These films aren’t harmless, but they aren’t simply bad either. Many of them linger in the memory long after the credits roll, and a few are undeniably unforgettable for their intensity.
If someone is faint of heart, they should brace themselves before watching. Some entries are drenched in blood, while others push nerves in subtler ways that still leave a lasting impression.
Here is a list of 25 of the most disturbing movies of all time, presented in a curated order and accompanied by trailers or full-image previews sourced from YouTube.
martyrs
Directed by Pascal Laugier, this film premiered at Cannes in 2008 and reached French cinemas on September 3, 2008. Audiences have noted that certain sequences are so intense that ambulances are sometimes called. The movie feels as if two narratives collide into one relentless experience.
Inside
A bold example of French cinema’s audacity. The film carries a strong warning for most viewers, with dangerous content that should not be approached by expected audiences, especially the pregnant or faint of heart.
Serbian movie
This title provoked widespread controversy and sparked debates at festivals, including Sitges. It remains a test for viewers, challenging them to endure to the end.
Irreversible
From the opening moments, the film confronts the viewer with a stark, unflinching portrayal that lingers. It invites careful consideration long after the screen goes dark.
Cannibal Genocide
An infamous entry that mines fear through its forest-set horror. The director faced intense scrutiny around the filming, highlighting how cinema can blur lines between fiction and real-world reactions.
I will spit on your grave
The story follows a brutal act and its stark aftermath, inspiring remakes and sequels that continue to echo the central theme: survival and revenge—without softening the impact.
Human Centipede
This trilogy began with a shocking premise and only intensified with each installment, challenging viewers to confront discomfort head-on.
Confessions
A dark tale of revenge with a distinct cinematic voice, drawing on sharp storytelling and unexpected twists that leave a lasting impression.
Chewing Gum
One viewing will reveal a stark contrast in perspective. A note of caution for animal lovers: certain moments demand emotional resilience.
Salò or 120 Days of Sodom
Pasolini pushes audiences to confront extreme depravity and complicity. The film is infamous for its unflinching exploration of cruelty and power.
Congenital
An experimental piece that defies easy classification. Some regard it as cult material, while others dismiss it as disjointed; it remains a bold cinematic experiment.
Girl Next Door (2007)
Based on real events, this title explores a chilling narrative that shocks even seasoned viewers. Empathy meets a brutal reality that sticks with the audience.
An American Crime
Inspired by a true event with performances that leave a strong impression. The film invites viewers to confront difficult, unsettling details with a cautious eye.
Megan Is Missing
Although the premise is familiar, the execution earned praise from horror enthusiasts for its craft and tension, prompting strong emotional responses.
Grotesque
Unrestricted violence and graphic imagery position this film as an extreme experience, recommended only for viewers seeking absolute intensity.
Ice Silent
Ambiguity and hesitation characterize this title, challenging viewers to decide how far they want to lean into the mystery and risk.
Thread
A documentary-style exploration that foreshadows later cinematic experiments about catastrophe and its impact on a working-class cityscape.
Choose
Expectations are suspended until a pivotal moment arrives, and fans of Takashi Miike know to brace themselves for the turn the film will take.
Behind the Glass
A Spanish contribution from 1985, the debut of Agustín Villaronga reshaped national cinema and sparked Berlin controversy with a stark, grim narrative about power and exploitation.
Visitor Q
Another Takashi Miike work that lingers in memory for its shocking and provocative approach, often prompting late-night reflections on its audacity.
The Men Behind the Sun
Across this title, viewers confront brutal historical atrocities depicted by scientists in wartime China, a sequence that remains difficult to digest.
Necromantic
Known for its provocative material, this film’s title signals the controversial content that has led to censorship in several regions.
Post-
The Death trilogy by Nacho Cerdà weaves birth, death, and rebirth across three short films, all with minimal dialogue and a strikingly stark visual language.
Antichrist
Lars von Trier crafts a somber meditation on grief, desire, and meaning, delivering a bleak, memorable experience that lingers long after the final frame.
Wound
A journey into the most intimate corners of madness, this film relentlessly probes the edges of sanity and perception.
Is there a title that left a deeper mark than others? Which film did viewers find most traumatizing, and why did it stay with them after the credits rolled?