Are you looking for the most disturbing movies in New Zealand of all time? If so, you have come to the right place. Disturbing movies are those films that leave you feeling unsettled, disturbed, and oftentimes, scared. We have a fine collection of horror movies on American Netflix in New Zealand too for the record.
In most cases, disturbing movies are based on true stories, which makes them all the more unsettling. They are films that make you think about the dark side of humanity and they are films that leave you feeling uneasy.
From serial killer films to Resident Evil Movies in Order, there is a wide variety of disturbing movies that you must check out only if you dare.
The good thing is that there are various streaming services that offer disturbing movies, so you don’t even have to leave your house to watch them. Some popular platforms include Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
75 Most Disturbing Movies in New Zealand to Watch in 2023
If you are looking for the most disturbing movies of all times, you have come to the right place. With thousands of titles, it can be challenging to know where to start. Apart from classical horror movies, these are pretty good too.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of what we believe are the most disturbing movies in New Zealand to watch in 2023. From psychological thrillers to gore-filled horror flicks, there is something for everyone on this list.
So, without further ado, let’s get to the list.
The Crucible (1996)
Genre: Drama, History
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Writer: Arthur Miller
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Scofield, Winona Ryder
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Runtime: 2h 4m
Topping the disturbing movies list is The Crucible. In this movie, John Proctor, a man who is put on trial for witchcraft after his affair with Abigail Williams is revealed. Paul Scofield co-stars as Judge Danforth is the man presiding over the witch trials.
The Crucible is a haunting examination of mass hysteria and religious intolerance that will leave audiences deeply disturbed. It is among the most disturbing horror thriller movies.
The Seasoning House (2012)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Director: Paul Hyett
Writer: Paul Hyett, Conal Palmer
Cast: Rosie Day, Sean Pertwee, Kevin Howarth
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Runtime: 1h 30m
The Seasoning House is a 2012 horror movie that follows the story of Angel, a young woman who is sold into prostitution and forced to work in a brothel. The Seasoning House is a harrowing film that showcases the brutality of the sex trade and will leave audiences feeling deeply disturbed.
The Seasoning House is graphic, it’s disturbing, and it’s sometimes difficult to watch. But it’s an important film that provides a rare and brutal glimpse into the realities of life in a war zone.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Western
Director: S. Craig Zahler
Writer: S. Craig Zahler
Cast: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 2h 12m
Another entry on the list of most disturbing horror movies to watch in 2023 is Bone Tomahawk. Sheriff Franklin Hunt leads a search party into the wilderness to rescue a group of kidnapped settlers. The group is captured by a tribe of cannibals, and the sheriff must use all of his wits and skills to get them out alive.
Bone Tomahawk is a brilliantly suspenseful and shocking film that will leave audiences both disturbed and amazed.
The Grudge (2020)
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Director: Nicolas Pesce
Writer: Nicolas Pesce, Jeff Buhler, Takashi Shimizu(based on)
Cast: Tara Westwood, David Lawrence Brown, Junko Bailey
IMDb Rating: 4.3/10
Runtime: 1h 34m
If you’re looking for a truly disturbing movie to watch in 2023, look no further than The Grudge. A young woman named Kayako is haunted by a vengeful spirit after her husband kills her family.
The spirit will kill anyone who comes into contact with her, and as the body count starts to mount, the viewer is left wondering who will be the next victim. The Grudge is a masterfully atmospheric and deeply unsettling horror movie that will leave audiences shaken. Similarly Annabelle movies in order are a great collection of horror movies ever made.
A Serbian Film (2010)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Srdjan Spasojevic
Writer: Aleksandar Radivojevic, Srdjan Spasojevic
Cast: Srđan Todorović, Sergej Trifunović, Jelena Gavrilović
IMDb Rating: 5.0/10
Runtime: 1h 44m
The movie follows Miloš, a retired porn star, who is lured out of retirement by an offer from Vukmir, a shady producer, to make one last film. Miloš agrees but soon realizes that he has been recruited to make a pedophilia and necrophilia film, which does not go well with him.
A Serbian film is among the most disturbing movies of all times you’ll ever watch. Many critics denounce it as a controversial movie for its graphic and disturbing content.
Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
Genre: Horror, Adventure
Director: Ruggero Deodato
Writer: Gianfranco Clerici, Giorgio Stegani
Cast: Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi, Perry Pirkanen
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 1h 35m
The movie follows a group of documentary filmmakers who travel to the Amazon rainforest to film a documentary about a cannibal tribe. However, things turn for the worse, and the crew is soon captured and eaten by the cannibals they were trying to film.
Cannibal Holocaust is one of the most graphic and disturbing movies ever made. While Cannibal Holocaust may be too extreme for some, it is a must-see for horror fans.
