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.

The Top Ten

Salo

"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 or 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 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 and hopelessness incarnate. It doesn't rely on violence and gore that much.
Overall, I'm quite sure such scenarios happened in history and are happening right now. And despite the context, I must admit it's beautifully shot.
A Serbian Film

"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, which makes 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 into, 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, consider 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 anything, but this is a really great film and you should watch it.
Cannibal Holocaust

"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 adds 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 where an actual turtle is killed still haunts me. If I had one wish, it would be for this movie to not exist at all.
Human Centipede 2-Full Sequence

"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, two years down the line, having ever watched.

I pray I never have to stay in the same room as the people who made this.
Henry - Portrait of a Serial Killer

"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 faze 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 creepy and downright 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.
A Clockwork Orange

"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 beats, rapes, and murders the innocent, but does it with such cheekiness and joy that you actually like him a lot.
I know people of sane mind wouldn't like a character as nasty as Alex Delarge, but Malcolm McDowell's 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. He's not doing it for the money or any particular reward, 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 kind of 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 intended idea, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't share my views on it. We're all allowed to share our views and opinions on certain things.
But yeah, this film gives you that idea of how screwed up humanity can be. It gives you that feeling of "What have we become?" "Why were we born to be so twisted?" And "Will we evolve?" Now, the film isn't trying to condone or encourage any bad behavior, bad morals, or violence, and I'm certainly not either, but it just leaves you guessing why we were born to be so messed up in the head.
Requiem for a Dream

"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 exaggerated in drug taking. The mother who goes crazy for amphetamine-derived diet pills? A dopamine antagonist, a Valium, would have stopped her "condition" shown in the hospital in a few minutes.
The others on heroin? What about a methadone program? Benzodiazepines that can easily be obtained to stop the withdrawal "exaggerated effects"? Alcohol that even works to ease the withdrawal?
Not a bad movie but the "disturbing" parts are too exaggerated. This exaggeration was only made to scare people about drugs who don't know anything about addiction, drugs, pharmacology of the drugs, etc. An unrealistic disturbing movie or in other words, a disturbing fiction.
The Human Centipede

"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.

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 you're into medical horror films, then this film is for you.

Should be first. I hate this movie!
Eraserhead

"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 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.
Martyrs

"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.

It aroused an immense amount of sadness in me. A film I'll never forget.

The Newcomers

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Cuties

"Cuties" is a French drama that generated controversy due to its sexualized portrayal of underage girls. Its themes of childhood exploitation and the loss of innocence add to its unsettling nature.

Cuties is a movie where 11-year-olds twerk and is targeted towards inappropriate audiences. (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, showing 4 11-year-old girls in revealing poses with their clothes not being much better. This movie should not be on Netflix at all. The fact that this exists proves that the claims about Hollywood are correct.
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Cats (2019)

"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, it gave me nightmares.

The Contenders

Sausage Party

"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.
I Spit On Your Grave (2010)

"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.
Melancholie der Engel

"Melancholie der Engel" is a German horror film infamous for its extreme graphic content and elongated run time. The film's exploration of existential themes, coupled with its explicit scenes of violence and sexuality, create a viewing experience designed to disturb and provoke.

Serbian Film, Salo, Cannibal Holocaust - they're all Disney movies compared to this montage of brutality, animal cruelty, and just messed up stuff. I truly doubt the people who are looking at this comment right now have even seen this.
And if you did, then you know what I'm talking about.
The Exorcist

"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.

My grandfather watched this movie when it first came out in theaters and said that before the movie ended, people ran out crying and going crazy. I saw it on TV. I'm pretty damn sure that 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. This movie was the only thing in his house that was untouched by the fire. But, other than that, this is a great movie. The only part that made me cringe was when the girl was in the hospital, and they put that syringe in her neck, and blood sprayed everywhere.
Men Behind The Sun

"Men Behind The Sun" is a Chinese historical drama that graphically depicts the brutal human experimentation conducted by the Japanese Unit 731 during World War II. The stark realism and explicit portrayals of inhumanity make it a deeply unsettling film.

Well-done movie, bringing to light the activities of the Japanese military in WWII and their experimentation on Chinese and Allied civilians and POWs in Mukden, Northern China. The director was Korean, and Japan was very unhappy with the film's presentation of Unit 731's history.

Man, the movie was insane, and guess what? It is based on a true experiment called "Unit 731," conducted by Japan.
Caligula

"Caligula" is a historical drama notorious for its explicit sex scenes and violent content. Its combination of historical grandeur and shocking decadence makes it a notorious film in cinematic history.

I'm pretty sure Romans didn't act like that. Also, this is such a disturbing movie.

This just shows how twisted the Romans were.
August Underground's Mordum

"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.

I'm not sure if it's the second or third installment in the trilogy, but all of the August Underground movies are very close to being a snuff film.

August Underground must be ranked higher. They are the closest in existence to looking 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 girl's breast.
Antichrist

"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 going to puke after seeing that woman cutting her own vagina off.
Audition

"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.

The last 15 minutes were the most gruesome scenes from a movie I've ever seen! Just thinking about it makes me cringe.

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.
Saw

"Saw" is a psychological horror film known for its grisly "torture porn" aesthetic. The film's intricate traps and violent ends forced upon its characters create an atmosphere of dread and discomfort.
Beyond the Darkness

"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. It made me nearly sick and I'm not kidding.
The Girl Next Door

"The Girl Next Door" is a crime-horror movie based on true events, featuring severe child abuse and psychological torment. The film's chilling depiction of inhumanity makes it a profoundly troubling watch.

Not only was this movie incredibly hard to watch, but it was also really sad.
Gummo

"Gummo" is an American drama that presents a disturbingly raw and non-linear narrative of life in a small, poverty-stricken town. Its stark realism, bleak atmosphere, and unnerving characters contribute to its unsettling nature.
Menace II Society

"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 didn't expect much from Larenz Tate, assuming he was just some actor from Nickelodeon. But when he killed those Asians, I was shocked.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

"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.