Disturbing Movie Tier List | Spookyastronauts

[@aluteijn1958]

Our sixth grade teacher had us watch Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in class. Ended up with a classroom full of 27 kids either crying or staring off in the distance.

[@katz0625]

Omg I’m shocked that was allowed!!

[@aluteijn1958]

@@katz0625 He was close to retirement, I don't think he put much thought into it at that point.😅

[@katz0625]

@@aluteijn1958 that makes sense…but still waking up in the morning and he’s like well I think I’m going to traumatize my class today

[@teacherinrecovery]

We watch it here in NY in the schools that read it. Some choose Daniel's Story or Book Thief instead.

[@aluteijn1958]

@@teacherinrecovery We didn't read it though, and were given no forewarning to the ending. I wish we had read it first.

[@featheriefoufluff3491]

Dancer in the Dark and Grave of the Fireflies have hurt my heart and scared my soul. Because damn. The reality and unreality combined is just so beautiful and devastating.

[@crazydud3380]

I must have a different definition of disturbing. Disturbing does not make you cry. It is not sad. It is sickening and distressing, and makes you feel either nauseous, like you need to take a shower, or enraged to the point of entertaining very dark thoughts.

[@featheriefoufluff3491]

@@crazydud3380 grave of fireflies is the most disturbing because this actually happened, on repeat and continues to happen as if we don’t know it happens to children caught up in our bullshit reasons for war. We literally horrifically kill children via starvation during wartime and have done so for decades, the effectiveness of an animation should give us pause- it’s not even relatable human actors. But it’s still beyond traumatizing to watch. It’s painful to take that journey with Seita, regardless of the intended message. The same goes for Dancer in the Dark and the way we deal with crime and criminals. Regardless of von Triers intent, the films can have many interpretations of why we treat certain people a certain way and in some aspects a conversation about that film being ahead of its time could be had (although it wouldn’t necessarily be true, it’s just more recognizable now). Sometimes the saying ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ is the most disturbing expression and I think these two movies express that in very subversive ways and that’s what makes them some disturbing, it’s that some people just see them as entertainment. And I find that truly terrifying.

[@chteacher2220]

I think the scene in Dancer in the Dark where she bashes in the head with the metal box. Is both disturbing and sad.

[@DPaisleyDaisy-pr5wz]

Requiem affected me more than ANY horror or film. Wow, I really can’t believe there is a movie I can’t watch again.

[@mistertindfoting5222]

Yup. We just sat in silence, watching the end credits. Have wanted to see this masterpiece again for 20 years, but I don't think I will. It's haunting, and the soundtrack is superbly fitting

[@gracex3217]

same, it’s one of those movies that every scene is burned into my brain. dancer in the dark was this way for me too, but not as intense.

[@graceleathers5970]

Yeah me too! I’ll never watch it again. I felt truly hopeless after seeing that. Coincidentally, I am starting training in psychology as I want to work in addiction support and rehabilitation.

[@emmmahezw]

As someone who has been clean for quite a few years, that movie is absolutely bleak. The first and only time that I watched it was when I was a lot younger and it was before my addiction got really bad. I still thought I’d be fine. Turns out I wasn’t haha. I’ll never watch it again. It’s terrifying.

[@nadabing3903]

Same

[@sepiarain]

Grave of the Fireflies hits harder with every watch too. The film beginning with the literal "end" is soulwrenching.

[@hauntingechoes]

Fun fact: The Lovely Bones did contain a pretty disturbing SA scene and Peter Jackson removed it because he wanted his daughter to watch the movie because it's an important watch. It's been YEARS since I've seen the original version and that scene is still in my head.

[@torrejohnson3940]

i thought i made up that the OG version

[@dontaylucero]

The movie would have been so much better..

[@prettylilcow]

@@dontaylucero why?

[@johnnybaboon8166]

@@dontaylucerofound the weirdo. Get help

[@Tom-uk8ol]

What's an SA scene, Oh I've just clicked as I'm typing this, Underground in the pre-made murder hut.

[@Dn-lnm]

More tier lists please! You can do horror franchises, villains, etc…

[@mrussell3264]

or just more disturbing, lol, love these!

[@doctajuice]

One that I think should have been on the list is boys don't cry. That movie really hits hard

[@anarchobaby]

i actually couldn't even finish that movie, i took a break halfway through and couldn't bring myself to go back to it 😭 that was almost 10 years ago

[@ignitionSoldier]

I never want to see Come and See again because of how it made me feel. It's a nightmare that is all too real and could very well happen again.

[@dukeon]

I TOTALLY know where you’re coming from.

[@TheSunnyDees]

Yes, sadly this is happening in Palestine right now

[@misskarin]

I'm loving the tier list videos! I've seen about half of these and I really agree with your rankings of them. Dancer in the Dark RUINED me when I watched it. I sat in my room and sobbed for a full hour after it was over, and I don't think I'll ever forget a moment of that movie. I don't think I could ever watch it again even though I think it is an incredible film.