Begotten (1989)
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Director: Edmund Elias Merhige
Writer: Edmund Elias Merhige, Tom Gunning
Cast: Brian Salzberg, Matthew Rauch, Donna Dempsey
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 1h 12m
Begotten is one of the most traumatizing movies of all time. The plot follows a God-like being who gives birth to a human-like creature, who then goes on a rampage. The movie is shot in an extremely strange and unsettling style, adding to its disturbing nature.
While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate experimental cinema will certainly find Begotten a scary and unique experience. It is among the most disturbing movies of all times.
Antichrist (2009)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Director: Lars von Trier
Writer: Lars von Trier
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 48m
Antichrist, a deeply disturbing movie that follows a married couple. They and She retreat to a remote cabin in the woods after the death of their young son. While there, they descend into madness and violence, leading to one of the most shocking and disturbing endings in recent memory.
Antichrist is a masterfully crafted horror film that will leave audiences reeling. It is among the most disturbing horror movies you’ll ever watch.
The Human Centipede: The First Sequence (2009)
Genre: Horror
Director: Tom Six
Writer: Tom Six
Cast: Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams, Ashlynn Yennie
IMDb Rating: 4.4/10
Runtime: 1h 32m
A disturbing film that follows the exploits of a mad scientist who stitches together three human beings to create a “human centipede.” The humans are joined together mouth-to-anus and are forced to eat the feces of the person in front of them.
The film is graphic and disturbing, leaving audiences squirming in their seats. If you are ready to dare, go ahead and watch this movie. You might not eat for some days.
Ichi the Killer (2001)
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Director: Takashi Miike
Writer: Sakichi Sato, Hideo Yamamoto
Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Nao Omori
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Runtime: 2h 9m
One of the most traumatizing movies and definitely not for the faint of heart. The story follows Ichi, a sadistic killer who takes orders from the yakuza. Ichi torture and kills his victims in horrific ways, leading to one of the most disturbing images.
Ichi the Killer is one of the movies you shouldn’t watch if you’re squeamish. It features gratuitous violence, gore, and even some sexual content.
In My Skin (2002)
Genre: Drama, Horror
Director: Marina de Van
Writer: Marina de Van
Cast: Marina de Van, Laurent Lucas, Laetitia Dosch
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Runtime: 1h 33m
A young woman Esther develops a disturbing obsession with self-mutilation. This is after she cuts herself while working at a nightclub and becomes fascinated by the blood and the pain. The film follows Esther as she descends into madness, ultimately leading to horrific consequences.
In My Skin is a difficult watch, but it is a masterfully crafted piece of horror cinema that is sure to leave audiences disturbed.
Happiness (1998)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Director: Todd Solondz
Writer: Todd Solondz
Cast: Dylan Baker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jane Adams
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Runtime: 2h 14m
The film follows the lives of several characters who are all struggling with various forms of unhappiness. From a pedophile to a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, the film explores the dark side of human nature with brutal honesty.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Happiness is a brave and uncompromising film that will provoke strong reactions.
Aftermath (1994)
Genre: Horror
Director: Nacho Cerdà
Writer: Nacho Cerdà
Cast: Pep Tosar, Ángel Tarris, Jordi Tarrida
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Runtime: 30m
Aftermath is a film that is one of the messed up movies you’ll ever watch. The film follows a morgue attendant who severely mutilates and defiles one of the preserved bodies.
While it is a short film of 30 minutes, it is one of the most disturbing films ever made and is not for the faint of heart.
Audition (1999)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Director: Takashi Miike
Writer: Daisuke Tengan, Ryû Murakami
Cast: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Tetsu Sawaki
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 1h 55m
The story follows a widower, Shigeharu Aoyama, who is convinced by his friend to hold fake auditions for a movie to find a new wife. He eventually settles on the beautiful and enigmatic Asami.
However, it soon becomes clear that Asami is not who she seems, and the film takes a dark turn as she starts to torture and manipulates Shigeharu. Audition is a psychological horror film that will stay with viewers long after seeing it.
Nekromantik (1987)
Genre: Horror
Director: Jörg Buttgereit
Writer: Jörg Buttgereit, Franz Rodenkirchen
Cast: Daktari Lorenz, Beatrice Manowski, Harald Lundquist
IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 1h 11m
Nekromantik is a film that follows the story of Rob, a man who cleans up after accidents. But one time, he brings home a corpse for his girlfriend Betty. The two engage in necrophilia, leading to some truly disturbing and graphic scenes.
Nekromantik is not for the faint of heart and will leave audiences feeling uneasy. It is one of the traumatizing horror movies of all time.
Dogtooth (2009)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Writer: Efthymis Filippou, Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley, Aggeliki Papoulia
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 1h 37m
The film follows a father who keeps his three adult children isolated from the outside world in an attempt to control them. This results in a series of disturbing events that build to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion.
The act leads to the physical and emotional terror that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. You can watch this movie if you dare.
Irreversible (2002)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Director: Gaspar Noé
Writer: Gaspar Noé
Cast: Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 1h 37m
The story follows a woman, Alex, who is brutally raped and murdered. Her husband, Marcus, sets out on a vengeance-fueled quest to find her killers. Along the way, he descends into a world of violence and depravity.
