Vanessa Maki with 10 extreme horror movies you won’t soon forget…
Stepping into the world of extreme horror isn’t a wise choice for everyone. It might make you regret it if you’re not someone who can handle much in the way of extreme violence or gore, much less transgression in film, though if you’re someone who isn’t afraid of venturing or already do, that’s a different story altogether.
If you’re unaware of what extreme horror is, it’s a subgenre of horror that taps into graphic violence, the taboo, transgressive behaviors, gore etc. This isn’t a strict list of the only extreme horror films you should watch, but instead those you aren’t likely to forget any time soon, so keep those eyeballs moving down to see which films I’ve chosen for this list, and we’ll see which one disturbs you the most…
Ichi the Killer (2001)
International horror is usually more inclined to push boundaries, and in terms of Japanese horror, this is certainly a notable one for the subgenre. Takashi Miike’s Ichi the Killer follows a sadomasochistic yakuza member, an unhinged and repressed killer, and those who are suffering around and because of them. There’s quite a bit of blood and gore, shocking moments, and dated CGI that’ll remind you of when the film came out. If you have interest in stylish killers, bloody moments, and over-the-top sequences, then you’ll potentially find this one to be a satisfying watch.
Inside (2007)
Being alone and pregnant during the holidays isn’t a good time for our main character in this film. Inside follows a pregnant widow who finds herself struggling to survive when a woman breaks into her home. It’s a home invasion nightmare because of Sarah’s (Alysson Paradis) pregnancy, as well as the motivation behind the invasion. Since it’s a New French Extremity film, it’s not unusual for there to be a lot of blood, extreme violence, and upsetting moments, but Inside is one of those horror films that’s almost a staple for extreme horror, therefore if you’re exploring the subgenre, it should be worth checking out.
Martyrs (2008)
Martyrs follows two young women, who have experienced extreme trauma, and their quest for revenge that goes in a horrible direction. When people discuss this film and talk about feeling empty after watching it, they aren’t exaggerating. In terms of New French Extremity or extreme horror in general, it’s an infamous film that shakes people to their core because of the events that unfold. There’s no chance for happiness in this one, but if that doesn’t deter you too much, then watch this with that in mind. It’s a film that you won’t soon forget, that’s for sure – whether you love it or not.
Deadgirl (2008)
Checking trigger warnings is important in general, but don’t skip out on doing that for this film. Deadgirl follows teen boys who discover a zombie girl in an abandoned building, and begin doing whatever they want with her body. There’s quite a bit of commentary woven throughout this film about rape culture, toxic masculinity, and the horrible concept of “boys will be boys”. In no universe is this a film to recommend to just anyone, but if you can stomach the film for what it is, then you might take something away from it.
The Loved Ones (2009)
In terms of Aussie horror films, this is one of those that gets mentioned a lot for good reason. The Loved Ones follows a teen boy who is kidnapped by a deranged girl at his high school, and is put through horrible torture. The sadistic glee from our main villain, Lola (Robin McLeavy) will stick with you for a while. And the torture that she inflicts upon her obsession will make you squirm in your seat. There’s quite a bit implied or outright stated in this film that’ll make your eyes bulge. Thus making this an extreme horror film to check out to see exactly what that means.
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
The original I Spit on Your Grave is infamous in its own right, but the remake is also important to discuss. The 2010 I Spit on Your Grave follows a writer whose stay at a cabin turns into hell when she’s raped, tortured, and nearly murdered, only to survive and get her revenge. It’s not a film for the faint of heart, nor is it a film to throw on without knowing much about it. Falling into the rape-revenge subgenre, there are a lot of gruesome scenes that are guaranteed to make you uncomfortable.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
A South Korean revenge tale that’ll leave you gutted by the end of it is exactly what this film is. I Saw the Devil follows a secret agent who goes on a bloody rampage to seek revenge against the serial killer who murdered his fiancé. It’s not only a tremendous extreme horror film, but it’ll make you think deeply about the true nature of revenge. The lead performances from both Lee Byung-hun and Choi min-sik are superb, and you really feel everything that’s going on. It’s an extreme horror film that you should watch, but only if you’re prepared for it.
Megan is Missing (2011)
Megan is Missing follows a young girl who goes missing, and her best friend who tries desperately to find her. The film itself isn’t spectacularly made, and it’s very much an exploitation horror film about online predators. Though, if you are someone who is looking to see what the low budget side of extreme horror is like, this is certainly an entry that you could watch. Be warned though – it’s not an easy watch, some parts of the film might be triggering, and the ending will likely make you feel sick.
The House with 100 Eyes (2013)
A couple that records snuff films together stays together, I guess. The House with 100 Eyes follows a suburban couple who enjoys recording their own personal snuff films, but things go awry one night. It’s best not to go into this film thinking it’s doing anything super fresh. Instead, go into the film if you enjoy mockumentary horror, gross-out moments, and things going entirely wrong for the antagonists. There are some scenes that’ll stick in your brain for a little while after you’ve finished the movie.
The Sadness (2021)
This international horror film is brutality to the max. The Sadness follows a couple who tries to find each other while a pandemic, that causes people to become extremely violent and depraved, breaks out in Taipei. If you have a very weak stomach and are unable to handle gruesome acts of violence (regardless of the type), don’t watch this film. As far as modern extreme horror goes, this is one of those films to watch if you’re able to. Check the trigger and content warnings because it’s not a tame film.
What extreme horror movies left a lasting impression on you? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Vanessa Maki
