Horror films are abundant, but the following works particularly resonate with audiences, causing many to experience serious distress, from nausea and severe shock to even heart pain and fainting. Below is a list of 15 films that are considered “spirit-shattering” by viewers.
1. The Walk (2015)
Many people felt dizzy while watching The Walk (2015), especially the elderly. The film is inspired by the real-life events of tightrope walker Philippe Petit who, in 1974, decided to walk across a tightrope strung between the Twin Towers in New York without any safety equipment. The Walk not only features the acting talent of Joseph Gordon-Levitt but also challenges viewers with heights of nearly 1300 feet (about 400 meters).
2. Van Diemen’s Land (2009)
The opening scene of Van Diemen’s Land shocked many viewers, leaving some feeling “green in the face” and fainting. The film is based on true events in 1822, where a convict named Alexander Pearce and seven other prisoners escaped from the notorious Macquarie Harbour prison, a hellish place with harsh conditions and brutal guards. Besides the shocking scenes of torture and violence, Van Diemen’s Land also portrays the true story of human survival.
3. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
In Kansas, a woman reportedly fainted in the theater witnessing the brutal depiction of Christ’s crucifixion. Mel Gibson’s film created controversy due to its religious themes and graphic violence, with many claiming the work was offensive to the depiction of Christ.
4. The Lion King (1994)
Young Simba had to learn how to protect himself after his father was brutally killed by his uncle Scar. The film’s emotional depth and tragic events shocked many young viewers, leading to some needing to be escorted out of the theater to regain their composure.
5. The Exorcist (1973)
Viewers experienced panic attacks during showings of The Exorcist, with one person fainting right in the theater. One audience member stated, “I found the film too horrifying and had to leave. I couldn’t bear to stay any longer.” At a screening in London, an ambulance was often called to assist those who fainted.
6. Irreversible (2002)
In addition to depicting lengthy and graphic scenes of sexual violence, director Gaspar Noé also used sound frequencies of 27 Hz to “disturb” viewers throughout the first 30 minutes of Irreversible. For those unfamiliar, this frequency is very close to infrasound (sound waves below 20 Hz), which can cause severe harm to the body and even lead to death. This sound technology creates pressure on viewers, making them feel nauseous, anxious, and disoriented as if they were trapped in a confined space. In 2007, Paranormal Activity also utilized this sound in several scenes.
7. Freaks (1932)
The actors in the film were primarily actual members of the circus, and the portrayal of their lives was shocking to audiences. However, after a woman reported that she became pregnant due to the film’s intense scenes, the production had to edit the work.
8. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
During the screening of Reservoir Dogs at the Sitges Film Festival, 15 people walked out of the theater, including renowned director Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream) and makeup artist Rick Baker. However, after the screening, Rick Baker told director Quentin Tarantino that it was a “compliment” because the violent scenes were too realistic.
9. 127 Hours (2010)
Viewers had to endure the scene where James Franco trapped in a canyon had to use a pocket knife to amputate his arm in 127 Hours. Many were shocked and some fainted, leading to a woman in a nearby ambulance exclaiming, “This is an outstanding film!”
10. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Using a documentary style, handheld camera, and characters in sheer panic, The Blair Witch Project challenged viewers’ limits, especially those who couldn’t bear the unsettling camera movements. In Massachusetts, the theater manager had to ask audiences to “leave the theater if they felt sick” as they were visibly distressed.
11. V/H/S (2012)
At the Sundance Film Festival during the screening of V/H/S, a viewer reportedly yelled and ran out of the theater, causing a stir as his girlfriend fainted in the hallway. The theater staff called for an ambulance, but they decided not to take her to the hospital. The management later announced: “Please return to your seats and continue watching the film.” The film involves a group of criminals who discover a VHS tape containing supernatural content in an abandoned house.
12. Raw (2016)
Many viewers were horrified when they witnessed a girl eating human flesh in the premiere of Raw at the Toronto Film Festival. Justine (played by Garance Marillier), a vegetarian student, transforms into a cannibal after being forced to participate in a horrifying hazing ritual at her school.
13. The Human Centipede (3 parts)
Jay Stone from Calgary Herald described the first part of the Dutch film as “a completely nauseating film.” However, The Human Centipede received numerous awards for Best Feature Film at Fantastic Fest (Austin, Texas), Screamfest Horror Film Festival (Los Angeles), and the Sainte Maxime International Horror Film Festival. Numerous film festivals also reported cases of viewers fainting in theaters while witnessing scenes of characters being surgically connected to form a “human centipede.” However, Spanish viewers often found the film humorous and laughed loudly in the theaters.
14. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
If you dare to watch Salò, you should prepare for a disturbing experience due to its extreme graphic content. Set during the last days of World War II, the Italian film depicts a group of wealthy individuals who abduct and torture a group of young people, portraying scenes of extreme violence, sadism, and sexual deviance. The Criterion Collection has classified the film as “shocking, disturbing, and grotesque,” featuring themes of abuse and violence that are hard to bear.
15. Grace (2009)
At another Sundance Festival screening, viewers were reportedly horrified and fainted in the theater. Grace tells the story of a woman named Madeline Matheson who is eight months pregnant when an accident occurs, and doctors declare her stillborn. Madeline, however, refuses to believe this and gives birth to a living baby, but the child does not drink milk; it only drinks… human blood.