[@jenniferdunn2837]

The book, "A Clockwork Orange" is actually a fun read for me because I have read it quite a few times and I always enjoy the fact that I can understand the slang from the context of the situations. It's kind of like working on a puzzle. Now, I'm 52 and I am an avid reader and I understand that this book is sometimes read by high school students as part of their curriculum. I don't think I would have been able to decipher as much back then, even being an AP student but that's part of the challenge of the exercise, I assume.

[@finsternis1986]

I (38) consistently name that as my favorite book. Read it *numerous* times cover-to-cover. I first read it when I was in high school, but not in school, just on my own. As someone who loves language/linguistics, that aspect definitely makes me like it so much more, and I do like the overall message as well. I feel like I "got" the central themes back then, but it's interesting how my perception of them has morphed with time also.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Fun read.... interesting.

[@HaleyFaerie14]

Hard Candy (2005) stayed with me for a looooooong time after my first watch. (Possibly for a future list?) Thanks for such a great video today!

[@CarolineCP]

Oh that's such a good one indeed!

[@daneleslie9534]

I did a double feature with Mysterious Skin followed by Hard Candy, really good pairing

[@HaleyFaerie14]

@@daneleslie9534 - I need to revisit Mysterious Skin; I saw it 20 years ago in the cinema when it was originally released and have vague memories of it. I remember thinking Joseph Gordon-Levitt was great!

[@daneleslie9534]

@@HaleyFaerie14 for me, it might be the best one out of this whole video. No other film has impacted me like that one

[@LadyChatterly]

Req for a Dream is such a mindf’k that I watched it only once & I can’t get rid of it no matter what …..

[@katz0625]

Made my mom watch that and I traumatized her and she told me she hated me lol

[@bunchoflemons]

I would actually move The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas down quite a lot, simply for the fact that the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum have said it should be avoided entirely due to numerous inaccuracies and childrens' exposure to the film was impacting the way history on the Holocaust was being taught and understood. Researchers found that it actually sugarcoats the events and encourages sympathy for the perpetrators. I find The Zone of Interest far more disturbing because of how separated from the reality TBITSP is, while, having visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, the final moments of The Zone of Interest devastated me.

[@isaacq517]

literally almost cried while you were talking about Dancer in the Dark. i've wanted to watch it a 2nd time for many years but just can't bring myself to do it.

[@TheAnadrome]

A few other disturbing films that didn't make either tier ranking: Lilya 4-Ever (teen gone very far wrong). The Nameless (1999) (Los sin nombre) Directed by Jaume Balagueró. Cabal horror in a deep vein hitting a some extremely disturbing notes related to children. Borderland (2007) not to be confused with many other borderland named films, etc.. More cabal horror. This is about the extremely dark Palo Mayombe (black magic Santeria) related drug cartel in Matamoros Mexico. This is based on a very true story, and is almost beyond belief. If you have seen these Emma, they are all worth your time. The Nameless is pretty much a work of art.

[@reduXstereo]

I totally forgot about Lilya 4-Ever. It reminded me of Basketball Diaries but with prostitution.

[@brabel0401]

Lilya 4-ever has stayed with me since I first watched it in the movies many years ago. Heartbreaking, even more so when you know it’s loosely based on a true story. Michael, an Austrian film about a seemingly ordinary man who keeps a boy in his basement, is another truly disturbing film.

[@sandythemaster6898]

We need to talk about Kevin made me scared about being a parent... The fear of raising psychos, but mostly the fear of not connecting with my kids - regretting my decision of having kids. Thankfully it's not the case!!

[@HenriqueMassafra]

I just brewed my coffee. This video arrived at the perfect time. Thank you, Emma! I love your longer videos.

[@DPaisleyDaisy-pr5wz]

Same over here!

[@AnastaciyaSh]

Ahh, sounds great... now I want coffee, too, but it's too late where I am 😅

[@nao_oise]

Nothing better than a great-looking KZbin video being uploaded just as you've finished making a meal/drink to enjoy it with!

[@spookyastronauts]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@KyndalTheMeister]

That sounds so nice!

[@oyasumikisi4935]

Thank you for taking the time to make those videos, it's so interesting to see where you rank those movies!

[@toshp9362]

There’s a Netflix documentary called “Don’t Pick Up the Phone” about the true story that “Compliance” is based on. It’s also incredibly disturbing and shows some of the actual surveillance footage from the incident. It made me sick and full of rage when I watched it. I was absolutely shocked that it was a real event. I’ve never seen “Compliance”, so I don’t know how true to real life it is, but the documentary definitely rocked my world.

[@jacqui1811]

I watched Threads way to young when it came out on TV (13), I lived near where the event happened and was so upset as I couldn't understand that it was a film. I was crying and upset for DAYS over it as I thought it was real and didn't understand why nobody ever talked about it. I still haven't had the strength to watch it again since

[@Hannah_Grey]

Seeing familiar sights like the 'eggbox' town hall explode, having it presented as something that will happen. It became more than a film; truly disturbing.

