If you’re feeling good about life, steer clear of any of the movies on this list. These are 25 films that will leave you raw, empty, and in desperate need of a shower.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
I first heard about Salò from an Italian professor who quickly cautioned, "Do not watch it. Ever." Naturally that made me seek it out faster. For those who haven't seen it — or read the book by the Marquis de Sade — the Pasolini film focuses on a group of fascists who kidnap, torture, and sexually abuse 18 teenagers. The most repulsive scene involves coprophagy. And this time, I must warn you: DO NOT LOOK IT UP.
Via: United Artists
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
We usually think of musicals as escapist entertainment, but that's not the case with Dancer in the Dark, which is the bleakest musical you will ever endure. If the ending doesn't leave you feeling completely empty, you might be dead inside. Björk stars as a blind Czech immigrant who has to do terrible things to pay for surgery that will save her son's sight. Things do not end well for her, or for the audience.
Via: Fine Line Features
Funny Games (1997)
This psychological thriller has been remade (both by its director Michael Haneke and as obvious rip-offs) but the original is still the hardest to watch. Why do the two young men take a family hostage and torture them with sadistic games? Unclear! That makes it so much worse — as do the direct addresses to the audience, reminding you that you're taking part in the voyeuristic thrills.
Via: Madman Entertainment
A Serbian Film (2010)
Commonly regarded as the most depraved movie of all time, A Serbian Film is horrifying enough that even reading the Wikipedia description will leave you feeling dirty for days. Suffice it to say the plot involves a porn star tricked into making a snuff film, complete with necrophilia and horrible things done to children. Steer clear. Those who have seen it say it's not worth the trauma.
Via: Invincible Pictures
