Beloved movies that can't just be watched on network TV/basic cable

We kick off the list with a classic comedy that probably could not be made today. Between the excessive swearing, racial slurs and over-the-top sexual innuendos, Blazing Saddles is essentially unwatchable when undergoing various levels of editing, such as when it has been shown on basic cable or even network TV back in the day. According to IMDb, there are versions where the satirical Mel Brooks comedy has been edited down to a TV-PG or TV-14 rating.

This Paul Newman hockey comedy classic is pure old school: hard-living tough guys who spend their off-ice time day drinking and chasing women. The profanity and raunchy language makes for some legendary fun. Except when Slap Shot pops up on television in its edited form — which, thankfully, is not often. However, NHL Network will show it a few times each year. Oh yeah, the movie was written by a woman: Academy Award-winning screenwriter Nancy Dowd. 

This iconic comedy from the folks at National Lampoon, directed by John Landis and co-written by Harold Ramis, will pop up on BBC America and A&E every so often. But there are plenty of memorably funny and/or raunchy moments that are omitted for less-mature audiences who might be watching. Like when Pinto (Tom Hulce) contemplates a potential moral dilemma in bed or Bluto (John Belushi) gets an eyeful of Mandy Pepperidge (Mary Louise Weller). There are other notable moments left out that make for less-than-entertaining viewing. 

This is a guy's movie — even if directed by the great Amy Heckerling (National Lampoon’s European Vacation, Look Who’s Talking, Clueless). The nudity, swearing, racy subject matter and casual take on abortion are a major part of the story. Of course, the main reason the edited, ready-for-basic-cable version of this classic 1982 coming-of-age comedy is a waste of time is that the infamous Phoebe Cates topless scene can't be fully appreciated. Though we do enjoy Charles Jefferson (Forest Whitaker) telling Mike Damone "don't fool with" his sports car in the edited take.

As noted on IMDb, a total of 32 minutes from the theatrical release of Scarface was edited out when it aired on ABC in 1987. There was plenty of violent scenes taken out for that purpose, as well as the ample amount of swearing that reigned supreme throughout the run of this iconic Al Pacino crime film. Still, despite all the necessary edits, Scarface manages to receive plenty of basic-cable airtime. 

Another hilarious, beloved sports comedy that pops up almost regularly on the likes of A&E, USA or MLB Network. Of course, when shown on those channels, the film loses a good amount of that comedic luster. We don't get Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert) being truly forceful with Jobu. Or Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger) threatening Roger Dorn (Corbin Bernsen). Not to mention, the wave of obscenities spewed forth by Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen) throughout the movie.

Editing the language alone eats up about 30 minutes of screen time. Of course, that's a simple guess, but regardless of which basic-cable network Goodfellas is being run on, there's just too much swearing and violence taken out to appreciate why this Martin Scorsese biographical crime drama is loved by so many. An edited Ray Liotta or Joe Pesci are simply unwatchable, even if the overall story and flow of the movie is kept intact.

The authenticity of depicting violence in South Central Los Angeles was one of many reasons to laud John Singleton's career-defining movie, which — among many other things — proved Ice Cube was a pretty good actor. Said violence, use of the "F" word and ample amounts of blood add to the power and emotion of the film, so it's understandable that this is a movie not made to be watched upon editing for regular television. 

When it comes to coming-of-age party films, Richard Linklater's breakout movie about the last day of high school in 1976 Texas has the ability to span generations remains relatable. However, that's truly the case when the swearing and sexual elements — verbal, physical and comical — remain intact. Dazed and Confused can be found on several basic-cable outlets, even places like Freeform or USA. There are still plenty of memorable moments from those versions, but nothing compares to the original uncut masterpiece. 

Many of Quentin Tarantino's films aren't worth watching when censored. However, Pulp Fiction is simply no fun to watch after undergoing extensive editing to take out the swearing, racist language, references to and visuals of The Gimp, and depending on the channel (VH1 and MTV tend to host it the most), the fair amount of blood associated with the movie. It's just not an entertaining viewing experience unless in full, uncensored form.