[@heatheraggus7501]

I was waiting for We Need to Talk About Kevin. Glad you included it. Very very difficult. Some omissions are Kids, Gummo, Dogville, Nymphomaniac, and most recently 8th Grade, for its realism and made me so sad.

[@fullmetalt-shirt8355]

Blackfish is one that disturbed me although it's a documentary.

[@inkassosjefen6315]

Earthlings. Crushed my soul. I just wanted to remove humans from the earth while watching it and for a Long Long Long time after i felt so dark inside

[@rachelharries4945]

Soft and Quiet needs to be added to this! It’s one of the most uncomfortable films I’ve watched in a long time. My skin was crawling the entire time and I literally felt sick to my stomach listening to these women talk. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way watching any other movie.

[@leeshaolivier9298]

God, yes. It is absolutely horrific.

[@jaquelinezini]

The freaking carrot scene. Absolutely evil.

[@CarolineCP]

I don't know why, but Mongolia is currently bringing back Oldboy at the cinema - no idea if it's happening worldwide? This gave me the opportunity to watch it on the big screen, and I feel so lucky to have lived that experience!

[@Tennard_D]

Grave of the fireflies hits so damn hard I think it gave me some sort of PTSD because I start crying just by watching small cuts from the movie.

[@EmilyJaneDoe]

Hi Emma!! Thank you for everything you do, your videos are seriously the highlight of my day! You brought up a good point in one of your last videos that sometimes movies in their entirety aren’t scary/ disturbing, but there can be specific scenes within the films. You could totally do a tier list video for iconic scary scenes!!

[@kerihazelton5785]

Great idea! I love this!

[@horrormayqueen]

Such a fun video! Some of these are on my watchlist but they all make me a bit nervous. I realized that all of your top tier picks involve children which definitely tracks and makes disturbing films that much harder to watch.

[@spookyastronauts]

Yeah it’s crazy seeing that theme used so much in this one!

[@femmefilms]

The irréversible opinion was very refreshing, that film has helped me feel seen and deal with my trauma in a way that i often get dismissed for. Love to see people acknowledge its importance.

[@RavenHouseMystery]

Thanks very much for putting this whole project together, Emma. It's never fun to talk about disturbing movies, but it gives us interesting discussions and maybe a chance to look into oneself. I've seen around half of the films on the lists, but the only film I actually own on DVD is "Perfect Blue", which is my favorite anime movie. The only film I want to touch on is "A Clockwork Orange". When I first saw this film, I was about seventeen years old, and our family had just gotten our first VHS player. The film was pretty shocking to me in its hyper-violence and at the time, movies were just starting to come out on VHS tapes and of course, all the popular and classic films were showing up at the video store. There were only two films at the time that were considered "truly disturbing" on VHS, and they were Clockwork Orange and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In the following years, more and more disturbing films got released on video, but A Clockwork Orange was that first "disturbing" film we could see on video rental in the early 1980's.

[@CarysCreatesThings]

You asked for more dark/disturbing coming of age movies. Here are a few examples (I won’t refer to them as recommendations as I haven’t watched them all): Kids Gummo Heathers (not sure I’d class it as disturbing, but it is dark) The Perks of Being a Wallflower The Basketball Diaries Mysterious Skin (never watched it, but from the synopsis it seems to fit the category) XXY (again, I haven’t watched it but I’ve heard it’s messed up) Electrick Children (not watched) Heavenly Creatures The Virgin Suicides (not watched) Precious

[@filmfangirls9163]

I saw An American Crime on the thumbnail and clicked so fast. The murder of Sylvia Likens will haunt me for the rest of my life 😢 I am adding a few to the list I haven't seen!

[@thrgg]

The Girl Next Door (2007) is significantly more disturbing. One thing that sucked about An American Crime is that they down played the severity of what happened to Sylvia and made one of her abusers out to be a sympathetic person which in reality wasn't the case at all. It's outright disrespectful to Sylvia.

[@filmfangirls9163]

@thrgg yeah both are pretty disrespectful, but An American Crime is the film that led me to the story. So I owe it for that. This story should be more well known then it is but sadly both movies were banned in certain states and never made it to theatres. I can see why but the book House of Evil by John Dean is a great way to know more as well as the transcripts of the trial. But I wouldn't have known without watching this film first.

[@Nope2022HugeTheWarningFan]

Girl Next Door and American Crime. Two movies I can never watch a second time. Since I haven't seen it since the release, can someone please tell me about the disrespectful portion? I can only remember the gist of the movie.

[@thrgg]

@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan In An American Crime, they downplayed what was done to Sylvia and portrayed one of her abusers as someone who was trying to stop the abuse when, in real life, that person never tried to stop any abuse and loved abusing her.

