An image display system according to an embodiment includes a controlling apparatus and a display apparatus. The controlling apparatus includes a judging unit and a switching control unit, whereas the display apparatus includes a switching unit. Based on information related to viewing of an image, the judging unit judges whether the image to be displayed by the display apparatus is an image for a stereoscopic view or an image for a planar view. The switching control unit exercises control so as to switch the display apparatus into a stereoscopic view mode or a planar view mode, according to a judgment result of the judging unit. The switching unit switches the display apparatus into the stereoscopic view mode or the planar view mode, according to the control of the switching control unit.