6. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a masterclass in building atmospheric dread, weaving a tale of grief and familial trauma with supernatural horror elements. Toni Collette’s portrayal of Annie Graham drags you through the emotional wringer, making the film’s descent into darkness a profoundly personal journey. The horror here is as much about what we inherit as it is about the demons we can’t see.
Where to Watch:
7. Come and See (1985)
Come and See may be a war film at heart, but its depiction of the atrocities of World War II through the eyes of a young boy is pure horror. The innocence lost to the unspeakable horrors of war is depicted with such rawness that it blurs the line between history and nightmare.
Where to Watch:
8. Antichrist (2009)
Lars von Trier makes the list again with Antichrist, a polarizing film that delves into grief, guilt, and nature’s indifference to human suffering. Its graphic content and unsettling themes make it a challenging watch, but one that’s undeniably thought-provoking, exploring the depths of despair like few films dare.
Where to Watch:
9. Funny Games (1997/2007)
Funny Games, whether you choose the original Austrian version or the American remake, serves as a chilling critique of media violence. The film’s home invasion horror is made all the more disturbing by its direct engagement with the audience, forcing viewers to confront their own voyeurism and complicity in the violence on screen.
Where to Watch:
10. Threads (1984)
Lastly, Threads offers a stark, brutally realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. This British television film goes beyond the initial blast to explore the societal collapse that follows, making it a terrifyingly plausible depiction of the end of the world as we know it.
Where to Watch:
So there you have it, folks! A list of films that are guaranteed to leave you feeling a little (or a lot) broken inside. Each of these masterpieces showcases the power of horror to explore the darkest corners of human existence, proving that sometimes the true terror lies not in the monsters under our beds, but in the depths of our souls. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to watch a few cat videos to cleanse my palate.
What bleak horror movie messed you up? Recommend it (or warn us) in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord Community!