[@filmfangirls9163]

@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan basically what the other commentor said yeah. And the way they tried to show Gertie with some manor of regret when in real life she showed absolutely no remorse or mercy to poor Sylvia. She was a monster. Girl Next Door got that part right but the Likens family was pretty hurt by the exploitation of the abuse in the book and that movie. Both don't do justice but they do get the story out and AAC did get one of Sylvia's abusers fired from her job. As a TEACHER.

[@GhoulishGwyn]

I’ve never been able to buy into Dancer in the Dark for some reason. Like, the whole time, I’m just thinking “Yeah, Lars is definitely trying to throw every tragic element he can at us.” Dogville absolutely broke me, though. I’m not sure by that one worked on me so much more, but wow.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

Tom Ford needs to direct more movies. The two he has have both been great.

[@m-cv.8692]

I appreciate that you put Incendies on the list. It truly is shocking and traumatizing. Years later, I'm still disturbed by it.

[@pegacorn13]

Great Tier List! I agree with most of these but Snowtown definitely traumatized me though: for like a week after I watched it I felt like everything was so horribly wrong and I couldn't get it out of my head. I'd say it's shocking of course but more traumatizing as a whole. I'd also rank "Threads" in the "Humanity Has Failed Us Category" because it's literally about humanity's downfall and ultimate failure. I've seen all of these and there's just a handful that I probably won't watch again: "Irreversible" and "Salo".

[@mostlyvickster]

Gotta agree with the praise for Nocturnal Animals (and your placement) - such an underrated, wicked little movie that really impressed me. Oh, and FULLY agree with how you get the rug pulled out from under you in Promising Young Woman. I cried so hard.

[@rickymeadows9708]

I was definitely traumatized by AHX. I saw it at like 16 and was completely unprepaired for the curb scene.

[@hidenname541]

I dont see it honestly, it's pretty tame to me

[@suzienothing9855]

Hi Emma! Thanks for the list, love it! Some dark coming of age movies\teen themed movies that I absolutely recommend if you don’t know them already: Super dark times, Summer of ‘84, Heartthrob. And Special mention that I’ve never heard anyone talk about: Trust. It’s a bit of coming of age but mostly about stranger danger on the internet… about a teen girl who meets a “teen boy” (a predator) online and the story just goes all the way, with quite shocking scenes and I still think about it a lot.

[@hauntingechoes]

I totally forgot about Trust, thank you for unlocking the memory of this for me!

[@Calebchads]

Thinking Antichrist didn't go harder than it did is the strangest take I've heard on that one 😂 great takes as always tho, Emma 😎👌🔥

[@VanessaJup]

"I thought it would go harder. ... Is that sick to say?" Lol Yes, kind of, honestly. 😂

[@killerdls]

I just remember a body part shoots blood and another body part get clipped. 😳 one of the most shocking things I’ve seen at that time

[@shawn1428]

I gave you a nice shout out, someone made a video about Chris Stuckmann's rise and fall, I said I go to your channel and Cody Leach for my movie reviews. You both tell it like it is while being respectful but honest.

[@spookyastronauts]

Thank you, but that’s sad to hear, I respect Christ immensely, he’s always been so kind to me when other men in the industry haven’t.

[@wescals6849]

Threads had something so so realistic about it. Like every thing after the bombs drop is just gut punch after gut punch. Not just the main stories but even the people in the background sell the scenes so well. Mothers holding burned babies, dying children wandering alone, overall mass hysteria. Everything just sucked through out the whole movie, utter hopelessness and despair.

[@Soulsfromthevoid]

When I watch Funny Games I plan to play both versions of the film side by side to test the "Shot for shot" thing.

[@MrCheminee]

prepare to get bored out of your mind.

[@miketerry4391]

I was place Funny games. In the same spot at Martrs. It's that brutal shock .also .Landmine goes click..watch til end .you want forget it .

[@MysticWolf1223]

Never heard of Bad Boy Bubby until now. I'll admit that I'm intrigued. Also, to this day, Grave of the Fireflies is the saddest movie I've ever seen. Sad isn't even the right word for it. There comes a point when not even tears are enough. It destroyed me.

[@reduXstereo]

It was dangerously depression inducing to put it that way.

[@godabandonedthistimeline]

I am so glad that you mentioned Κυνόδοντας/Dogtooth and you liked it because in Greece many people hate it. It's a movie that's unlike anything in greek cinema and it unfortunately led to Yorgos Lanthimos having many haters. It's not my personal favorite of his work (I prefer The Favourite and The Killing of a Sacred Deer). That's because it's very weird for me to see this movie as a native greek speaker. The way people speak in this movie is very weird and not in an intriguing way. Their pauses are too long and their inflections are just wrong. It's like the actors were asked to talk like children but instead they came across as bad child actors. Sorry for the rant but have many thoughts about this movie and the opinions between greek and international audiences are very different and fascinating.

