Top 10 Most Disturbing Movies of All Time
We're about to embark on a journey through the world of film that's definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking about the most disturbing movies of all time, those cinematic experiences that push boundaries and evoke strong reactions.Now, what do we mean when we say 'disturbing'? We're referring to films that are deliberately challenging in their content and execution. These films often tackle taboo subjects, present intense and sometimes violent imagery, or unsettle the viewer with complex and uncomfortable themes. They can be horrific, surreal, deeply psychological, or unsettling in other ways.
Despite their ability to provoke unease or even shock, these films have value. They push us out of our comfort zones, ask tough questions, and engage with subjects that more mainstream cinema often shies away from. These are films that seek to evoke a visceral response and can linger in your mind long after the end credits roll.
From infamous and controversial films like Salo, A Serbian Film, and Cannibal Holocaust that shock with explicit content, to psychological distress generators like Requiem for a Dream and Martyrs, these movies have earned their spot in the annals of disturbing cinema for various reasons.
"Salo," also known as "120 Days of Sodom," is an Italian film that adapts the writings of Marquis de Sade to a World War II setting, presenting graphic and challenging scenes of sexual and physical abuse. The film is a harsh critique of fascism and power. Imagine you're 12-15 years old.
You have been abducted and taken to an inaccessible castle in quite literally the middle of nowhere. Nobody knows where you are nor what will happen to you. Four wealthy men who fancy themselves "lawless and without religion" specifically chose you and fifteen other children based on aesthetic beauty. Their pleasure is paramount, and for the next 120 days you will be obey their extreme laws; powerless and without hope.
The film is based on the novel "120 Days of Sodom" by Marquis de Sade. Think hedonism on steroids.
The film itself is sadism & hopelessness incarnate. It doesn't rely on violence and gore that much.
Overall, I'm quite sure such scenarios happened in history/are happening right now. And despite the context, I must admit it's beautifully shot.
Way worse than 'A Serbian Film' in terms of disturbing content; A Serbian Film feels like just that: a film, while Salo is not only a political and historical study, but feels eerily real throughout. Watching this movie was perhaps the most unpleasant two hours of my life, but those were two hours that I feel were well spent.
Anyone that has actually seen this would understand. Based on the book by Marquis De Sade. Just a disturbing film about old men living out their disgusting sexual fantasies.
"A Serbian Film" delves into the darkest corners of the adult film industry in Serbia. It utilizes extreme violence and sexually explicit scenes as a commentary on the state of the nation and censorship, making it one of the most controversial films ever made. It's not even close, really. Salo is long and boring. A Serbian Film is never that - you're given a front row seat to witness the hell the lead character falls deeper in, and you feel like you're in there with him. Reader, believe me... I dread the day a film can top this. If you haven't seen it, concider this comment as a stern warning NOT to watch (unless your soul is damned to hell already)..
A fun and uplifting story about a poor family in Serbia that gets the opportunity of a lifetime. I don't want to spoil any thing but this is a real great film and you should watch it.
Just by reading the plot and everything that happens in the film, you'll see why this deserves the number 1 spot. Most f'd up movie ever made. It makes Salo look like a kid's film.
This. This deserves the number one spot. I have never seen this and I never want to.
"Cannibal Holocaust" is a notorious Italian horror film that sparked significant controversy due to its graphic depictions of violence and gore, notably featuring scenes of real animal death. Its pseudo-documentary style added an extra layer of believability that further disturbed audiences. I've never seen it and I know I never will even if I could. It's understandable that it's so controversial and banned in some countries. How graphic it is alone is sick, but the fact that it contains real animal abuse/killing makes it all the more terrifying. The people who come up with such graphic and disturbing movies such as this need to be put in a mental hospital.
I regret watching this movie so much. The scene were a ACTUAL turtle is killed still haunts me. If I had one wish, I would wish for this movie to not exist at all.
