50 Strangest Films Ever Created
50 titles
- 1
The Hourglass SanatoriumMovie · 1973 · 124m · Drama, Fantasy, HorrorJosef visits his father at a decaying sanatorium, and his simple trip becomes a strange journey. Exploring the building's rooms, he enters worlds shaped by his own memories, dreams, and fears. Reality and imagination become indistinguishable as Josef journeys inward, exploring the depths of his mind and the complexities of his recollections.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 2
The Holy MountainMovie · 1973 · 113m · DramaThis surreal and thought-provoking film centers on The Alchemist, who gathers a diverse group of people representing the planets of our solar system. He doesn't aim to unite them, but to remove their worldly ties through strange rituals. Their goal: Lotus Island, where they must climb the Holy Mountain to challenge the hidden gods controlling the universe. The film explores spiritual transformation, power, and humanity’s search for truth. As these characters face a bizarre world, they question their beliefs and challenge the unseen divine authority that governs everything.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 3
Post Tenebras LuxMovie · 2012 · 115m · DramaIn the Mexican countryside, Juan and his family live a life both idyllic and isolated. Their existence is distinct from the outside world, and it's unclear whether these two worlds coexist peacefully or are in constant conflict.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 4
RaptureMovie · 1980 · 110m · Drama, Fantasy, HorrorJosé Sirgado, an independent filmmaker, battles heroin addiction and struggles to maintain his grip on reality. He finds solace in the films of Pedro, a fellow film enthusiast, who offers a lifeline amidst his turbulent life.
The film explores the complexities of addiction and artistic passion through José's intimate journey. Drug-induced haze blurs the line between fantasy and reality as his life spirals. The allure of Pedro’s films provides a reprieve from his darkest days, offering a beacon of hope.
This film examines addiction and artistic ambition, capturing the raw emotions of an individual grappling with personal demons and seeking solace in cinema's power. Through nuanced characters and evocative storytelling, José Sirgado delivers a meditation on the human condition and art’s redemptive qualities.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 5
Woos WhoopeeMovie · 1928 · 7mThis unusual Felix the Cat cartoon shows Felix, clearly drunk, fleeing from various demons. His desperate flight culminates in an unexpected welcome from the most powerful demon of all: his angry wife.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 6
Funky Forest: The First ContactMovie · 2005 · 150m · Comedy, Science Fiction, FantasyThis film is a series of bizarre, disconnected vignettes centered on Guitar Brother, his libertine older brother, and their overweight Caucasian sibling.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 7
Sweet MovieMovie · 1974 · 98m · ComedyIn a society obsessed with purity, a young woman becomes a celebrated symbol of virtue when crowned Miss World Virginity. Millions watch as she embodies chastity and innocence after marrying a highly regarded man. However, she soon discovers a disturbing reality: her husband is a masochistic tormentor who uses pain and humiliation to exert control.
Leaving her marriage behind, she flees into a world of indulgence and excess. There, she confronts the complexities of life beyond purity culture, navigating the dangerous desires of powerful men. She learns strength from her vulnerability and resilience in the face of adversity.
The story explores societal expectations, self-discovery, and the fight for freedom in a world that seeks to control individuals. As the definitions of virtue and vice become blurred, it questions our understanding of innocence and experience, presenting a compelling look at one woman's journey to redefine herself.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.2 - 8
Exte: Hair ExtensionsMovie · 2007 · 108m · Comedy, Horror, MysteryA young hairdresser captures the attention of a man obsessed with hair who supplies extensions to local salons. The hair's unsettling origin is the corpse of a girl, whose body inexplicably continues to produce beautiful, abundant black hair – hair that seems to possess a life of its own and drives those who use it to madness or death.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9 - 9
Multiple ManiacsMovie · 1970 · 96m · Crime, Comedy, Horror"The Cavalcade of Perversion" follows Divine, the leader of a disturbing circus troupe, as she seeks revenge after discovering her partner's betrayal. The traveling freak show becomes a cover for her hunt.