[@WillSchwartzz]

Come and See is one of the most devastating movies I've ever seen. Got to see it in a packed theater in 35mm last year and I just walked for hours after that. Mysterious Skin and The Nightingale have both been on my watchlist for ages because I love Kent and Araki, but it seems like you really have to be in a solid headspace to take those on and brace yourself. Still making my way through it but super comprehensive list, Emma!

[@robbieproebstle1314]

The Nightingale is amazing! I'm not exactly looking to watch it more than once a year at most but it has stuck with me.

[@DPaisleyDaisy-pr5wz]

The Nightingale was excellent!! I WILL watch COME n SEE! I keep putting it off for some reason.

[@Wraiven22]

The Nightingale was incredible but I’ve never cried so hard watching a movie. I was practically dry heaving I was crying so hard. Huge trigger warning to anyone who’s experienced sexual violence!

[@TheHHN007]

Come and See bored me to tears the performances are atrocious throughout.

[@WillSchwartzz]

@@TheHHN007 Paths of Glory might be a good alt if pace was an issue for you, but couldn't disagree more, personally. Was riveted by that movie, thought the performances were super grounded

[@davidellis5141]

Years ago , I went to a midnight showing of Salo & I wish I hadn't. It disturbed me for several days. Absolutely brutal film.

[@paintitblack9712]

WHAT A GREAT LIST!!! love that I had watched some of these and completely forgot about them! personal favorites in no particular order: -We need to talk about Kevin ( just wow, I can't figure out which came first:her inability to bond with him turning him antisocial or was she able to see/feel something only a mother would. I love how the story unfolds with her falling in love and the horror her life becomes when she gives birth to Kevin. This is gonna sound sick but I always wonder if Kevin killed his sister first then his father therin allowing his father to finally see him for the monster his mother always knew him to be or if he died first none the wiser. He was shot in the back so may have never seen it coming. THIS FILM LIVES RENT FREE IN MY HEAD) -An American crime ( another one from Elliot page is "Hard candy" great movie) -The Room -American history X - Nocturnal animals ( Love that her ex husband had insight into himself and was able to channel his pain into a great novel) -Compliance -Old boy (I've seen Thirteen, lovely bones & Lolita and all were great films however if someone were to ask me about disturbing movies they wouldn't immediately come to mind. Especially Thirteen which I didn't find disturbing at all. Lovely bones almost makes it there however the cinematography & storytelling is done in a way that doesn't allow ME to fully absorb story in all its horror in the way I think it was meant to)

[@ethane61306]

It was really interesting hearing you talk about these movies, even if I have no desire to see most of them. The only one I’ve seen is Funny Games (1997). Perfect Blue and Room were already on my watchlist, and after this video I’ve added Promising Young Woman and Oldboy. I don’t think I can stomach any of the others.

[@tuckerprice5521]

Thank you so much for finally talking about SALO. It's my fave.

[@crueltothecity]

I found your channel a month ago or so and I'm in love. I love disturbing movies, I almost seen all of them (of this tier list) and I almost agree with every tier. My fav is A clockwork orange, is a classic and is stuck in my brain but yeah, is a dark commentary. Waiting to be focused to see "come and see".

[@Ash_Lo]

That scene in American History X is excruciating to even think about.

[@naydenem]

I can still hear it……😭

[@ojipon]

​@@naydenem which scene? I'm confused

[@Knee-JerkReactor]

Yes, jolly good list, but how about the next tier ranking subject could be David Lynch? Seriously, a video all about disturbing movies and no Lynch!?

[@MissRagnarok]

I loved this video! It's so weird how some of these movies have effected me more than some horror movies. Grave of the Fireflies is such a beautiful move but it truly is heartbreaking to watch.

[@itachiuchiha1682]

Hey Emma, Have you seen "Systemcrasher" or in German "Systemsprenger"? It's on Netflix in Germany right now and a recommendation because I think you might really enjoy it. I think it could be on your next Disturbing non-Horror Movies List if you choose to watch it.

[@roseannbroz8131]

I have a Threads story. I got off work one day, got in my car, started the engine and heard what seemed to be an important news story. Basically it said, this is not a drill. We have been advised that bombs are headed towards several major cities... That was about all I heard as I live in San Diego, California and figured, because of our naval base, we would be a target. My heart was beating very fast and I didn't know what to do. I then turned my attention back to the radio as another announcer came on and said, tonight at 8pm watch Threads on ABC. After getting a little angry at myself and the commercial. I thought that I now understood how War of the Worlds was to people back in the day. I did watch Threads that night and to this day I consider it one of the best films of its kind. Even if it did scare the bejesus out of me.

[@pamelaboden]

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer was completely filmed in my city of Cincinnati, Ohio. As was so many other famous movies.