Irreversible is a harrowing film that will leave audiences breathless from the amount of horror scenes it has packed within.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1957)
Genre: Drama
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Writer: Pier Paolo Pasolini, Sergio Citti, Pupi Avati
Cast: Paolo Bonacelli, Uberto Paolo Quintavalle, Giorgio Cataldi
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 1h 57m
As its name suggests, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, is a movie set during World War II in Italy. The film features four fascist libertines who round up and kidnap nine teenage boys and girls for 120 days while physically, sexually, and mentally torturing them.
If you are someone with a weak heart, you might want to think twice before watching this movie. It is one of the most disturbing movies of all time.
I Spit On Your Grave (1978)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Meir Zarchi
Writer: Meir Zarchi
Cast: Camille Keaton, Eron Tabor, Richard Pace
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 1h 41m
I Spit On Your Grave is a controversial and alarming film banned in many countries upon its release. The story follows a young woman, Jennifer (Camille Keaton), who a group of men brutally rapes.
She then takes revenge on her attackers in one of the most savage and brutal ways imaginable. I Spit On Your Grave is not for the faint of heart.
Dabbe 6: The Return (2015)
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Director: Hasan Karacadag
Writer: Hasan Karacadag, Yasar Al
Cast: Elcin Atamgüc, Funda Eskioglu, Ömer Duran
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Runtime: 2h 40m
When Mukadder dies suddenly, her family is left reeling. While the cause of death seems to be cerebral hemorrhage, her sister feels it is something more serious. She narrates that the killers are of different sizes.
The movie highlights the importance of faith and how it can save one from the clutches of evil. It is a movie you shouldn’t miss if you’re a horror fan. Among the most disturbing movies of all times.
Dabbe: The Possession (2013)
Genre: Horror
Director: Hasan Karacadag
Writer: Hasan Karacadag
Cast: Elcin Atamgüc, Orhan Gencer, Muhammed Yasir Berkli
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Runtime: 2h
A Turkish horror film that tells the story of a family who is haunted by a demon. Kübra is the first person who gets possessed when preparing for her wedding. A psychiatrist, Ebru, is called in to help with the case, and she quickly realizes that this is no ordinary possession.
They call an exorcist, but he is unable to help. The family must face the demon head-on and find a way to defeat it before it destroys them all.
Caligula (1979)
Genre: Drama, History
Director: Tinto Brass
Writer: Gore Vidal, Malcolm McDowell(additional dialogue), Masolino D’Amico
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 2h 36m
Caligula is a controversial and deeply disturbing film that chronicles the rise and fall of the Roman Emperor Caligula. The film is notoriously graphic, depicting Caligula’s insane reign of terror in gruesome detail. It gives details about his sexual perversions and his gruesome executions.
The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a fascinating look at one of history’s most infamous rulers. Hence, it’s on our list of most disturbing movies.
Martyrs (2008)
Genre: Horror
Director: Pascal Laugier
Writer: Pascal Laugier
Cast: Morjana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï, Catherine Bégin
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Runtime: 1h 39m
A young woman named Anna is abducted and subjected to torture by a group of strangers. The film follows her as she sets out on a quest for revenge against those who tortured her. Martyrs is a brutal and graphic film not for the faint of heart.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised for this movie as it contains scenes of torture and violence.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Wes Craven
Writer: Wes Craven
Cast: Susan Lanier, Robert Houston, John Steadman
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Runtime: 1h 30m
The story follows a family traveling through the Nevada desert targeted by a group of cannibals. This happens after the vehicle they are traveling in has a tire blowout, and they become stranded. The family faces a terrifying ordeal as the cannibals hunt them down.
The Hills Have Eyes is a brutal and harrowing film that will leave you feeling disturbed long after it ends. It is also a testament to the genius of Wes Craven, who was able to create a shocking and thought-provoking film.
The Green Inferno (2015)
Genre: Horror, Adventure
Director: Eli Roth
Writer: Eli Roth, Guillermo Amoedo
Cast: Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 1h 40m
A group of student activists travel to the Amazon rainforest to protest against the destruction of the rainforest. However, their plane crashes, and they are taken captive by a group of cannibals. The students are subjected to a horrific ordeal as the cannibals prepare to eat them.
The Green Inferno is a shocking and brutal film that will leave you feeling disturbed. It is also a powerful commentary on the destruction of the rainforest and the way that we treat the environment.
The Woman (2011)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Director: Lucky McKee
Writer: Lucky McKee, Jack Ketchum
Cast: Pollyanna McIntosh, Lauren Ashley Carter, Brandon Gerald Fuller
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Runtime: 1h 41m
A family lives in the remote woods of Maine. They capture a wild woman and attempt to tame her. She is from the last remaining clan of cannibals and is not used to living in a civilized society.
