The heaviest horror films are not always the most violent. There are many titles in the genre that can mess with the viewer's psyche, causing just the right amount of fear and discomfort to become unforgettable, touching on themes that can be quite disturbing for those watching.
Of course, there are still those that invest in the famous "jump scares" that cause momentary frights, but those that build narratives more focused on the psychological are increasingly popular. In today's list, we've selected the ten heaviest horror films of all time so you can decide which one to watch! Shall we check them out together?
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is one of the heaviest horror films because of its psychological and dramatic approach. The story follows Amelia, a single mother, and her son Samuel, who, after his father's departure, begins to cling to a book about a monster called Lord Babadook. When the boy becomes convinced that the entity exists, Amelia tries to talk him out of it, but soon finds herself terrified by the presence of this supernatural force.
Directed by Jennifer KentThe Babadook is famous for its harrowing atmosphere and the emotional charge it carries. Available on Prime Video, The Babadook stands out for exploring psychological fears rather than momentary scares. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is widely recognized as one of the best psychological horror films, winning over critics and viewers alike.
Veronica (2017)
Based on true events, VerĂłnica is one of the heaviest horror films available on Netflix. The plot follows a teenage girl who, after using a Ouija board with her friends, begins to experience supernatural and terrifying events, affecting both her life and that of her family. The situation worsens over time, leaving a trail of mystery and fear, until the present day when local authorities are unable to explain what really happened.
With an indicative rating of 16 and an impressive 8.5 on the Tomatometer, VerĂłnica is a film that combines elements of psychological horror with a gripping narrative. The cast, made up of Sandra Escacena and other actors, bring this story of suspense and dread to life, keeping viewers in constant tension. There's no denying that this is one of the heaviest horror films based on real events.
The litmus test (1999)
In this psychological horror-drama, we follow Shigeharu Aoyama, a lonely widower who, at the suggestion of a producer friend, organizes a fake casting test in order to find a girlfriend. However, one of the participants, the young Asami Yamazaki, who at first seems sweet and innocent, soon reveals a sadistic and violent personality, taking the movie in an unexpected and disturbing direction.
The Litmus Test boasts a strong cast with names including Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Jun Kunimura and Miyuki Matsuda. With a 7.1 rating on IMDb and 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, this is one of the heaviest horror films, exploring the dark side of human nature. The combination of psychological suspense and scenes of emotional torture ensures that this movie will be stuck in the viewer's head for a long time.
Good Night, Mom (2014)
The unsettling Good Night, Mommy challenges the boundaries of psychological horror by exploring the disturbing family dynamic between two brothers and their mother. The film follows twins Lukas and Elias, who become suspicious of their mother's identity after she returns home with her face bandaged, claiming to have undergone surgery. The boys' paranoia and strange behavior make living together an uncomfortable experience.
Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, the film features outstanding performances by Susanne Wuest and the twins Lukas and Elias Schwarz. It is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft and Apple TV+ and is considered one of the heaviest horror films because of the way it presents psychological tension. With an approval rating of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is a masterpiece that promises to traumatize the viewer.
Cannibals (2013)
Cannibals features one of horror's most disturbing subgenres: survival horror involving indigenous cannibals. Available on MGM+, the film stars Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns and Sky Ferreira. The plot follows Justine, a university student who travels to Peru with friends to save the Amazon rainforest. The plan goes awry when the group lands in an isolated area and is captured by a tribe of cannibals.
The film is known for its intense and shocking scenes that test the audience's limits, making it one of the heaviest horror films in the genre. Despite the controversies and differing reviews, the performances are outstanding. The film received a 5.4 rating on IMDb and 38% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its divided reception among audiences and critics.
The Antichrist (1999)
Antichrist, by renowned filmmaker Lars von Trier, is one of the heaviest horror films ever produced. Available on Mubi, it shocks with its approach to themes such as pessimism and psychological trauma, combined with the impactful performances of Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The unnamed couple seek refuge in a chalet in the forest to deal with the wife's grief after the tragic loss of their son.
However, the isolation turns into a nightmare. The surrounding nature seems to intensify the couple's conflicts, bringing up situations of extreme emotional discomfort. The production divided opinions: while critics praised the daring aesthetic and the performances, many considered the film too disturbing. With a 6.5 rating on IMDb and 54% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a cinematic experience that's worthwhile because it's challenging.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Available on Netflix, The Exorcism of Emily Rose couldn't be left out of a list of the heaviest horror films ever produced. The plot combines horror and drama as it follows Erin Bruner, a skeptical lawyer who defends a priest accused of negligence during an exorcism. Emily, a young girl who suffered from hallucinations and convulsions, died after the procedure, raising doubts about the supernatural causes of her condition.
The production balances scary moments with philosophical questions, provoking reflections on faith and science. With an indicative rating of 14, the film divided opinions: while some highlighted the engaging script and impactful performances, others considered the approach not so good. With a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a unique experience for those who like psychological horror.
The Hostel (2006)
Directed by Eli Roth, The Hostel is one of the heaviest horror films ever made, mixing violence and psychological tension. The plot follows Paxton (Jay Hernandez), Josh (Derek Richardson) and Oli (Eythor Gudjonsson), three backpackers looking for fun in Europe. They are attracted by stories about a hostel in Slovakia known for its great hospitality. There they discover that the place hides a cruel and terrifying scheme that challenges their physical and emotional limits.
Available for rent at Google Play Movies and Prime Video, the film stands out for its unsettling narrative and scenes of graphic torture that shocked audiences and critics alike. Despite dividing opinions, with a 59% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is a remarkable experience for those looking to explore the darker sides of horror.
Midsommar (2019)
The disturbing Midsommar follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a young woman facing devastating trauma after tragically losing her family. Seeking to escape her grief, she joins her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) and his friends on a trip to HĂ„rga, an isolated community in northern Sweden. What begins as a cultural celebration quickly turns into a macabre experience, as Dani and the other visitors find themselves involved in disturbing rituals.
Available on Prime Video, the feature directed by Ari Aster is considered one of the heaviest horror films, exploring psychological discomfort in broad daylight. With intense performances and mesmerizing scenery, the film has an approval rating of 83% on the Tomatometer and is a provocative choice for those looking for narratives that really scare and are very unconventional.
Hereditary (2018)
Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary is a psychological horror film that mixes elements of drama and mystery, keeping viewers in suspense from start to finish. Toni Collette plays Annie, an artist who comes to terms with the recent loss of her mother and begins to uncover disturbing secrets about her family. Alongside Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd and Milly Shapiro, the cast delivers intense performances in a plot full of supernatural events.
Available on Max and Netflix, the feature is one of the heaviest horror films, known for presenting very shocking scenes in a narrative that grips the audience from start to finish. With great direction and a heavy atmosphere, "Hereditary" earned a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, being widely praised by critics and audiences alike as a landmark of contemporary horror.
Overall, these are the ten heaviest horror films with the best ratings from audiences and critics according to specialized websites. Is there a movie that you think should be on this list and didn't find it? Let us know in the comments! Your opinion is very important to us! Take the opportunity to also check out our list of the best Tom Holland movies!
Questions that might interest you
Are heavy horror movies suitable for everyone?
No, real heavy horror movies are suitable for people over 16 at the very least.
Which horror movie do you think is the scariest yet?
Hereditary and Midsommar are two great films that are fighting for this classification.
What are the latest trends in horror films until 2024?
The trends are psychological horror films, with jumpscares, but which also scare the viewer in another way.