When it comes to highly entertaining, made-for-TV edits, this 1995 epic crime drama might lead the way. Now, Casino is obviously best watched in its true, intended form, complete with seemingly every-other-word profanity. However, as it appeared on the Bravo channel, this profanity-laced exchange between "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) is over-the-top, keep-it-clean editing at its best.

Sure, Showgirls might have earned some level of cult classic status over the years, but even in its original big-screen form, this campy drama — with its over-the-top, tiresome nudity and ridiculous plot — is terrible. However, that's the only way to watch it. Now, over the years, it's been tough to find an edited version of the movie that essentially ended Elizabeth Berkley,'s acting career. However, when it's popped up on MTV, VH1 or Logo, there were actually computer generated tops covering the exposed private body parts. We're not kidding.

Unlike other movies on this list, the popular Matt Damon-Ben Affleck vehicle is tolerable in edited form. However, the foul language, and even some of the brief violence, that tends to be taken out on regular television or cable actually matters significantly to the story. In many ways, those aspects define the characters and their lots in life. The good news is that Good Will Hunting isn't often shown in an edited format. 

Fans of this celebrated Coen brothers cult classic will argue that the movie is actually funnier, and more quoteworthy when it shows up on basic cable. For others, though, the heavy editing of the profanity-filled picture, which is essentially loved for its casual swearing, takes too much zest from the film. It all depends on in which camp one lies, and how much one likes the result of said editing, which can be quite comical, as we've noted with other films.

A no-brainer, really. Jim (Jason Biggs) and the infamous pie scene. Or alone in his room with Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth). Then there is the pale ale experience courtesy of Steve Stiffler (Seann William Scott). Depending on which basic-cable channel it's aired, each one of those scenes goes through some form of cleaned-up editing, thus truly taking away plenty of the sophomoric humor that we love about this coming-of-age, raunchy comedy that jump-started a franchise of films.

According to IMDb, the "F" word is said 237 times during this sensational Scorsese mobster drama starring a legendary cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg. That, alone, is reason why the edited version of The Departed is not as intense to watch, even though it's a basic-cable staple. However, the story is so intriguing and enthralling, that even edited, is not a complete waste of time.

Arguably, Jonah Hill is the best part of this coming-of-age teen buddy comedy essentially based on the adolescent days of co-writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Hill's foul-mouthed Seth is undeniably a raunchy, whiny, sex-starved soon-to-be graduating high school senior who is relentless with his verbal barbs and jabs. So that's why Superbad is generally a hard pass when it pops up on Comedy Central and other basic-cable channels of that ilk. 

The Hangover (2009) is one of the best comedies of this century. Meanwhile, The Hangover Part II (2011) is serviceable, with The Hangover Part III (2013) in take-it-or-leave-it mode. Regardless, with the massive amount of swearing, raunchiness and overall crudeness, it's a wonder why basic-cable channels continue to run any of these comedies. The crass nature of these movies is a big part of the appeal, and an edited version obviously takes away most of the fun.

Another of Seth MacFarlane's alter ego, Ted, the stuffed bear, is like a Family Guy character (we're thinking Peter) that is able to swear, speak freely and crudely about sex and do massive amounts of cocaine — if by accident — and drinks like a fish. Now, the uncut versions of both comedies might not be for everyone. However, for those who have never spent time with Ted, or buddy John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), that's certainly a good place to start.

The idea of talking food who act like slackers and stoners and have mouths in common with high school-aged bros or frat boys might sound skip-worthy. However, Sausage Party, co-written by the aforementioned Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is a highly underrated, clever adult animated comedy that most certainly should be watched in its original, uncut form. That's why when we come across it on the likes of Comedy Central in prime-time hours, we'll take a pass.