5. American Mary (2012)
Disillusioned with med school, Mary (Katharine Isabelle) finds her true calling in underground body modification surgeries. But as she gains fame and power in this grisly new world, her life—and her psyche—spirals into dangerous territory.
Directed by the Soska sisters, American Mary is a stylish, darkly feminist tale of bodily autonomy and revenge. Katharine Isabelle delivers a magnetic performance, and the film’s unflinching look at taboo subjects makes it a standout in the body horror genre. Plus, it’s got enough surgical gore to satisfy even the most hardened horror fans.
Where to Watch:
4. Revenge (2017)
Jen (Matilda Lutz), a glamorous city girl on a weekend getaway, is brutally attacked and left for dead in the scorching desert. But her attackers didn’t count on her surviving—and coming back with a vengeance. What follows is a blood-soaked journey of resilience and retribution as Jen transforms from victim to unstoppable force.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, who also brought us The Substance, Revenge shares the same bold, stylish visuals and unflinching exploration of female empowerment. The hyper-saturated desert landscapes contrast sharply with the brutal violence, making every frame feel like a surreal nightmare. Fargeat’s attention to detail and ability to blend beauty with brutality makes Revenge a visceral, unforgettable experience. If you liked The Substance, this one is a must-watch.
Where to Watch:
3. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
After being possessed by a demon, high school bombshell Jennifer (Megan Fox) starts preying on her male classmates, leaving a trail of bloody carnage in her wake. Her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) must confront her, but their friendship is anything but straightforward.
Dismissed at the time of its release, Jennifer’s Body has since been embraced as a feminist horror classic. Its dark humor, sharp dialogue, and vibrant visuals make it a feast for the senses, while its themes of female rage, sexuality, and toxic friendships hit harder than ever.
Where to Watch:
2. Freaky (2020)
High schooler Millie (Kathryn Newton) wakes up one morning to find she’s swapped bodies with a deranged serial killer (Vince Vaughn). With only 24 hours to reverse the curse, she must navigate her new homicidal form while avoiding being caught—and, you know, killing anyone by accident.
A clever mashup of Freaky Friday and slasher horror, Freaky is as hilarious as it is gruesome. Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn shine in their swapped roles, and the film’s playful approach to body horror keeps things fresh, fun, and blood-soaked.
Where to Watch:
1. Raw (2016)
Justine (Garance Marillier), a lifelong vegetarian, discovers a shocking new appetite after a hazing ritual forces her to eat raw meat for the first time. What starts as an innocent taste quickly spirals into a hunger for human flesh—and a bloody journey of self-discovery.
Raw is a visceral, jaw-dropping coming-of-age story that uses body horror to explore themes of desire, identity, and repression. Its stunning cinematography balances the grotesque with the beautiful, making even its goriest moments feel strangely poetic. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s an absolute must-watch.
Whether you’re here for the gore, the girl power, or just the straight-up weirdness, these ten films have you covered. From blood-soaked revenge tales to haunting explorations of identity, they’ll leave you unsettled in the best way possible.
So, what’s next on your watchlist? Whatever you choose, prepare for a wild, transformative ride.
Let us know what you’d recommend after watching The Substance over in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord community!
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