8 of the Most Shockingly Violent Films Ever Made

It’s spooky season, meaning a few things for those who relish in what comes with it – thriller movies! As much as we love new thrillers that display all kinds of violence and horror, there’s nothing quite like the classic films that already exist that still have us hiding behind a pillow at times, even on the second watch.

Some films are so violent, that they’ve been said to influence a lot of GBH sentencing we see in real life today. Whilst some films can inflict these awful responses, it’s often difficult to turn away from screens when so many of us have morbid interest in the storylines put forward.

If you’re after some violence, gore and films to vamp up the adrenaline with a thrilling watch, then look no further than the list we have for you below of our top-rated violent movies to watch this Halloween.

1.    I Spit on Your Grave (2010)

First up, I Spit on Your Grave is certainly not one to watch with parents or without a cushion to hide behind. The violent story of a young girl attacked by a group of men in one of the most violent ways possible. It’s certainly a shocker to witness!

However, it does take a revengeful turn which is equally satisfying to watch and horrifically violent in return.

2.    Hostel (2005)

If you need one film to put you off the idea of travelling Europe, then Hostel is certainly the one for you. Hostel won an Empire Award back in 2006 for ‘Best Horror Film’ and it’s easy to see why.

A story of three backpackers who set off on an adventure only to find themselves in hell, this one is particularly gory and violent.

3.    Saw (2004)

Saw is just the start of a gleefully twisted and gruesome story that has become a Halloween favourite over the course of several films. The story of a man named Jigsaw who sets about making wrong doers earn their lives back through a series of gory games.

The storyline may not be obvious to some, as often viewers are distracted by body parts being flung off by various contraptions triggered through tough choices made, that lead to the characters demise. Talk about taking the law into your own hands with this one.

4.    Wrong Turn (2003)

This is the story of a group of friends who break down in the wrong part of a forest, wind up venturing further and further towards danger. This classic thriller will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

5.    Wolf Creek (2005)

Is there anything creepier than a horror ambiguously based on true events? We think not. Wolf Creek is a classic Australian based film featuring the demise of a couple of backpackers who find themselves hunted by a sadistic, xenophobic serial killer in the outback of Australia.

The film has been praised by some critics for the unrelenting depictions of crime and violence, some saying it’s too straightforward and “taboo-breaking”. Wolf Creek was nominated for several film awards, so it’s worth discovering why this Halloween!

6.    Girl With a Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Featuring the wonderful Daniel Craig, this complex story of a journalist trying to discover the story behind a missing girl leads to an array of violent attacks on those trying to solve the case. This one is certainly one to watch with caution if you’re triggered by sexual violence but, don’t worry, there is also some epic revengeful scenes to balance out the injustice.

The Swedish-based film is certainly one for those who like their thriller movies to have a sound storyline (along with the violence!).

7.    Eden Lake (2008)

What starts off as a lovely story of Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly taking a break from their school lives with a scenic camping trip, turns into a fight for survival at Eden Lake, as they’re stalked by some violent locals.

This thriller also stars Jack O’Connell who many of us know from the hit series Skins, whose character is the source of the trouble for the couple.  A hard watch but it’s made the list for its violence and reputation.

8.    Apocalypto (2006)

Directed by Mel Gibson, Apocalypto is a historical adventure film featuring a cast of Native Americans and Indigenous Mexican actors. This is the story of a Mayan civilisation that are brutally attacked and taken by warriors looking to enslave the Mayans.

The story follows a character called Jaguar Paw whose will to save his family sees him through the toughest challenges and conditions. This is over two hours of tense, violent watching but another film with a great story line and a must see.

Some movies are not to be watched alone…

Whilst we love an epic violent thriller, if you feel affected after watching any of the movies listed it’s probably a good idea to take a breather before moving on the next on the list. Some researchers believe that watching horror films can cause a person to become violent themselves, after all.

So, make sure you have good company and some really good snacks to sweeten the tense moments.