The Woman is a disturbing and violent film that will leave you feeling unsettled. It is also a fascinating look at cannibalism and how it can be used as a metaphor for the treatment of women in society.
Bite (2015)
Genre: Horror
Director: Chad Archibald
Writer: Chad Archibald, Jayme Laforest
Cast: Elma Begovic, Daniel Fathers, Denise Yuen
IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 1h 28m
Bite is a Canadian horror film that follows a woman on her honeymoon who is bitten by a strange insect. The bite starts to change her, and she becomes more aggressive and sexually charged. She also begins to develop a taste for human flesh.
Bite is a disturbing film that will leave you feeling uneasy. It is also a great example of body horror, as the main character slowly changes into something monstrous.
From Beyond (1986)
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Stuart Gordon
Writer: Dennis Paoli, H.P. Lovecraft (short story), Brian Yuzna
Cast: Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Ken Foree, Ted Sorel
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1h 25m
From Beyond follows a group of scientists who create a machine that allows them to see beyond the normal range of human vision. However, when they turn on the device, they unleash a horrific creature that starts to prey on them.
It is a film that will leave you both disturbed and thinking about what else could be out there in the universe.
Brain Dead (1990)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Director: Adam Simon
Writer: Charles Beaumont, Adam Simon
Cast: Bill Pullman, Bud Cort, Bill Paxton
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Runtime: 1h 25m
Brain Dead is a showdown between man and machines where Martin, a man who is having trouble with a government-regulated brain implant, begins to experience terrifying hallucinations. Martin soon realizes that the implant is turning him into a killer, and he must find a way to stop it before it’s too late.
Brain Dead is a science fiction horror film that will have you questioning the safety of the technology.
Dead Alive (1992)
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Fantasy
Director: Peter Jackson
Writer: Stephen Sinclair, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson
Cast: Timothy Balme, Diana Penalver, Elizabeth Moody
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 1h 44m
The film follows Lionel Cosgrove, who is dealing with his overbearing mother. His life takes a turn for the worse when she is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey and starts to turn into a zombie. As she slowly transforms, Lionel tries to keep her hidden, but the situation quickly spirals out of control.
Dead Alive is a gore-filled and hilarious film that disgusts and entertains viewers. It is also one of Jackson’s early films showcasing his talent for mixing horror with comedy.
Slither (2006)
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: James Gunn
Writer: James Gunn
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Gregg Henry
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 35m
The story follows a small town overrun by a group of aliens that turn the residents into zombies. The film is filled with gore but has some great comedic moments.
Gunn does an excellent job of mixing the two genres. Slither is a must-see for fans of horror comedies. It is one of the best 2006 movies and is sure to leave you feeling disturbed.
Ilsa She Wolf of the SS (1975)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Director: Don Edmonds
Writer: Jonah Royston, John C.W. Saxton
Cast: Dyanne Thorne, Gregory Knoph, Tony Mumolo
IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Runtime: 1h 36m
The story follows Ilsa, a ruthless Nazi warden who runs a concentration camp where she performs sadistic experiments on the prisoners. A graphic and brutal film that will leave you feeling disturbed. It is also a fascinating look at the mind of a sociopath.
Guinea Pig 2: Flower of Flesh and Blood (1985)
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Director: Hideshi Hino
Writer: Hideshi Hino
Cast: Hiroshi Tamura, Anja Blagojevic, Kirara Yûgao
IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Runtime: 42m
A horror film featuring a kidnapped woman taken back to her captor’s home. There, she is subjected to a series of brutal and sadistic experiments.
The film is notorious for its graphic and disturbing images, which include the woman being decapitated and her body being used to create a life-size doll.
Climax (2018)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Music
Director: Gaspar Noé
Writer: Gaspar Noé
Cast: Sofia Boutella, Romain Guillermic, Souheila Yacoub, Kiddy Smile
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 1h 37m
Climax tells the story of French dancers who would rather dance the night away in an empty school building while rehearsing. However, when struck by a hallucinatory nightmare, things take a turn for the worse.
A night of party turns into one of madness. Among the most disturbing movies out there that’s definitely a must-watch if you’re into the horror genre.
The House That Jack Built (2018)
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Crime
Director: Lars von Trier
Writer: Lars von Trier, Janle Hallund
Cast: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Siobhan Fallon
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Runtime: 2h 35m
Jack is an intelligent serial killer who has learnt how to play the game after a decade or so. He believes every murder helps him in developing the madman inside as he meticulously plans each one like it’s an artwork.
This point of view into the mind of a psychopathic serial killer is a must-watch as one of the most disturbing movies till date.
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Director: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde
Writer: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde
Cast: Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Runtime: 1h 35m
Man Bites Dog is a Belgian film that follows a documentary crew as they shadow a serial killer. The film is incredibly dark and disturbing, showing the gruesome murders in graphic detail. It also doesn’t shy away from the dark humor, making the film more unsettling.