[@crocheting_with_cat_hair]

I somehow came across Dogtooth when I was in college (think it was on Netflix??) and went into it totally blind. That was probably 12+ years ago, and I still think about it. Completely traumatizing for me. Other films that had me sobbing uncontrollably were Schindler’s List and Dear Zachery. Recently watched Threads as well, and I will never try to survive a nuclear blast after watching that- I’m just gonna walk outside and let it take me. What a dark and devastating watch!!

[@TranCeFORM3R]

Hi spooky, your Horror content is unreal, feels like walk in same room we need explore every aspect of film. good shit keep it up girl.

[@TranCeFORM3R]

its so good

[@spookyastronauts]

Thank you so much

[@TranCeFORM3R]

@@spookyastronauts no prbloem, have you watched its sooo good ib terms i have the 4k blu ray,

[@TranCeFORM3R]

@@spookyastronauts the thing

[@CedricAda]

Was algo’d to your channel and soo thankful. Awesome to see a fellow aussie making good views for great content! I like The Cell from 1997 as a disturbing movie

[@Greencava11]

The experience of watching Threads as a child in the 80s living in a similar UK town to what is portrayed in the film during the cold war has never really left my nightmares.

[@Hannah_Grey]

This! I must have been about nine years old when I saw that at school(!?), living maybe 20 minutes away from Sheffield. At the time we were learning about how the portrayed events were likely. Terrifying.

[@ulabula1680]

Oh my lord thank you for the Irreversible take. It is one of my favorite movies, but people are always kinda put-off when I talk about it (pretty passionately so). Gaspar nailed everything he went for, from the irreversible aspect of the chain of events, to the off-putting cinematographic choices (that are there for a reason, like the rotating camera at the beginning), to one of the most scarily raw and realistic depictions of the dark side of human nature I've ever seen on the screen. Its not for the faint of heart, for sure, but I believe Gaspar Noé achieved everything he went for with Irreversible and it is a masterpiece in my book. Sadly it will always be a struggle to explain it to people lol.

[@dertyderty]

@spookyastronauts have you ever seen Tideland? I havent seen a couple movies you mentioned on this list but reminded me of that one. One of the darker non horror movies that stuck with me.

[@VanessaJup]

Love the video. The first thing that's striking as a very different opinion to mine is Oldboy, that I would put at the bottom. Incendies definitely didn't stay with me enough. Putting Happiness low feels so wrong to me because it is a film I wouldn't want to watch again, but it is technically because it was super uncomfortable. Funny Games is one I've seen many times but I still definitely find shocking, more so than uncomfortable. Finally, I love Salò and I'm happy I finally got to hear your take on it haha Both Salò and Irréversible are movies I did videos analyzing so I watched both of them an inhumane amount of times, and yes, I agree with both their placements here. And I don't think it's weird to have Salò next to Grave of the Fireflies. They're the two I watched from the top tier and they're both... Yeah. Humanity HAS failed us.

[@sVieira151]

I'm surprised that Nightingale is only in shocking. I understand the main shock moment happens with Claire at the start, but the atrocities committed to the aborigines definitely put it in the top tier for me. The depiction of the (very real) genocide is very matter of fact and that coldness and callous disregars for human life got to me - especially that scene with the prisoners towards the end. It feels like Come and See or a holocaust movie but from the perspective of someone learning to understand the horrific trauma that's been and being inflicted on Billy and his people.

[@glamdawling]

Welp…I’m back from watching Compliance after you mentioned it here. That was the most infuriating movie I’ve seen all year! GOOD movie but MADDENING. I was going to watch two movies from this list tonight but I must find something relaxing asap.

[@spaced1nvader]

love your channel. i think it might have been the combination of being stoned and watching something about disturbing movies but at 40:24 there was a weird flickering thing that kinda scared me

[@daynabeckman2856]

I watched The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas in grade 10 at school... And boy oh boy. It absolutely messed me up. There were kids in the class that thought it was funny and I simply didn't understand how someone couldn't view it the same as me. So yes, I absolutely agree with your ranking. I might even move it up a tier.

[@ronpotts6385]

Rec. for a future disturbing films list: Kids, a 1995 movie directed by Larry Clark, who later directed Bully. Clark, a photographer, partnered with first-time screenwriter Harmony Korine to make this documentary-like film which follows a day in the life of a bunch of skater kids in New York who have zero patental supervision and who are living for the moment, indulging in sex, drugs, and whatever else they want, with no thoughts or worries about the future. The film includes realistic depictions of teen drug use, violence, and sex, including one shocking S.A. scene.

[@LoreleiBeatrix]

SPOILER ALERT: I watched Kids for the first time when I was around 21 years old. It certainly was gut-punching for it's time and would rank right beside Compliance very easily. However, it might be timely as the subject of HIV was virtually a death sentence when it was made and it's diagnosis was a major fear for those of us who were sexually active adults (or even teenagers) in this specific era. However, it's probably does not hit as hard today as it would two decades ago, as time has progressed and those diagnosed early on with the disease can live on to have long-productive lives. But I would agree with you--for a film of it's time, it would have easily ranks amongst these films.

