The disgust and intrigue surrounding body horror aren’t new for horror fans. There have been countless body horror films that have grossed people out for decades. Are you unfamiliar with the definition of body horror movies? I’ve got you covered, folks.
The body horror movies subgenre focuses on the violation, distortion, or dismantling of the body (human or otherwise) and aims to gross out viewers quite literally. Films like The Thing (1982), Hellraiser (1987), Videodrome, Re-Animator, and The Fly, for instance, are classic films often cited when discussing the subgenre. A very recent example is The Substance. But rather than recommend the obvious body horror movies, I recommend different ones (but you should still watch those five).
7. An American Werewolf in London
Director: John Landis
Writer: John Landis
Synopsis: The film follows best friends who go on a vacation to England and are viciously attacked by a werewolf. Only one of them survives and starts to experience changes, as well as disturbing nightmares.
As far as werewolf horror goes, An American Werewolf in London is a very solid film that balances humorous moments and queer subtext with actually terrifying imagery. On top of that, the body horror is tremendous because of the practical effects. The werewolf transformation is painful-looking and will widen your eyes. Go into it without expecting a happy ending, and you’ll have a good time.
Where to Watch: An American Werewolf is streaming on AMC+, Apple TV+, The Criterion Channel, BBC America, Roku Channel, and Tubi.
6. Ginger Snaps
Director: John Fawcett
Writer: Karen Walton and John Fawcett
Synopsis: After two goth sisters, who are obsessed with death and the macabre, are attacked by a werewolf, and one of them is bitten, they are forced to deal with the reality of lycan transformation.
There are more than a few Canadian horror films that have become classics in their own right. Ginger Snaps is certainly one of them. It’s a film that perfectly captures the early 2000s and the Canadian suburbs at the time. Not only that, but it expertly uses body horror and lycanthropy as a metaphor for menstrual cycles. Ginger Snaps is a lovely addition to the coming-of-age horror canon.
Where to Watch: AppleTV+, Plex, Xumoplay, and Shudder.
5. Martyrs (2008)
Director: Pascal Laugier
Writer: Pascal Laugier
Synopsis: A determined quest for revenge sends two best friends down a path with a sinister group of people who kidnap young women.
As far as great international horror and New French Extremity goes, Martyrs is at the top of the list. If you’re looking for a rollercoaster full of tragedy, violence, and disturbing imagery, then look no further. Martyrs chew you up and spit you out, and you will not forget the experience of watching the film for the first time. It’s beautifully macabre and worth viewing at least once if you’re a horror aficionado. Be prepared to stare at the wall for a while afterward.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Tubi, and Plex.
4. The Ruins
Director: Carter Smith
Writer: Scott B. Smith
Synopsis: Based on a novel of the same name by Scott Smith, The Ruins follows a group of friends that find themselves trapped on a Mayan ruin that is occupied by carnivorous plants.
The idea of plants that can mimic voices and drive you insane before killing you is horrific. The Ruins is a body horror film that will make your skin crawl (just like the plants). It’s a film riddled with a feeling of helplessness because there’s no happy ending in sight. And the final scene (sorry, not spoiling it for you) is the perfect example of white folks not heeding any warnings left by people of color. The Ruins is well worth it if you’re looking to feel conflicted and grossed out by what the plants can do.
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Apple TV+, and Paramount+.
3. Annihilation
Director: Alex Garland
Writer: Alex Garland and Jeff Vandermeer
Synopsis: A team of women embarks on an expedition to discover what happens inside a mysterious zone called The Shimmer. Only to discover that mutation in life isn’t an issue they can avoid while inside.
Annihilation is an incredibly stunning film that turns up the dial on not only sci-fi horror, but body horror as well. Throughout the film are scenes that will stick inside your brain like a Post-It note. Not to mention Annihilation is mostly composed of women and that’s always a bonus in a horror film. Annihilation is for those looking to think deeply about the body, mutation, and transformation within the body.
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Apple TV+, and Paramount+.
2. Malignant
Director: James Wan
Writer: James Wan, Ingrid Bisu, and Akela Cooper
Synopsis: A woman named Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) is tormented by visions of violent murders happening around her city. And the more she uncovers her past, the closer she gets to finding the killer.
It would be a disservice to tell you the spoilers of Malignant if you’ve never seen it. What I will say is that it’s one of those films that either you’ll enjoy it or you won’t. The deliberately campy tone in Malignant isn’t for everyone, but it’s a delight for those who can appreciate it. And the body horror woven throughout is chef’s kiss to the max. I recommend Malignant if you’re hoping for something different from Wan.
Where to Watch: Max and Apple TV+.
1. The Sadness
Director: Rob Jabbaz
Writer: Rob Jabbaz
Synopsis: When Taiwan descends into depraved chaos due to a virus that makes people bloodthirsty, a couple tries their best to reach each other before it’s too late.
Recommending The Sadness isn’t something to do lightly because not everyone can handle this film. It’s incredibly gory, disturbing, and potentially upsetting for various reasons (find the warnings here). But if you’re interested in extreme horror with copious amounts of body horror (with a splash of commentary surrounding pandemics), then The Sadness might be the film for you to watch. Certainly, don’t go into it lightly and heed the warnings. It’s worth watching to say you did it if you’re a body horror fan.
Where to Watch: AMC+, Shudder, Hoopla, and Apple TV+.