The film explores deception, obsession, and the dangerous connection between love and cruelty. Divine's relentless pursuit of justice becomes increasingly dark, mirroring the performances of her troupe. The quest for retribution escalates to a shocking climax where reality and illusion merge.
This film presents a twisted world where morality is distorted, challenging the audience’s understanding of truth and justice. It’s a captivating and unsettling journey into the darker aspects of human nature.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 10
DogtoothMovie · 2009 · 98m · DramaThree teenagers are isolated in a remote country estate that feels otherworldly. Confined within its walls, they spend their time listening to homemade tapes that introduce them to a completely new vocabulary. Any word from outside their home is redefined. For example, "the sea" means a large armchair, and "zombies" are little yellow flowers. To maintain control, their overbearing parents force them to pretend they have an estranged brother who disobeyed them.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 11
The New York RipperMovie · 1982 · 93m · Horror, Crime, ThrillerIn New York City, a hardened detective is forced to team up with a young, eager psychologist to hunt a serial killer preying on young women. Using psychological profiling, they try to understand the killer's motives, but the gruesome nature of the crimes strains their partnership. The investigation reveals a disturbing network of lies and violence, pushing both detectives to confront their own inner struggles as they chase the elusive killer. This intense thriller explores the strength of the human spirit and the necessity of trust when facing the unknown.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 12
HouseMovie · 1977 · 88m · Comedy, Fantasy, HorrorTo learn more about her mother's history, Gorgeous travels with six friends to visit their aunt at a historic country estate. The large, mysterious house reveals hidden secrets and stories from the past. As Gorgeous and her friends explore, they uncover connections to their own lives and relationships.
This story combines personal reflection and close friendship as Gorgeous and her companions explore the old house. It's an engaging look at discovering oneself, family, and the impact of shared experiences. This captivating story of history, friendship, and self-discovery offers a memorable film experience.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 13
The Hands of OrlacMovie · 1924 · 98m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryThis drama tells the story of a celebrated pianist whose life changes forever when an accident results in the loss of his hands. A groundbreaking surgery offers him a chance to play again, with new hands successfully grafted onto his body. But the situation takes a dark turn when he learns the hands came from a convicted murderer. As the pianist struggles with this disturbing truth and adjusts to his new life, he must grapple with who he is – is it his body or his own choices that define him? The film is a powerful exploration of tragedy, finding redemption, and accepting oneself, set against the beauty of musical artistry.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 14
Long Live DeathMovie · 1971 · 90m · Drama, WarFollowing the Spanish Civil War, ten-year-old Fando struggles to comprehend the turmoil as his father is unexpectedly arrested. His mother, sympathetic to the Fascists, is suspected of involvement in his father's capture, creating tension within their family. As Fando grows into adolescence, he shifts between imaginative perceptions of his world and interactions with his friend Thérèse, while also contemplating deeper issues of sexuality, death, and his mother’s true loyalties. Throughout his difficult journey, Fando confronts not only his family's past but also his own evolving understanding of love, betrayal, and who he is.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 15
Boxing HelenaMovie · 1993 · 107m · Drama, Romance, ThrillerA celebrated surgeon becomes fixated on a woman who once turned him down. Determined to win her over, he persistently pursues her, convinced she needs him as much as he needs her. She tries to avoid him, but fate intervenes when a devastating accident leaves her reliant on his medical expertise. Their lives become intertwined as they grapple with difficult choices and the increasingly blurred line between their professional and personal lives under immense pressure.IMDb 4.8TMDB 5.0 - 16
In My SkinMovie · 2002 · 93m · Drama, HorrorFollowing a severe leg injury, a young woman forms a disturbing connection with her body. She finds pain pleasurable, views self-harm as affection, and feels her physical desires take on a life of their own.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 17
NekromantikMovie · 1988 · 71m · Drama, HorrorThis film centers on a quiet street sweeper whose job involves cleaning up after accidents. Hoping to revitalize his marriage, he brings a dead body home. Instead of the intended effect, his wife becomes strangely fascinated with the corpse, seemingly preferring it to her husband. The story explores human connection, desire, and relationship complexities, questioning conventional ideas about love and intimacy.IMDb 4.8TMDB 5.1 - 18
