Some of the best movies out there are the most challenging, even the most disturbing. What might disturb someone might not disturb another, but the films listed below are widely recognized for their ability to shock. If you ever want to feel helpless, just watch the subway scene in Irreversible.
If you want to watch a film that will make you recoil in disgust and make you evaluate humanity and your place in it, just watch the final third of Martyrs. Want more of an emotional gut punch? Grave of the Fireflies or Dancer in the Dark might be more your speed.
Let's face it–some movies really get to you, as we were reminded by Redditor mackeastman, who asked the online community,
"What movie f**ked you the f**k up?"
American History X (1998)
"American History X. It was an amazing movie but I'll never watch it again."
Sobasictoo
The "bite the curb" scene has haunted me for years. If you've seen the film, you know what I'm talking about.
Fire in the Sky (1993)
"That movie really messed with my head: it was allegedly a true story and it happened to take place not too far from where I lived. I was petrified the aliens might have a thing for the area and come back to visit."
apollo1113
I still don't know how I sat through this film as a kid. I will never know.
Martyrs (2008)
"Martyrs. Had to look away several times because of how nauseatingly, explicitly gory it got. Definitely not something you forget after it has ended."
IndyWinky22
A film I think is actually quite fascinating but in no way would I ever recommend to the average viewer.
Eraserhead (1977)
"Eraserhead unnerved me quite a bit. It's like every part of that movie is supposed to make you as uncomfortable as humanly possible."
LostCondas
This wasn't my first film from David Lynch but it definitely left quite the impression!
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
"Requiem for a Dream. It's like this slow-spiraling train wreck into despair that you can't stop watching. The music really adds to it as well."
runr7
Everything about this movie is unsettling. It just leaves you feeling numb afterward.
Zodiac (2007)
"Zodiac. When he's stabbing the couple at Lake Berryessa. The lack of any music while hearing their screams is disturbing."
mooncolours
I remember that sequence. Probably the most matter-of-fact and upsetting scene in that film.
The Road (2009)
"There's a scene from the movie The Road where the father and his son discover a room full of chained, naked people waiting to be eaten by the cannibals living in the house and then they run away and they get chased by the cannibals. That scene really traumatized me when I was young. I remember crying so hard when I watched that movie."
dudedonteatmycat
And I thought the book was bad enough! Loved it, of course, and this is absolutely a good film, just not an easy watch.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
"120 Days of Sodom. There was no 'good' ending and the kids all died violent deaths after being tortured for months on end. It made me realize that that happens all the time and I felt depressed for a few days after finishing the film."
kemonos
One of the most controversial films ever made, and for good reason!
Audition (1999)
"Audition (1999)."
"A Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike."
"It is about a widower whose son suggests that he should find a new wife. He agrees, and with a friend, stages a phony audition to meet a potential new life partner."
ChannonYarrow
Two words: Piano wire.
Apologies in advance.
The Blob (1988)
"I watched the 1980s The Blob way too early as a child and some of the scenes still bother me to this day. The practical effects in the film for the most part are spot on."
This was one of the first horror films I ever saw that had the nerve to kill a child on screen and it scared the hell out of me.
Well, what are you waiting for? If you're a horror nut (or if you just like feeling disturbed), then you're in luck! This list is perfect for you.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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