There’s something about a gross, body horror movie that just gets under my skin, literally. These movies stick with you when you watch them, and they’re really fun to show people who have no idea what’s coming.
It took me a beat, but I picked out my seven favorites that I think are a must-watch for any fan of cinema. They run the gamut of old, new, and disgusting.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Thing
- Director: John Carpenter
- Writer: Bill Lancaster (screenplay), based on the novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr.
- Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David.
This is a little bit of a boy horror and mystery mashup. It’s one of my favorite movies and I think is a safe entry point for most people into this horror subgenre. Hook them with this one, then bring them deeper.
2. The Fly
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: David Cronenberg and Charles Edward Pogue (screenplay), based on the short story by George Langelaan.
- Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis
This is just the easiest movie to use when describing body horror to someone. The images, the logline, the reputation, all combine to define the genre. When you see this movie, you will never be able to unsee it.
3. Videodrome
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: David Cronenberg
- Cast: James Woods, Deborah Harry
I recently was able to see this at the Academy Museum with Cronenberg in attendance. I still think this might be his ultimate masterpiece. It rewards repeat viewings if you can do it.
4. Eraserhead
- Director: David Lynch
- Writer: David Lynch
- Cast: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart
This movie is so strange and so diabolical. It makes you feel so much for its character but also then creepily brings you to such an uneasy place the deeper you get into its world.
5. Hellraiser
- Director: Clive Barker
- Writer: Clive Barker (screenplay), based on his novella “The Hellbound Heart.”
- Cast: Doug Bradley, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence
The cover of this VHS used to give me nightmares. I’d see it in Blockbuster and run past it. Then, and as an adult, I went back to it. Well, I still had nightmares.
6, Scanners
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: David Cronenberg
- Cast: Jennifer O’Neill, Stephen Lack, Michael Ironside
This is a movie I can only watch late at night. It still feels like I’m a kid and will get in trouble for the ultra-violence and gore. It’s the perfect cult film.
7. The Substance
- Director: Coralie Fargeat
- Writer: Coralie Fargeat
- Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Last year’s Oscar darling somehow got snubbed from the Oscars. This movie is so fun, so prescient, and felt like a wonder while watching it.
Summing Up The Best Body Horror Movies of All Time
These are my favorites, but I know there’s a whole world of body horror out there to appreciate. I want to hear what movies I missed and what I should add to this list.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Author: Jason Hellerman
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
