights the ongoing distribution challenges facing films that exceed conventional content boundaries, yet these earlier examples demonstrate that such classifications can coexist with genuine artistic recognition.