The 14 Most Disturbing Movies Of All Time, Ranked

As someone who has dedicated their life to understanding the darker corners of human nature through art and cinema, I find myself drawn to the most disturbing and thought-provoking films out there. And let me tell you, folks, if you’re looking for a cinematic experience that will push the boundaries of your comfort zone, then look no further than “A Serbian Film.

People are often captivated by the intense emotions or morbid curiosity that gruesome stories provoke, and it’s well-known that humans find themselves drawn to horrifying content. Despite how unpleasant things like blood, gore, and fear may be, they form the foundation of a fantastic horror movie. In fact, the entire genre of horror has been shaped by our obsession with the unsettling. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the most unsettling films ever produced.

Although most of our choices lean towards the conventional horror genre, it’s important to note that what constitutes disturbing media can greatly differ among individuals. Some films succeed in making viewers feel uneasy without relying on jump scares throughout their duration. To delve into some key aspects as to why certain movies leave a lasting impact, we might need to touch upon specific titles, even when avoiding spoilers. Can you guess which unsettling films made it onto our list? Keep reading to discover!

14. Gummo

While some of the movies under examination delve into the surreal or even supernaturally unsettling, “Gummo” maintains a strong connection to everyday life – at least initially. However, it should be noted that Harmony Korine’s debut film takes a detour, immersing us in the strange and absurd.

In the small town of Xenia, Ohio, I found myself amidst a group of troubled teens struggling to survive after a devastating tornado. The movie “Gummo” captures our chaotic existence in its rawest form, with no clear narrative structure to speak of. Instead, we see characters drifting aimlessly through their lives, occasionally engaging in shocking and unsettling activities, which is quite disturbing given our young ages and the adult themes portrayed by child actors. The film’s unconventional style mirrors the senselessness of our own lives, making it a daring choice for both the director and us as characters.

Initially, several aspects of the movie “Gummo” were harsh for viewers upon its release, featuring scenes of animal cruelty, disquieting sexual content, and intense violence. Over time, the film became even more challenging to watch as it presented a bleak, overlooked, and troubling snapshot of American existence that might resonate uncomfortably close to home for some viewers.

13. Bone Tomahawk

2015 was quite the year for Westerns, and I, as a fan, can attest to that! It was a time when “The Hateful Eight” and “The Revenant” made quite an impact. However, Quentin Tarantino’s one-room thriller wasn’t the only film that year featuring Kurt Russell as a rugged lawman. Instead, he found himself in the gritty “Bone Tomahawk,” a unique blend of Western and supernatural horror. Here, Russell took on the role of Sheriff Franklin Hunt, whose peaceful town became the target of several kidnappings by a tribe of terrifying Indigenous cannibals. As events spiraled out of control, we were led on a harrowing journey, culminating in a brutal final showdown with these man-eaters.

In a truly grim cinematic experience, “Bone Tomahawk” reaches its peak of intensity with an exceptionally gruesome finale. One unfortunate member of Hunt’s search party succumbs to a gruesome death at the hands of cannibals – stripped naked, disfigured, and ultimately torn apart, while his fellow survivors bear witness to this grisly spectacle. This harrowing third act propels the film deep into the realm of terror.

12. Midsommar

Any aficionado of the horror genre would likely concur that film studio A24 has solidified its status as one of the genre’s finest in contemporary times, particularly in modern-day horror. This esteemed reputation is founded upon works such as the 2019 release “Midsommar,” which delves into the eerie and peculiar aspects of a fictional Scandinavian cult’s inner workings.

In the movie “Midsommar,” we join a group of college students journeying to a secluded region in Sweden, invited by a friend for an exclusive cultural celebration. At first, the picturesque location with its perpetual daylight is enchanting. However, as the days progress and the sun barely sets, dark undertones emerge within the festivities when two elders perform a ritualistic suicide. The events become increasingly strange, culminating in a tense climax that puts strain on our protagonists Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian’s (Jack Reynor) relationship by the film’s end.

As a fervent admirer, I can attest to the fact that the movie “Midsommar” offers an unsettlingly erotic, gruesome, and eerily disquieting viewing experience like no other. It masterfully delivers one of the most chilling and haunting cinematic journeys I’ve ever encountered.

11. The Exorcist

Discussing “The Exorcist” nowadays doesn’t involve much novelty, given its extensive history. Released in 1973 and approaching its 50th anniversary, this classic horror film continues to haunt the collective memory of audiences who were initially terrified by it. It stands as an undisputed icon within the horror genre, narrating the chilling tale of a girl (Linda Blair) plagued by a bizarre affliction, manifesting in terrifying symptoms. As conventional medicine proves powerless to offer a cure, her desperate mother is left with no alternative but to seek help from an exorcist. This spiritual figure identifies that the girl has been possessed by a demon named Pazuzu.