This movie was banned in many countries because they thought it was a real "snuff" film. The director was arrested and sentenced for life in prison because they thought it was a real snuff film (but he was later released"
Turtle? Oh please. What about human violence? I love this movie but it shows the sad truth about us - human is the worst and the most selfish creature
"A Clockwork Orange" is a Stanley Kubrick masterpiece that delves into the mind of a violent youth in dystopian Britain. The film's explicit scenes of violence, mixed with its commentary on free will and societal conditioning, make it a thought-provoking yet disturbing viewing experience. This is disturbing because it actually makes you want to root for the bad guy. A 17-year old who beats, rapes, and murders the innocent, but does it with such cheekiness and joy that it actually like him a lot. I know people of sane mind wouldn't like a character as nasty as Alex Delarge, but Malcolm McDowells performance of him is so strong that near the end of the film you're glad he has his freedom back. His freedom to kill and rape people for fun. And he's not doing it for the money or any particular award, he does it because he simply loves doing it. He's also intelligent and well spoken which is disturbing for a villain.
This movie just has a sense of truth to it. Humans really do have a desire to rape and inflict pain on other living beings. Humans of any age. It's kinda like what stanley kubrick once said "the concept of man is not that he's a noble savage, but an ignoble savage." Now I don't know if that was the film's original idea to be intended but that doesn't mean ...more
When Alex was turned back to normal (insane once again) I was so damn pissed, when he finally got his comeuppance...its not like we were sorry for him
A bunch of Hilter's clans that toutures people in their daily lives! At least I never laid a hand on a woman's genitals! That's just wrong!
Deez guys are rapists
"Human Centipede 2-Full Sequence" amplifies the grotesque concept of its predecessor. This black-and-white horror sequel presents an obsessed fan who attempts to create his own "centipede," leading to graphic scenes of torture and body horror. I don't understand how anyone who saw the first one could watch the sequel. I'm voting on this based on the trend set by the first one which I regret to this day, 2 years down the line, having ever watched.
This film is disgusting!
I pray I never have to stay in the same room as the people who made this
"Martyrs" is a French-Canadian horror film known for its brutal violence and existential themes. The film's exploration of pain, suffering, and the search for enlightenment made it a disturbing standout in the New French Extremity movement. Never again shall I watch this film!
If you're into the whole 'depression' feels... Then this is the film for you.
An absolute soul destroyer, stomach churning and damn sickening film.
This is a genuinely good movie with a great story, but it's not always comfortable to watch.
Aroused an emmense amount of sadness in me. A film ill never forget.
This and dogtooth.
"The Human Centipede" is a Dutch horror film that introduced audiences to an unprecedented level of body horror. Its controversial premise involving a surgeon who sews people together in a grotesque fashion still evokes revulsion years after its release. I thought this was a comedy when I watched it... I think I was right...? The second one was actually pretty messed up though. But I don't think The Human Centipede belongs on this list, they simply don't compare to some of the others.
Salo, A Serbian Film, Cannibal Holocaust, etc. Those are some straight up demented films.
Even though this movie is messed up. The film is actually pretty tame when it comes to the disgusting parts and it's more soul crushing than a kill fest. If your into medical horror films, than this film is for you.
It was boring as hell. I almost fell asleep.
This should be higher above the list.
"Henry - Portrait of a Serial Killer" is a chilling horror film that offers an unflinching look at the life of a psychopath. The film's realistic portrayal of violence and its exploration of the mind of a serial killer make it a deeply unsettling watch. I've seen a clockwork orange, Salo and Requiem for a Dream and they didn't phase me. Henry on the other hand haunts me to this day. The scene where Otis Molests a dead woman will never leave my head. It is the only movie I have ever regretted watching.
It's disturbing but great too. The family massacre scene has to be one of the most creepiest and down right disturbing movie scenes of all time.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is one of the most disturbing films I've ever seen. This is a great film but not for the faint of heart.
