Advances in special effects in the 1980s had a strong and lasting impact on horror movies, particularly in the rise of the so-called “body horror” subgenre. What’s body horror? Body horror films play into our fascination with some of the more disgusting aspects of the human body. Interested in seeing what a decomposing corpse looks like? How about what your guts look like when they’re torn out of your body? Or maybe you just want to know what it really must be like when a human transforms into a fly or a werewolf. Whatever sparks your curiosity, there’s a body horror film for you.
Slither (2006)
A parasitic alien comes to earth and starts infecting everyone in the grossest ways imaginable. This horror comedy takes pleasure in the over-the-top gore and invites viewers to join in on the slimy fun.
Hellraiser (1987)
Clive Barker’s classic film introduces viewers to a group of otherworldly, mutilated creatures called Cenobites (the most famous being the iconic Pinhead) who take sadomasochism to new extremes.
Taxidermia (2006)
It doesn’t get much stranger than this notorious film which tells the story of three generations of one bizarre Hungarian family. Disgusting and tough to watch, don’t plan on eating dinner before…or after…seeing it.
Cabin Fever (2002)
Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever is about a group of friends who go to a cabin in the woods and contract a truly disgusting flesh-eating virus. Hey, what’s that sore on your body, anyway?
Eraserhead (1977)
A horribly mutated baby features prominently in the nightmarish world created by David Lynch in this black and white cult classic. Oh, and...chicken dinner, anyone?
Leviathan (1989)
A mysterious creature attacks a group of undersea explorers, taking over their bodies and mutating them into leech-like monsters with a taste for human blood.
Thanatomorphose (2012)
In this graphic Canadian film, a young woman’s body begins to decay, and she tries to patch her falling-apart body together with first aid supplies. Warning: the decomposition progresses in extreme ways and is very hard to watch.
Re-Animator (1985)
In this cult horror comedy, two medical students figure out a way to bring the dead back to life with a reagent. Chaos ensues as the reanimated corpses go on a murderous rampage, and can’t be stopped even when decapitated.
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