Despite some people suggesting that “The Exorcist” becomes truly unsettling mainly for those with religious leanings, fundamentally, the movie revolves around a girl in grave danger and several adults’ frantic attempts to rescue her. With its graphic depictions of body horror, such as Regan crawling backward and spewing green goop, it leaves a lasting impact. Although it may not reach the same level of intensity as contemporary films, its enduring influence and ability to captivate audiences, then and now, secure its place in our selection.

10. Mother!

As a gamer, I’d say “Mother!” is a movie that pushes boundaries in its unique style. The characters are unconventionally named, with Jennifer Lawrence portraying Mother and Javier Bardem as Him. Their home serves as the central setting, but it doesn’t take long for this peaceful abode to be invaded by an unyielding horde of strangers. However, the tension truly skyrockets during the climactic showdown between Mother and her family’s unwelcome guests, solidifying this film as one of the most unsettling cinematic experiences out there.

Mother! stands out in our collection for being equally puzzling and unsettling. Laden with symbolism that ranges from subtle to obvious, it eventually becomes clear when all the pieces are laid out. Additionally, the film’s unconventional nature becomes less surprising upon reflection of director Darren Aronofsky’s career, which began in 1998 with the thought-provoking mathematical thriller ‘Pi.’ Notably, Mother! is not the only instance where Aronofsky appears on our list.

9. Requiem for a Dream

In New York City, Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream” narrates the disintegration of four individuals grappling with drug addiction. The story features Jared Leto as Harry Goldfarb, a dealer and user, struggling to break free from the powerful hold his surrounding substances exert on himself, his friend, and his love interest. Simultaneously, Harry’s mother embarks on a destructive journey of her own, developing an addiction to diet pills laced with amphetamines as she strives to enhance her appearance for a television show appearance.

Among the films we’re discussing, “Requiem for a Dream” stands out as one that is challenging to view due to its unflinchingly authentic portrayal, which may resonate strongly with individuals who have personal experiences with drug use. Immersing audiences in the harsh reality of addiction, the movie offers a grim depiction of how devastating its influence can be on those ensnared by its alluring charm. Despite lacking graphic violence or supernatural elements, “Requiem for a Dream” is likely to be an extremely unsettling viewing experience for many viewers.

8. The Road

Similar to our previous analysis, the unsettling aspects of “The Road” are predominantly due to its persistent grimness. The narrative seldom lets up on its bleak and disheartening portrayal. Adapted from the same-named novel, the story unfolds in a world devastated by disaster, with the fate of Earth’s inhabitants appearing extremely dire. A widower (portrayed by Viggo Mortensen) persists in his hope for a brighter future alongside his son. However, in the desolate remains of what was once civilization, only the ruthless have any chance at survival. The duo face formidable challenges from roaming marauders and cannibalistic groups, which prove to be almost insurmountable obstacles for them.

In essence, the post-apocalyptic genre in films typically carries a gloomy tone inherently. However, “The Road” goes beyond this melancholy, refusing to flinch from portraying the extreme decline of humanity. Scenes like the one where the father and son encounter a dismal prison filled with cannibals using people as livestock, underscore the haunting impact of the movie, an influence that persists long after viewing has ended.

7. Hereditary

In contemporary cinema circles, “Hereditary” from studio A24 is often hailed as one of the finest films. The plot, shrouded in mystery, unfolds when the Graham family experiences a double tragedy: first with the demise of their elderly matriarch Ellen and then the unexpected accidental death of their teenager Charlie (Milly Shapiro). As they grapple with their grief, they gradually discover that something much more profound and otherworldly is working against them, pulling them into an abyss beyond mere sorrow.

Hereditary” intensifies its chilling atmosphere not just through shocking visuals like the roadside decapitation scene, but also by gradually revealing a family member as the source of their torment in a complex, unfolding mystery. The film’s excellent acting and harrowing tale of modern-day witchcraft make it an unsettling experience that lingers in your mind long after you leave the theater, although some viewers couldn’t handle it and left before the end, earning “Hereditary” a spot on our list of horror movies people walked out on.

6. Speak No Evil (2022)

The upcoming film “Speak No Evil,” directed by Christian Tafdrup of Denmark, presents a sinister story about a family’s well-intentioned actions leading to disastrous consequences. Set for release in 2022, this is the latest production we will analyze. Although some might be puzzled due to an American remake with a contrasting ending that emerged only two years after, our focus will be on the original and much more unsettling Danish adaptation.

Following an encounter with a welcoming family during their vacation in Southern Europe, a Danish pair and their child are politely yet slightly peculiarity invited to visit their homeland, the Netherlands. To avoid offending, they accept the invitation and subsequently find themselves subjected to an escalating sequence of bizarre and unsettling events that push their limits. It’s not until it’s too late that they discern the host couple are concealing a chilling secret about themselves and their speechless son Abel, which is ultimately exposed in a shocking climax. The film was re-made for American audiences in 2024 and garnered positive feedback (including ours), but the original remains unmatched in terms of sheer unsettlingness.

