Us horror fans can be known for our strong stomachs, but sometimes a film can get the better of us. Whether it be with grotesque imagery or just brutal happenings on screen, we all have at least one movie that is able to make us feel nauseous. Here are eight films (of many) that are most capable of making horror fans lose their lunch!
The Fly
David Cronenberg’s masterpiece is known for its grotesque special effects. If the vomit doesn’t get you (it gets me every time), then the final transformation will. You should also check out the deleted monkey cat scene, which was deemed too intense to include in the final cut!
The Exorcist
It’s not that anything in The Exorcist is particularly gory, it’s just full of so much shocking imagery that it’s difficult not to feel sick while watching it. Be it the crucifix masturbation, the green vomit or simply the words that Pazuzu is spouting out of Regan’s mouth, The Exorcist is a nasty yet brilliant piece of work that still effects viewers to this very day.
Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Hellraiser may get all the attention, but I would argue that its sequel is more shocking and twisted. The scene to do me in is always the scene in which Dr. Channard coerces a schizophrenic patient to slice his body up with a straight razor after imagining that bugs are crawling all over him. There are plenty of other scenes in the film capable of churning the stomach, but this one is the kicker.
Cannibal Holocaust
Ruggero Deodato’s horror film had its fair share of controversy when it was released, and for good reason. In addition to the genuine animal slayings featured in the film (that poor turtle!), everything in the movie just feels so real. So real, in fact, that the film was accused of being a snuff film and ended up being banned in 50 countries. The impalement scene pictured below is quite shocking, but it all comes back to that damn turtle.
Requiem for a Dream
Another film with Ellen Burstyn (she plays Regan’s mom in The Exorcist), Darren Aronofsky’s cautionary tale may not technically be a horror film, but it is a horrifying film. Nothing from the film’s final ten minutes could be called easy to watch. In fact, it’s probably the most soul-crushing ending to any movie ever made. The emotional weight of it is enough to make anyone feel nauseous.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
As many of you already know, Tobe Hooper’s classic slasher film doesn’t contain much gore. What it does contain is a visceral, gritty atmosphere that will leave you feeling absolutely disgusting by the time the credits roll. It’s hard to pinpoint when exactly the most nauseating scene is, though the one pictured below is certainly up there.
The Human Centipede (Any of Them)
Mouth-to-butt surgery. Poop. Need I say more?
Hannibal
Hannibal often gets forgotten when discussing the Hannibal Lecter franchise (even Michael Mann’s Manhunter seems to get more recognition than Ridley Scott’s much-maligned sequel). I do like it, though not more than The Silence of the Lambs of course. Quality of the film aside, Hannibal is filled to the brim with cringe-worthy moments. Not only do you have Mason Verger (Gary Oldman) peeling off his face and feeding it to his dogs, but you have Hannibal (Anthony Hopkins) feeding Paul Krendler (Ray Liotta) his own brain! I think I got a little light-headed watching that scene for the first time.
Which movies have made you nauseous before? Share your stories in the comments below!