Man Bites Dog is a brilliant and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
Tusk (2014)
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Director: Kevin Smith
Writer: Kevin Smith
Cast: Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 1h 42m
Tusk is a dark comedy, one of the most disturbing films you will ever see. The story revolves around a podcast host kidnapped by a deranged fan and held captive in his basement. The fan wants to turn the host into a walrus.
Tusk is a darkly funny film that will leave you feeling disturbed.
Slaughtered Vomit Dolls (2006)
Genre: Horror
Director: Lucifer Valentine
Writer: Lucifer Valentine
Cast: Ameara Lavey, Maja Lee, Pig Lizzy
IMDb Rating: 2.4/10
Runtime: 1h 11m
Slaughtered Vomit Dolls is a film that definitely lives up to its title. This brutal and explicit film follows the story of a group of women who are taken captive by a deranged serial killer.
The killer forces the women to participate in his twisted games involving torture and murder. This movie contains some extremely graphic and disturbing scenes.
The Girl Next Door (2007)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Gregory Wilson
Writer: Daniel Farrands, Jack Ketchum, Philip Nutman
Cast: William Atherton, Blanche Baker, Blythe Auffarth
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 31m
The Girl Next Door follows a young girl named Meg who is taken in by her new neighbor, the Frames. The family is involved in a world of sex, drugs, and violence. Meg is forced to witness and participate in their depraved activities.
The Girl Next Door is a disturbing film that will leave you feeling shocked and disgusted. It is also a powerful film highlighting family and love’s importance.
Funny Games (2007)
Genre: Suspense, Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Michael Haneke
Writer: Michael Haneke
Cast: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 51m
A family settles into their vacation home, unknowing that a pair of two young men who are psychopaths are their neighbors. The innocent family has no idea what hellish nightmare awaits them.
Before they know it, the family is being held hostage by the two serial killers. Will the family manage to escape unscathed? You’ll have to watch to find out the answer to that.
Grotesque (2009)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Kôji Shiraishi
Writer: Kôji Shiraishi
Cast: Kotoha Hiroyama, Shigeo Ôsako, Hiroaki Kawatsure
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
Runtime: 1h 13m
Grotesque is a brutal and graphic horror film that follows a young couple kidnapped and held captive by a sadistic doctor. The man tortures the couple in horrific ways, both mentally and physically.
He also films the torture, which he then sells to an underground market. It is also one of the most controversial and disturbing horror films ever made.
Found (2012)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Director: Scott Schirmer
Writer: Todd Rigney, Scott Schirmer
Cast: Gavin Brown, Phyllis Munro, Ethan Philbeck
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 1h 43m
Found is a horror film about a young boy who discovers his older brother is a serial killer. The boy must come to terms with this horrific revelation and decide what to do with this information.
He also must deal with the fact that his brother is now targeting him. Found is a suspenseful and disturbing film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Suicide Club (2001)
Genre: Suspense, Horror, Comedy
Director: Sion Sono
Writer: Sion Sono
Cast: Ryo Ishibashi, Takashi Nomura, Hideo Sako
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 39m
When 54 girls suicide by throwing themselves in front of a subway train, its just a beginning to a the string of suicides. The entire nation is shoot by the happenings and an all-girl group Desert might have something to do with it.
Detective Kuroda is on the hunt for answers. Jisatsu sâkuru is a Japanese horror film that has ranked among the most disturbing movies of all time.
The Exorcist (1973)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: William Friedkin
Writer: William Peter Blatty
Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Runtime: 2h 2m
The film follows the story of a young girl who is possessed by a demon. Her mother turns to two priests for help in performing an exorcism. The priests face a battle with the demonic entity that is trying to take over the girl’s body.
The Exorcist is one of the most influential horror films of all time, and its impact is still felt today.
Inside (2016)
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Miguel Ángel Vivas
Writer: Manu Díaz, Jaume Balagueró, Miguel Ángel Vivas
Cast: Rachel Nichols, Ben Temple, Laura Harring
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
Runtime: 1h 29m
A pregnant woman is being stalked by a mysterious woman as she is targeted by the woman who wants her unborn baby. Inside is a terrifying film that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
The film is directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas and stars Rachel Nichols, Ben Temple, and Laura Harring.
Eraserhead (1977)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Fantasy
Director: David Lynch
Writer: David Lynch
Cast: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 1h 29m
Eraserhead follows Henry Spencer, who lives in a dystopian world where he is plagued by nightmares. When Henry’s girlfriend gives birth to a deformed baby, he must come to terms with his fears and learn to love the child.
Eraserhead is a unique and unsettling film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
The ABCs of Death (2012)
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Director: Kaare Andrews, Angela Bettis, Hélène Cattet
Writers: Ant Timpson, Nacho Vigalondo, Adrian Garcia Bogliano
Cast: Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Iván González, Kyra Zagorsky
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
Runtime: 2h 9m
The ABCs of Death is an anthology horror film with 26 segments, each directed by a different director. The segments are all connected by the alphabet, and each deals with death somehow.