5. Funny Games (1997)

1997’s movie titled “Funny Games,” another foreign film submission, is not your ordinary comedy. It unfolds in Austria where a family’s peaceful day takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of two enigmatic strangers at their doorstep. They manage to gain entry into the home and linger longer than welcome, eventually escalating the situation into an uncomfortable hostage scenario. Over the course of the movie, these intruders subject their captives to agonizing mental and physical abuse for a significant portion of the remaining runtime. However, “Funny Games” is not just a common home invasion story with intermittent scenes of extreme violence. To understand what sets it apart, let’s delve into some spoilers.

Unlike many horror films where our heroes eventually triumph or even those with darker conclusions, it becomes clear in this movie that the captors of the family cannot be defeated. This is not just because they occasionally break the fourth wall, but also because they can rewind time after one member of the murderous duo is killed. This isn’t a science fiction twist, but rather a deliberate commentary by the director on the audience’s connection with extremely violent films. The unrelentingly hopeless tone and the truly grim fate suffered by the family make “Funny Games” a much more unsettling film compared to its 2007 remake starring Naomi Watts.

4. Rosemary’s Baby

Among Roman Polanski’s early and contentious films, “Rosemary’s Baby” stands as another undeniable horror masterpiece. Mostly set within an apartment in New York City, the story follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), who gives birth to a child without any recollection of the event, instead experiencing visions that a demonic entity was involved. However, as Rosemary’s pregnancy progresses, a series of bizarre and increasingly unsettling occurrences hint that her nightmares might be reality in disguise.

In “Rosemary’s Baby,” it’s not just the graphic depictions of sexual violence and Satanic rituals that create unease, but also Rosemary’s descent after the baby’s conception. As she grows more distant from friends and reliable doctors, her control over her life slips away. Surrounded by people who seem untrustworthy, she succumbs to paranoia. The film’s undertones of manipulation and breach of trust, as well as its apparent commentary on reproductive rights, make “Rosemary’s Baby” more than just a typical horror movie—it’s a haunting portrayal that continues to resonate today.

3. Human Centipede (First Sequence)

Delving into the unsettling aspects of our roster, “The Human Centipede” series has gained notoriety for its gruesome concept. Launched in 2009, the initial installment unfolds when three unsuspecting individuals find themselves ensnared by a deranged scientist’s abduction attempts. This sets the stage for his most heinous experiment, where he mutilates the trio and joins them together, from head to tail, in an unimaginable manner. Consequently, they are left to battle for survival under the tyranny of their psychopathic captor, who seeks to erode whatever remaining humanity they possess.

The less-than-stellar reviews that this one’s received over the years are pretty telling. Admittedly, “The Human Centipede” series doesn’t have much in terms of having a quality story or being even a remotely enjoyable watch. As a result, many are still debating whether they have any artistic merit at all, while others feel it’s one of the most underrated horror movies of the last 15 years. But if what you’re looking for is a gross-out flick that’ll push the boundaries of what you think you can stomach, it might be worth delving into.

2. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

“The film ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer’ (1986) could be aptly described as a tempest of brutality. Unlike the supernatural horror flicks that were popular in the 80s, such as ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ and ‘Friday the 13th,’ it offered a stark contrast. Instead of adhering to the conventional elements of a gory slasher movie, it presented something far more unsettling and intense, featuring all the expected violence but layered with an authentic grittiness that makes for a challenging viewing experience.

The movie portrays the brutal spree of a wandering criminal and multiple murderer named Henry, loosely based on infamous serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who would later become known for his roles in “The Walking Dead” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Accompanied by another former convict, Henry carries out gruesome and seemingly random acts of violence against unsuspecting people across Chicago.

As a gamer, I can attest to the fact that the movie “Henry” encountered major hurdles on its way to the big screen due to its intensely disturbing content. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the body responsible for regulating films in the UK, imposed substantial censorship on it. Particularly challenging was a scene where Henry graphically murders a woman, which was so unsettling that they had to make significant alterations to it, reflecting the strong reaction it evoked from viewers.

1. A Serbian Film

As a fervent movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “A Serbian Film” stands unrivaled at the pinnacle of films that are both twisted and unsettling to the core. This cinematic piece ventures into realms that leave most viewers feeling queasy. The protagonist here is Milos (Srdan Todorovic), a former adult film actor, who gets lured by a perverse director into one last high-paying, yet non-pornographic, project. It’s not until it’s too late that he comprehends the harsh reality – he has been unwittingly cast for an adult production with explicit scenes containing the most depraved content ever conceived.

Various films that contain intense scenes of violence or explicit sexual material often encounter censorship during their release. However, few have garnered the extensive criticism that “A Serbian Film” experienced upon debut. The director claimed the extreme content was intended to convey a deeper message about the immoral grip of the Serbian government on its people, but this argument failed to resonate with many censors. As reported by horror magazine Fangoria, the uncensored version of the film was banned in at least 46 countries, underscoring the strong objections that viewers have towards its content. This has solidified the film’s reputation as one of the most disturbing movies ever put on film.

2024-12-10 20:31