"Requiem for a Dream" is a psychological drama that offers a deeply unsettling look at addiction and its devastating effects. The film's intense narrative and unique editing style create an unrelenting and harrowing portrayal of drug dependency. Overrated drug-movie. Moral-seeking movie. Not very realistic and exagerated in drug taking. The mother who goes crazy for amphetamine derived dietpills? A dopamine antagonist, a valium, would have stopped her " condition " showed in the hospital in a few minutes. The others on heroin? What about a methadon program? Benzodiazepines that can be easely be obtained to stop the withdrawn " exagerated effects "? Alcohol that even works to ease the withdrawn? Not a bad movie but the " disturbing " parts are too exagerated. This exageration was only made to make people scary about drugs who don't know anything about addiction, drugs, pharmacology of the drugs etc... A unrealistic disturbing movie or in other words, a disturbing fiction.
How screwed up that the drugs can make you, you can actually see it in front of your eyes.
Watching this movie made me depressed haha, real disturbing movie for real.
"Eraserhead" is a surreal horror film by David Lynch that examines the anxieties of parenthood in a nightmare-like setting. Its bizarre visuals, industrial soundscape, and the overall sense of dread make it a deeply disturbing cinematic experience. I don't get this movie. I really don't get it at all. there are lots of movies in this world that I don't understand.
"Sausage Party" is an animated comedy that subverts expectations with its adult themes and shocking content. The film's mature humor, graphic violence, and sexual innuendos packaged in a child-friendly format make it disturbingly amusing. Inappropriate, well this isn't disturbing but just inappropriate.
"I Spit On Your Grave (2010)" is a revenge horror film that graphically portrays rape and violent retribution. Its explicit content and intense scenes of brutality make it a deeply controversial and disturbing viewing experience.
"Aftermath" is a Spanish short horror film that graphically portrays the post-mortem mutilation of a corpse. Its lack of dialogue, explicit content, and disturbing visuals make it a deeply unsettling viewing experience.
"The Exorcist" is a landmark horror film that portrays a young girl's demonic possession and the subsequent attempts at exorcism. Its shocking scenes of profanity, violence, and disturbing imagery have left an enduring impact on audiences worldwide. This movie is actually not scary at all. The reason why it is so horrible for people are 3:
1) Religious people tend to believe exorcism are real, and they think watching the movie itself can summon a demon (lol).
2) In the 70's people were even more religious and gullible
3) Since the movie became popular, kids nowadays watch it for curiosity and to challenge themselves because they want to appear bold, despite their age. Because of their young age, they are traumatized.
4) These 3 reasons led to a mythization of the creepyness of the movie, thus leading to more kids watching it for curiosity or challenge, and so on...
My grandfather watched this movie when it first came out in theaters and said before the movie ended people ran out crying and going crazy. I saw it on T.V.. I'm pretty damn sure that's happened
I've heard that the movie was cursed and so I had nightmares about the devil trying to get me. but don't worry I'm over that now. I just got to accept the fact that it's only a movie.
Yo my uncle's house burnt down and he owned this movie and this movie was the only thing In his house that was untouched by the fire, but other then that this is a great movie the only part that made me cringe was when the girl was in that hospital and they put that syringe in her neck and blood sprayed everywhere
Cuties is a movie where 11 year olds twerk and is a movie for Pedos. (That literally was part of the original synopsis.) Even 4chan banned this movie or any discussions of it. As it sexualizes 11 year old girls. The poster is disturbing as well where it showed 4 11 year old girls in revealing poses with the clothes not being much better. This movie should not be on Netflix at all. The fact that this exists proves all the people that Hollywood is a bunch of Pedos is correct.
"Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" is a German period drama that tells the story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent. The film's exploration of obsession, combined with its shocking finale, lends it a particularly disturbing quality. I am surprised that this movie is not near the top! It is creative and good though.