The film is very well made with some truly beautiful cinematography. The acting is also very good, and the film has a great sense of humor.
The Last House on the Left (2009)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Crime
Director: Dennis Iliadis
Writer: Adam Alleca, Carl Ellsworth, Wes Craven
Cast: Tony Goldwyn, Monica Potter, Garret Dillahunt
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 50m
The Last House on the Left is a remake of the classic horror film of the same name. The story follows a group of criminals who kidnap and torture two teenage girls. They then take them to a remote cabin in the woods, where they proceed to rape and kill them.
The parents of one of the girls find out what has happened and set out for revenge. The Last House on the Left is one of the most disturbing movies that you need to watch in 2023.
Incident in a Ghostland (2018)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Director: Pascal Laugier
Writer: Pascal Laugier
Cast: Crystal Reed, Anastasia Phillips, Mylène Farmer
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 1h 31m
Incident in a Ghostland is a 2018 horror film that centers on a mother and her two daughters who a group of home invaders terrorizes. The film is unique in that it is told from the mother’s perspective, who is trying to protect her daughters.
However, the tables are turned when the mother becomes the victim. The film is a brutal and harrowing look at how easily someone can become a victim. It is also a reminder that even though we may think we are safe, we are never truly safe from harm.
Enter the Void (2009)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Director: Gaspar Noé
Writer: Gaspar Noé, Lucile Hadzihalilovic
Cast: Nathaniel Brown, Paz de la Huerta, Cyril Roy
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 2h 41m
Enter the Void is a mind-bending and visually stunning film from Gaspar Noé. The story follows Oscar, a young American drug dealer living in Tokyo. After Oscar is killed in a police raid, his spirit leaves his body and embarks on a journey through the city.
The journey involves Oscar revisiting his past, including his relationship with his sister. Enter the Void is a trip into the mind of a genius filmmaker, and it will leave you feeling disturbed and confused.
Trainspotting (1996)
Genre: Drama
Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Irvine Welsh, John Hodge
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Runtime: 1h 33m
Trainspotting is a dark, gritty film that follows a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film is based on the novel by Irvine Welsh and was adapted for the screen by John Hodge. Trainspotting is a brutal look at addiction and its effects on those addicted and those around them.
It is also a darkly funny film, with some black humor that will leave you both laughing and horrified. Trainspotting is not for the faint of heart, but it is an important film that everyone should see.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Writer: Anthony Burgess (novel), Stanley Kubrick (screenplay)
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Runtime: 2h 16m
A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian crime drama that is as shocking and disturbing as you expected it to be. The film follows Alex, a teenager who leads a group of thugs on a rampage of violence and crime.
When he is arrested and sent to prison, he is subjected to an experimental treatment that makes him unable to experience violence. He is then released back into society, where his desire for violence leads him to commit even more horrific acts.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Genre: Drama
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Hubert Selby Jr., Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Runtime: 1h 42m
Requiem for a Dream is a haunting and disturbing film you can still watch in 2023. The film follows the descent into drug addiction of four main characters. While the film does have its moments of hope, it is ultimately a tragedy.
Requiem for a Dream is a difficult but important film showing addiction’s destructive power. It is also a beautifully made film, with excellent performances from Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, and Jennifer Connelly.
Mother! (2017)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 2h 1m
Mother! is a film that will leave you feeling disturbed and unsettled. The story follows a couple, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, whose lives are turned upside down when strange visitors start showing up at their home.
The couple’s relationship is tested as the visitors start to wreak havoc. Mother! is a dark and disturbing film that will leave you wondering what exactly you just witnessed.
Raw (2016)
Genre: Horror, Drama
Director: Julia Ducournau
Writer: Julia Ducournau
Cast: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Nait Oufella
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Runtime: 1h 39m
Raw is a French horror film that you need to watch. The story follows a vegetarian college student forced to eat meat as part of a hazing ritual. The young woman soon finds herself craving meat and starts to cannibalize her fellow students.
Raw is a disturbing and gore-filled film that will leave you feeling queasy. It is also a well-crafted film exploring human nature’s dark side.
We Are The Flesh (2016)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Director: Emiliano Rocha Minter
Writer: Emiliano Rocha Minter
Cast: María Evoli, Diego Gamboa, Noé Hernández
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
Runtime: 1h 19m
Are you looking for the most disturbing movies ever? We Are The Flesh is a Mexican horror film that is as strange as it is disturbing. The film follows a brother and sister who take refuge in an abandoned building. They soon meet a man who gives them a dangerous offer.
The man wants them to help him create a new race of humans. To do this, they must have sex with each other and then with him. We Are The Flesh is a film that will leave you feeling disturbed and uncomfortable.
