8 of the Most Disturbing Films You’ll Ever See

The following list of movies are all very disturbing in one way or another. There may be instances of gore, sexual content, excessive language and more. Please be advised that these movies may not be suitable for everyone to watch. It’s up to you whether or not you want to view them, but if you do decide to view them then please remember not to be too offended by them as they are meant only to entertain and should not be taken too seriously. Enjoy!

1) The Exorcist

One of the most disturbing films you’ll ever see is The Exorcist. The plot centers around a young girl, who becomes possessed by a demon and needs an exorcism. The movie, which was released in 1973, went on to become one of the most influential horror movies of all time. The Exorcist has generated multiple sequels and spin-offs such as  from 2000 and Exorcist: The Beginning from 2004. Even people who are not prone to being easily scared find themselves at unease during the film. A person may experience increased heart rate or shaking hands while watching The Exorcist. At some point during the movie, viewers may feel uneasy with how explicit it is.

2) Psycho

Psycho is one of the most disturbing films you’ll ever see, and it’s not for nothing. The film was so jarring to audiences when it first came out in 1960 that it caused massive amounts of discomfort to anyone who was watching. It had numerous factors that led to its horrifying nature: unreliable narrators, sexual violence, obsessive behavior and death. Norman Bates’s (Anthony Perkins) mother used to get under his skin because she believed herself to be perfect and that any outside influence must be a threat. This created a situation where everyone could seemingly never measure up; they were always imperfect which led her to become abusive.

3) A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 British dystopian crime drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie revolves around Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a droog or gang member with plans to rule London’s underworld, who faces his struggles after being arrested and jailed for murder and rape. In an effort to reduce crime and improve rehabilitation, Alex undergoes an experimental brainwashing technique designed by government psychiatrists. The government ultimately feels that this experiment should be terminated due to its ineffectiveness but does not before seeing its success on Alex, causing him to lose his conscience and feeling capable of any crime.

4) Audition

If you want to watch movies that will scar you for life, here are some disturbing films that will most likely scare you to death. Trust me, these aren’t the worst- just some seriously messed up ones.

Soylent Green (1973) – Charlton Heston stars in this sci-fi thriller about a polluted world full of overpopulation and corporate greed. You’ll never look at food again after seeing what a soylent green is made out of. 

Alien 3 (1992) – The dark and claustrophobic film stars Sigourney Weaver who must face her fears in order to take on an alien creature with terrible teeth. A slight twist on one’s original sci-fi expectations.

5) Irreversible

Irreversible – Quite possibly one of the most disturbing films you’ll ever see, Gaspar Noe’s 2002 flick follows two friends who discover a brutally raped woman (Monica Bellucci) and try to find her attacker. Along the way, they are embroiled in a corrupt investigation that spirals out of control. Like some bizarre horror show, this riveting drama will have you questioning your ethics while struggling to turn away from its disgusting imagery. One thing is for sure: You’ll never forget it.

6) Antichrist

Written and directed by Lars von Trier, Antichrist is a controversial film that has been banned in many countries. The story is about a grieving couple who retreat to their cabin in the woods to find some peace. While there, they discover that everything around them – including each other – feels dead.

7) Martyrs

Martyrs is one of those movies that changes you. You will never see violence and torture the same way again. The subject matter is certainly not for everyone, but it has an unmistakable impact on everyone who sees it. There are few filmmakers who dare venture into this territory, but those who do are forever changed.

8) Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream was released in 2000, and it was the first film to earn an NC-17 rating from the MPAA. This has made it one of the most divisive films ever created, as it depicts drug addiction in some very dark ways. When Sarah Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) can’t control her hunger for food or her habit for narcotics anymore, she drags her son along on a bizarre journey through New York City that includes homelessness, theft, prostitution and even suicide. The film’s captivating and difficult vision leaves viewers unsettled long after they’ve left the theater.