"Menace II Society" is an American crime thriller that offers a grim and unflinching look at urban violence and its devastating effects on youth. The raw realism and gritty portrayal of life in the inner city make it disturbing and thought-provoking. It's a great movie, I thought the first time I watched it, I Though Larenz Tate was just some dumb Nickelodeon actor but when he killed those Asians I thought OMG!
"Beyond the Darkness" is an Italian horror film notable for its graphic depictions of gore and brutality. The film's storyline of a deranged taxidermist and his grotesque actions make it an especially disturbing watch. Gross gross gross made me nearly sick and I'm not kidding.
"Cats (2019)" is a musical fantasy film whose uncanny valley effects and humanoid cat characters made it disconcerting for many viewers. Its surreal narrative and visual style contribute to its unexpected level of disturbance. Nothing but 2 hours of creepy cats should be on this list this will make people feel unease at the awful cat animations and horrid cgi of the cats. Just bleh gave me nightmares
"Antichrist" is a psychological horror film by Lars von Trier that combines intense scenes of sexual violence with existential dread. The film's deeply unsettling atmosphere, explicit content, and provocative themes make it a controversial yet compelling viewing experience. Very artsy (without just being so for the sake of it) and pretty disturbing, especially towards the end.
Ouch, I'm gonna puke after seeing that woman cutting her own vagina off.
"Where the Dead Go to Die" is an animated anthology film known for its extreme violence, disturbing themes, and surreal visuals. Its grotesque imagery and nightmarish narrative make it one of the most disturbing animated films ever created. You know, the moment when you see "Starring: Jimmy Screamerclauz" and also directed by him, you know you're in for one hell of a ride. Computer animated visuals chock-full of blood, gore, necrophilia, bestiality, sexual abuse, and pure downright hellish visuals makes for one twisted film. I'm surprised it wasn't on top ten lists by now.
The reason why people didn't make it that high is because it isn't as infamous as other movies, and to be honest, I think that's a good thing because I don't think you can get much worse than this without going insane if you tried. Literally, all this movie is sadistic abuse and cruelty, epileptic hell rides, satanic scenery, unnecessary nudity, nonsensical sexually cruel pornographic moments, and uncalled-for gore and violence, all with beyond awful voice acting and animation so awful, it makes even Foodfight's look awesome, and no character, moral, reason, development, or even a plot all in 1 hour and 30 minutes of a pathetic excuse for a film that you would expect from a satanist. This movie makes Happy Tree Friends look like a preschool kids' show. By the way, I heard that the creator said that when he was making this, he thought he was making a comedy. Humanity, look how close to being an exact copy of hell it has come.
"Audition" is a Japanese horror film that turns a romantic narrative into a horrifying tale of obsession and torture. Its slow-burning suspense leading to an intensely shocking climax makes it a deeply unsettling viewing experience. God. The torture scene at the end and when she throws up in the bowl and feeds it to the guy. That was too far.
The Last 15 minutes were the most grusome scenes from a movie I've ever seen! just thinking about makes me cringe
Serbian film, Salo, cannibal Holocaust They're all disney movies compared to this montage of brutality and animal cruelty and just f-ed up stuff. I truly doubt the people who are looking at this comment right now even seen this. And if you did, then you know what I'm talking about.
Genuinely evil movie.
"August Underground's Mordum" is an American horror film notorious for its graphic violence and extreme gore. The found footage style and relentless brutality make it one of the most shocking entries in the underground horror genre. from what I've read this is a borderline snuff film. now I'm all for artistic expression but this kind of stuff is illegal for a good reason. this is literal torture porn for serial killers and other various psychopaths to jack off to
Not sure if it's the 2nd or 3rd instalment in the trilogy. But all of the August underground movies are very close to being a snuff film.
August underground must be higher they are the closest in existence to look like a snuff film. This is the worst of all of them
I think the first one is worse. The one where he cuts off that girls breast.