[@catherinedougherty3976]

I found your channel a couple of months ago and I enjoy your commentary. There have only been a couple of people in my personal life who share a similar taste in movies, so it's nice to know that others are drawn to disturbing films! I recently saw a movie called The Tale that was really good. It's like a coming of age story that takes place later in life where the main character realizes the truth about her past. I would probably put it in the category of "uncomfortable to watch." Someone mentioned Trust on here and it made me think of this movie.

[@empressmarowynn]

My brother showed me Dancer in the Dark years ago since I'm a huge Bjork fan. He warned me that it would hurt so we had to wait for a day I was ready for it. I still sobbed uncontrollably throughout the end and for quite some time after. It really does rip your heart out. I've watched and read some of the most messed up stuff without batting an eye but that movie I've only been able to handle once.

[@georgeheilman885]

A very well-thought-out list, I'd say. I would nominate Kids as one of the darkest coming of age movies, perhaps moreso than Thirteen. And while I agree with you on The Zone of Interest, I'd probably put The Boy in the Striped Pajamas as an uncomfortable watch, granted it's also one that I've noticed has divided opinions, so I appreciate your perspective.

[@ronlyons7455]

With Gratitude, Spooky~ Your deeply heart-full, intelligent, sensitive exposition are always appreciated and admired ~ and as close as I need to get to these films. 💜

[@ricardofilipematos4720]

Hi. I'm new to the channel. About coming of age disturbing movies the one that sticked with me is Kids from 1995. Although I love so much Oldboy, the first of the revenge trilogy Sympathy for mr vengeance, for me is way more disturbing...well, korean revenge movies have a special place in my heart xD Also, Requiem for a dream is based on a book by Hubert Selby Jr, he wrote another one (even better imo) called Last Exit to Brooklyn and there is a movie adaptation by Uli Edel (also director of The Baader Meinhof Komplex and Chistiane F), and since i'm talking about german films, The Wave from 2008 could end up in this list in The Dark Documentary tier. Cheers, and thanks for the cool video

[@PastelRemix]

Also WOW, the title of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas just hit me. After all these years. Asa's character doesn't initially see the other boy as a prisoner, but just as a kid in stripped pajamas because they're both still so innocent. Damn. That makes the entire movie so much sadder, just the title, how did I miss this for years? :(

[@gavvo-7640]

This was awesome, thanks Em! I now have a few more on my to watch list I hadn't heard of, like Thirteen and Promising Young Woman. Personally for me, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Zone Of Interest would go into Humanity has failed us category due to the subject matter. They both left me numb after watching them. The blu-ray of Irreversible gives the option of watching the movie in reverse which was an interesting watch.

[@theresacarter2093]

Thanks a bunch for the disturbing tier list! I have a few films I need to watch that were included on your list, as I’ve seen the majority because I absolutely Love disturbing movies!! There are soo many movies on your disturbing tier list that I love to rewatch, like Requiem for a Dream! Thanks for all your informative content! Love your channel ❤

[@johnhunter2782]

Yay a couple I haven't seen and a few of my favourites. So glad to see The Piano Teacher on here. I regularly listen to the soundtrack. I haven't seen you mention The Innocents anywhere.

[@cairo90s90]

Funny games is like one the most irritating movies ever letting strangers hang around in your house smh

[@carolyingfa]

I loved your both tier lists! Your reviews and disturbing movies lists always gives something new to watch. If I can recommend a disturbing horror myself, please watch Strange Circus, you'll never look at a cello case the same way again.

[@MissHotcakess]

So glad you moved Clockwork Orange, totally agree with where you placed it as it’s one of my all time faves.

[@breeannvosberg9627]

Have you seen The Tale from 2018 with Laura Dean? I don’t think it ranks with many on this list but several scenes have stuck with me since I have watched it!

[@tiffanystephens4785]

Thank you for this list! I will definently be watching some of these I haven't seen yet. A few more I would add to the list maybe under " uncomfortable watch woud be Kids and Snow angels.😊

[@nicolacook1699]

Watership Down traumatised me too . Love messed up films in general 😀

[@marissamartel2516]

For a similar coming of age movie, if you haven't already seen it, White Oleander. Based on a book by Janet Fitch. Loved this list!

[@Polyfusia]

This is the first time I've come across your channel so I don't know if you put it in a previous list but Cannibal Holocaust is worse than anything on this tier list. I watched the beginning of it and refused to finish it. Actual murder of animals on camera. I saw a mini doc about it where they described a later part of the film where the director basically instructed a male actor to actually sexually assault a woman on camera and it's in the film. I saw an interview with the director as an old man now, and it begins with him hacking the head of a goat in half with a cleaver, with its eyes still in it. He was mocking everyone who was upset by the animal violence in Cannibal Holocaust. He's an actual sadist who relishes upsetting and traumatizing people. His name is Ruggero Deodato. When the film came out he was arrested on obscenity charges. In my opinion he belongs in prison...or the ground. Piece of human shit. I've seen hundreds of messed up movies and nothing comes close. Definitely the poster child for "Humanity Has Failed Us".