The Skin I Live In (2011)
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Writer: Pedro Almodóvar, Agustín Almodóvar, Thierry Jonquet (novel: “Mygale”)
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Jan Cornet, Elena Anaya
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Runtime: 2h
The Skin I Live In is a psychological thriller that will not go well with anyone with a weak heart. The film follows a plastic surgeon who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect skin for his patients.
When he meets a woman he believes is perfect, he becomes obsessed with her and will do anything to keep her. The Skin I Live In is a disturbing film that will leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Compliance (2012)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Director: Craig Zobel
Writer: Craig Zobel
Cast: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker, Pat Healy
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 1h 30m
Compliance starts off with a fast food restaurant’s services as they get interrupted. Because a police officer claims an employee has stolen from a customer. However, things quickly spiral out of control as Becky finds herself being manipulated through a phone call.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writer: Stephen King, Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Chiara Aurelia
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 43m
Gerald’s Game is a horror film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film tells the story of a woman who is left handcuffed to a bed after her husband dies during a sex game gone wrong. She then must battle her demons as she tries to escape the bedroom.
Gerald’s Game is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is also a very disturbing film that is not for the weak in heart.
Baskin (2015)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Director: Can Evrenol
Writer: Ogulcan Eren Akay, Ercin Sadikoglu, Can Evrenol
Cast: Mehmet Cerrahoglu, Ergun Kuyucu, Görkem Kasal
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Runtime: 1h 37m
Baskin is a Turkish film that follows a group of police officers who respond to a call in the middle of the night. They find themselves in a strange and surreal world where they are faced with unspeakable horrors.
Baskin is a dark and disturbing film that will leave you feeling uneasy long after it ends. It is also one of the most visually unsettling films you will ever see.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Writer: Efthymis Filippou, Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Barry G. Bernson, Bill Camp, Herb Caillouet
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Runtime: 2h 1m
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a dark and disturbing film that will leave you feeling uneasy. The story follows a successful surgeon who tries to integrate a teenage boy into his family after the boy’s father’s death.
However, the boy starts to exhibit strange behavior, and the surgeon’s family begins to fall apart. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a slow-burn film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Hostel (2005)
Genre: Horror
Director: Eli Roth
Writer: Eli Roth
Cast: Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson, Eythor Gudjonsson
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Runtime: 1h 34m
Hostel is a horror film that follows two college students who travel to Slovakia for a cheap vacation. They end up staying in a hostel where they are drugged and tortured by the owner and his clients.
This film is extremely graphic and disturbing, as it features scenes of sadistic violence. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a well-made film that will leave you feeling disturbed.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Director: Oliver Stone
Writer: Quentin Tarantino, Richard Rutowski, David Veloz
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Tom Sizemore, Juliette Lewis
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Runtime: 1h 59m
Natural Born Killers is a controversial film that examines the culture of violence in America. The story follows two mass murderers, Mickey and Mallory Knox, as they go on a cross-country killing spree. The film is told from the perspective of the media, which sensationalizes the killings.
Natural Born Killers is a dark and violent film that will leave you feeling uneasy. It is also a brilliant satire of the media and our culture’s obsession with violence.
Transsiberian (2008)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime
Director: Brad Anderson, Will Conroy
Writer: Brad Anderson
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1h 51m
Transsiberian is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to end. The story follows a couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway from China to Moscow. They become embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal when they meet another couple who is not what they seem.
Transsiberian is a thrilling, suspenseful film that will leave you guessing until the end. It is also a visually stunning film, with some beautiful cinematography of the Siberian landscape.
Valhalla Rising (2009)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Action
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writer: Nicolas Winding Refn, Matthew Read, Roy Jacobsen
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Alexander Morton, Maarten Stevenson
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Runtime: 1h 33m
Valhalla Rising is a visually stunning and disturbing film that follows a group of warriors transported to Valhalla. In this new world, they find themselves in a battle against an unknown force. The leading actor is a pagan warrior who escapes his bonds and sets out on a quest for revenge.
The film is visually stunning but also extremely violent and gory. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a well-made and compelling film.
Se7en (1995)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Director: David Fincher
Writer: Andrew Kevin Walker
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Runtime: 2h 7m
Two homicide detectives are on a hunt for a serial killer who believes his crimes can be forgiven as the entire world ignores Seven Deadly Sins. From one tortured victim to the next, the detectives are having a tough time.
One of the finest works of Freeman and Pitt, Se7en is a psychological thriller that has proved itself to be one of the most disturbing movies.
The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) (2011)
Genre: Horror
Director: Tom Six
Writer: Tom Six
Cast: Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie, Maddi Black
IMDb Rating: 3.8/10
Runtime: 1h 31m
The sequel tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with the first film and decides to create his own human centipede, comprising 12 people. The result is a truly nightmarish film that will leave you feeling disgusted and disturbed.
If you are looking for a horror film that will shock and disgust you, then The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is a must-watch.
