The world of horror is vast, with many subgenres to fall into, avoid, fall in love with, or indulge in on occasion, and extreme horror isn't for all fans to enjoy or to recommend to casual viewers. (Unlike, for example, supernatural horror, which is often marketed as mainstream — think Insidious (2010) or The Conjuring (2013).) But if this subgenre interests you at all, then keep your mop, your fists, and your washcloths ready, because it's about to get messy in here. And don't worry, there won't be a round of applause for A Serbian Film (2010) in this.
What exactly is extreme horror?
Extreme horror, sometimes known as extreme cinema or hardcore horror, is a subgenre that includes graphic violence, torture, gore, sex, taboo content, transgression, and more. The films that fall into the subgenre depict varying levels of extremity.
Some films count as extreme cinema that aren't strictly considered horror, like Crash (1996) and Irréversible (2002), but this guide is specifically focusing on extreme horror, rather than extreme cinema.
What's the history of extreme horror?
The concept of extreme content began long before film existed, but the first film considered part of the subgenre is the French silent film Un Chien Andalou (1929). The term "video nasties" emerged in the '80s in the UK, and many horror films were slapped with that label, even films that aren't nearly as gory or violent as what we're used to nowadays; as society has shifted, the perception of "extreme" has changed.
New French Extremity — a genre of transgressive or violent films out of France in the 21st century — shakes hands with extreme horror. The most popular of these films are widely considered some of the most extreme releases of the aughts, such as High Tension (2003), Inside (2007), Frontier(s) (2007), and Martyrs (2008).
Extreme horror is still controversial and subject to intense criticism, and, unlike horror fans as a larger group, fans of extreme horror are typically judged and criticized themselves. Horror fans from historically marginalized backgrounds are often forgotten or excluded from these conversations.
What about splatter films?
Yes, splatter films can be extreme horror as well, though these are a distinct subgenre that focus on graphic gore and violence. And they don't always include transgression or taboo elements.
Where should I start? What are some popular films?
It depends on what you are looking for and what you can personally handle. You don't have to kick off with a film like Martyrs and feel empty for several days, or a film that'll have your eyes bugging out, like Antichrist (2009). The easiest place to start might be an American film, like Hellraiser (1987) or Saw (2004). If you want to dial up the meter and include taboo and more extreme violence:
- Audition (1999)
- Deadgirl (2008)
- Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
- The Hills Have Eyes (either the 1997 original or the 2006 remake)
- I Saw the Devil (2010)
- I Spit on Your Grave (either the 1978 original or the 2010 remake)
- Ichi the Killer (2001)
- The Last House on the Left (either the 1972 original or the 2009 remake)
- The Sadness (2022)
And the list absolutely goes on — including New French Extremity films. There are certainly are larger lists out there but these are some great starters. After these, you'll be ready to go digging and you're sure to find more that'll butter your biscuit.
Is there anything important to know before I explore this subgenre?
It's crucial to read up on trigger warnings, because certain content, high levels of taboo, and other elements may be difficult or traumatizing for some people. This doesn't mean you can't watch any extreme films; they aren't all the same. Both the originals and remakes of I Spit on Your Grave and The Last House on the Left are known for their scenes of sexual violence, with the remakes sometimes viewed as more brutal. Audition takes its time getting to a sequence of extreme violence more people may find tolerable.
Understanding your limits and what might be too hard on you mentally is incredibly important. If you don't want to veer into revenge horror (which often includes sexual violence), you don't need to. Nor are you required to love the Terrifier films, which contain extreme violence. With a little research, you'll know what will be most satisfying for you as a viewer.
It's also important to remember that horror is political, and therefore extreme horror is also political. There's always something they have to say thematically, through their mere existence as films containing the transgressive or taboo, or simply because they fall into the horror genre.
Where can I watch extreme horror films?
Finding many of the films through streaming can be a tad bit challenging, and some may require acquiring physical media (and that's great — we need to support that!). A short list with select services for US viewers is below; JustWatch is a great and more complete resource for viewers in the US and worldwide.
- Audition (1999): Arrow, Hi-Yah!, Kanopy, available to rent through some preferred apps
- Deadgirl (2008): Available to rent through some apps
- Frontier(s) (2007): Philo
- Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986): Arrow, Plex, Pluto TV, Prime Video, available to rent through some apps
- High Tension (2003): Plex, Shudder
- The Hills Have Eyes (1977): Fandor, Screambox, available to rent through some apps
- The Hills Have Eyes (2006 remake): Available to rent through some apps
- I Saw the Devil (2010): Philo, Plex
- I Spit on Your Grave (1978): Arrow, Midnight Pulp, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, available to rent through some apps
- I Spit on Your Grave (2010 remake): Fawesome, Fubo TV, Plex, The Roku Channel, available to rent through some apps
- Ichi the Killer (2001): Hi-Yah!, Plex, available to rent through some apps
- Inside (2007): Available to rent through some apps
- The Last House on the Left (1972): Fubo TV, Plex, Prime Video, available to rent through some apps
- The Last House on the Left (2009 remake): Available to rent through some apps
- Martyrs (2008): Plex, available to rent through some apps
- The Sadness (2022): Philo, Shudder, available to rent through some preferred apps
Which extreme horror films are on your must-watch list this Halloween season? Let us know on Bluesky.