[@spookyastronauts]

Yes it’s on the other list!

[@chrryblssmz]

I would highly recommend the book for Mysterious Skin, it was one of the best that I read last year and the film was truly a faithful adaptation. It captures this moment in time between the characters so perfectly and the story is just as heartbreaking and uncomfortable as it is in Film. It's quite a short book too and it took me only a few days to read

[@spookyastronauts]

God I wonder if I can do it to myself 🫣

[@jandynmarkham317]

This was such an amazing list! I love getting longer videos sometimes!

[@milxify]

Great list and great vid. Hmmm if I were to move anything....in my experience.... I would have to move Snowtown further up the list to humanity has lost us, hear me out. As a fellow Aussie it hits hard being a true story, the characters are familiar in a way, the idea that a monster like this actually walked around, it is soooo bleak and just crushing and humanity definitely failed the main character every step of the way. Love your vids and different opinions 😊

[@timatkins2228]

I agree with this take, I think the movie does a great job at creating one of the bleakest atmosphere's i've ever encountered. It's great but man is it cruel and upsetting.

[@sentientbeingslove]

Honestly can't say how many of these I WANT to watch, but this was a great video!! Keep em coming! ❤

[@deboraheddy1554]

Hi from the UK. I watched Threads when it first aired back in the day, I was 13 and it was terrifying

[@brandonavery133]

Salò put me into a deep depression for days. It's one of the most disturbing movies I have seen, and it is THE movie to watch if you want to see what fascism's endgame is. I think people have missed the point if they think it's just torture porn.

[@torrejohnson3940]

have you read the book

[@RonanS88]

No, you have missed the point. You can't just tack on a political message to a degrading film and hail it as "commentary". So much of the film is pointless gratuity

[@arlem525]

Threads traumatized me. The mob scene at the hospital.... We Need to Talk about Kevin is one of the best books I've ever read

[@stephenball2108]

It’s interesting. When I was young (high school), I thought Requiem for a Dream was amazing and really didn’t like Trainspotting. As I’ve gotten older it’s the opposite, I think Trainspotting is amazing and honestly I kind of hate Requiem for a Dream. It’s just so heavy handed in its commentary that honestly it takes me out of things. A few movies I’d like to hear your opinion on are Breaking the Waves and In the Company of Men. Obviously you like Von Trier, I think Breaking the Waves is his best and it’s just devastating. And In the Company of Men is just one of the most cruel movies I can think of that aren’t like, violent.

[@clevm002]

Please do a video on Salo 🙏🏻. I have always wanted to know why it's so shocking yet it's rare to find a video that realistically depicts why. I cannot watch it where I live and I'm just so curious for a real honest and normal reaction.

[@kierank1982]

Pasolini's life was so interesting. It's a shame that Salo was so miserable to watch, because his other movies are far more accessible. Trouble was that Pasolini was a despairing cynic by the time he made Salo. He was a master filmmaker though. Does the Australian censors still ban movies? I remember a mate getting an uncut version of Angel of Vengeance from Australia (AKA Ms. 45). it was cut here in England.

[@A_C0W-M00]

I’d love to see you do a top ten zombie media or movie ranking video! Love you content btw you have opened my eyes to so much good media

[@skinkbug]

I unfortunately found The Coffee Table a very fun watch. I think a lot of the conversation to have around it is in the way the story is told, and how much is fit into a very small amount of time. It's just a good story.

[@IczR1]

Great list, and a very enjoyable watch! Surprised that Lilja 4-ever isn't on here, strong movie that would definitely qualify.

[@spookyastronauts]

I wish but I explain this at 0:59 this isn’t all films ever it’s a short list and it’s still a very long video

[@loxley75]

I never see Lars von Triers ‘The idiots’ mentioned these days but it still has to be one of his most disturbing films, certainly his most uncomfortable to watch even though some scenes are heroics. I think one of the most traumatising films I’ve seen is another one that never gets mentioned, an amazing Japanese film called ‘memories of Matsuko’

[@spookyastronauts]

I don’t think I’ve seen that one I’ll note it down thank you!

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

Great list, Emma. If you decide to do a part 2, I'd like to throw in Kids and Party Monster. Also Sleepers. Man, there's SO many! Lol.

[@Rose_Ou]

Oh yes, Sleepers, you can't unsee those scenes. I often think about child actors and their parents. I'd never let my child take part in any movie of that kind. How do you explain to a child a scene where they're expected to pretend they're being s abused and told to pray the rosary ? Hollywood is a sick world.

[@Murphy1228]

Have you seen Breaking the Waves? It’s probably my favorite Lars von Trier movie & Emily Watson is simply brilliant. But I find it to be unbelievably disturbing! Would be interested to know your thoughts.