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
Director: Justin Kurzel
Writer: Shaun Grant, Justin Kurzel, Debi Marshall
Cast: Lucas Pittaway, Daniel Henshall, Louise Harris
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1h 59m
The Snowtown Murders follows the story of a 16-year-old Jamie, who falls in love with her mother’s boyfriend and some of the self-appointed neighborhood guards. This leads to a series of brutal murders by these men to “clean up” the city.
The Snowtown Murders is a disturbing and harrowing film that will leave you feeling shocked and horrified. It is also a powerful portrayal of how easily people can be swayed into committing terrible acts.
Murder-Set-Pieces (2004)
Genre: Horror
Director: Nick Palumbo
Writer: Nick Palumbo
Cast: Silvia Suvadova, Tony Todd, Cerina Vincent
IMDb Rating: 3.7/10
Runtime: 1h 45m
The film follows a fashion photographer who is also a serial killer. He lures his victims to his home, killing them and taking pictures of their dead bodies. The film is highly graphic and disturbing, with scenes of violence and nudity.
However, if you can stomach the gore and violence, Murder-Set-Pieces is one of the best horror movies you can watch in New Zealand. However, only watch if you have the stomach for it.
The Bunny Game (2011)
Genre: Horror
Director: Adam Rehmeier
Writer: Rodleen Getsic, Adam Rehmeier
Cast: Rodleen Getsic, Jeff Renfroe, Drettie Page
IMDb Rating: 3.4/10
Runtime: 1h 16m
The Bunny Game is a low-budget horror film that packs a punch. The story follows a prostitute who is abducted by a truck man and taken to a remote location. There, she is subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
The Bunny Game is a film that is sure to leave you feeling disturbed and uneasy. It is also a powerful commentary on the objectification of women in our society.
Deadgirl (2008)
Genre: Horror
Director: Marcel Sarmiento, Gadi Harel
Writer: Trent Haaga
Cast: Shiloh Fernandez, Noah Segan, Candice King
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Runtime: 1h 41m
Deadgirl is about two high school friends who find a naked woman chained up in an abandoned asylum. They decide to keep her as their own personal sex toy, and things quickly spiral out of control.
It is a dark and disturbing film that will leave you feeling nauseous long after it ends. It is also a powerful commentary on rape culture and the evils that go on in society.
Kill List (2011)
Genre: Horror, Action, Crime
Director: Ben Wheatley
Writer: Ben Wheatley, Amy Jump
Cast: Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring, Harry Simpson
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 1h 35m
Kill List is a film that will leave you feeling deeply disturbed. The story follows a hitman hired to kill a list of people after taking some time off. As he goes through the list, he realizes that each target is connected to a horrific event from his past. This leads him down a dark path of violence and revenge.
Kill List is a brutal and unflinching film that will leave you feeling shaken. It is also a masterfully crafted thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Oldboy (2003)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Action
Director: Park Chan-wook
Writer: Garon Tsuchiya (based on the manga by), Nobuaki Minegishi (screenplay)
Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kwang-ho Hong
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Runtime: 2h
Oldboy is a Korean film that tells the story of Oh Dae-Su, who is abducted and imprisoned for 15 years. When he is finally released, he sets out to find his captor and exact revenge. He plans to complete this mission in five days.
Oldboy is a brutal and violent film not for the faint of heart. It is also a very intelligent and well-crafted film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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High Tension (2003)
Genre: Horror
Director: Alexandre Aja
Writer: Alexandre Aja, Grégory Levasseur
Cast: Cécile de France, Maïwenn Le Besco, Philippe Nahon
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Runtime: 1h 31m
High Tension is a French horror film that follows two female college students who are targeted by a psychopath. The girls find themselves in a fight for their lives as the killer stalks them through the countryside.
It is a brutal and bloody film that will leave you feeling disturbed. It is a disturbing film that is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for the most disturbing movies ever, then High Tension is the film for you.
I Stand Alone (1998)
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Director: Gaspar Noé
Writer: Gaspar Noé
Cast: Philippe Nahon, Blandine Lenoir, Frankye Pain
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 1h 33m
I Stand Alone is a French film that follows the downward spiral of a butcher. The butcher is an angry and bitter man who expresses his frustrations with those around him. His life begins to unravel after he has an affair with a coworker.
As a result, he loses his job and ultimately descending into madness. I Stand Alone is a disturbing thought-provoking film that will leave you feeling uneasy long after it is over.
Wrapping Up
The above are some of the most disturbing movies you can watch in New Zealand in 2023. As you can see from this list, there are plenty of films that will make you cringe, scream, and maybe even vomit.
So, if you’re looking for a good scare or just want to see some truly messed up stuff, be sure to check out one (or all) of these films. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Although for a change of taste, you can browse through anime horror movies or Korean horror movies. We’re sure you’ll find neither of the two genres too dull.
You can find these films on some of the leading streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Alternatively, you can also find them in the horror section of your local video store. So what are you waiting for? Start watching these films today and have a miserable time!