Burst CityMovie · 1982 · 115mIn a desolate, futuristic Tokyo of highways and ruins, a rebellious group of punk bands and their followers unite to demonstrate against the stagnant, uninspired pace of Japanese life.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.3 - 19
Black Devil Doll from HellMovie · 1984 · 70mA woman purchases a doll from a mysterious magic shop. She is unaware that the doll is inhabited by a malevolent spirit, which begins to exert control over her.IMDb 3.3TMDB 3.5 - 20
PigstyMovie · 1969 · 99m · DramaThis film weaves together two separate stories exploring guilt, acceptance, and societal expectations. One follows a young man in an unspecified time period who is sentenced to a brutal death for killing his father, illustrating the destructive nature of violence. The other centers on Julian, the son of a German industrialist in post-war society, whose difficulties with people lead him to find comfort with his farm animals, examining the challenges of human connection in a turbulent world. Both narratives explore the darker side of humanity and societal fears, creating a powerful and thought-provoking experience.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.1 - 21
Bad Boy BubbyMovie · 1993 · 114m · Crime, Drama, ComedyBad Boy Bubby tells the story of a young man who has spent his entire life sheltered from the world by his overprotective mother, who convinced him the outside air is poisonous. When his estranged father unexpectedly visits, Bubby's carefully controlled existence is disrupted. Thrust into a chaotic reality, the naive and misguided Bubby must navigate a world of societal expectations and find his own path. The film uses dark humor to explore themes of lost innocence and the struggle for identity.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 22
Welcome Home Brother CharlesMovie · 1975 · 103mWrongfully convicted of murder, a man emerges from prison determined to exact revenge against a biased police force and the detective responsible for his false imprisonment.IMDb 4.9TMDB 4.5 - 23
ZardozMovie · 1974 · 105m · Fantasy, Action, ThrillerIn a future where people can live forever but have lost what it means to be alive, a group of immortals tries to protect human achievements. In this bleak world, a fierce warrior, skilled in combat and without compassion, finds their hidden home. The hunter's arrival disrupts the immortals' aimless existence, forcing them to question their lives and the perfection of their world. This dark film examines survival, connection, and the importance of death, exploring the consequences of living forever in a desolate future.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 24
A Page of MadnessMovie · 1926 · 71m · Horror, DramaA man enters the shadowy world of a mental asylum determined to free his wrongly accused spouse. Inside, he meets many mysterious patients, each with their own tragic past. As he explores the institution, the difference between sanity and insanity blurs, forcing him to confront not only the system's problems but also his own strength. This difficult journey explores themes of love, determination, and difficult choices, offering a compelling story and a reflection on how society handles mental health.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 25
RabbitsMovie · 2002 · 43m · Horror, Mystery, ComedyThis film follows a group of humanoid rabbits navigating the monotony of their everyday lives. The story centers on scenes of routine: Suzie ironing, Jane relaxing on the couch, and Jack's repeated comings and goings from their apartment. Interspersed are moments of quiet reflection, including occasional solo songs performed by Suzie or Jane. The rabbits also experience a significant event – making contact with their designated leader.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 26
On the Silver GlobeMovie · 1989 · 165m · Science Fiction, DramaA team of explorers journeys to a new world to start a civilization. A determined woman hopes to leave her mark among the stars. But as they travel, they face a terrifying internal struggle that gradually destroys them.
Left behind, the explorers' children reject their advanced culture and embrace a primitive life in the new environment. They develop their own myths and a god reflecting both their fear and the vulnerability of human dreams.
The film is a compelling story about self-destruction, cultural change, and the enduring strength of humanity, set against the stunning backdrop of deep space.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.7 - 27
The IdiotsMovie · 1998 · 114m · Comedy, DramaIn Lars von Trier's Dogma-95 film, the director creates a unique cinematic experience by using home-video and documentary techniques. The story follows a group of young people as they explore who they are, challenging how they appear and examining their inner selves. The film explores the complexities of identity and asks viewers to consider the challenges and changes involved in finding oneself.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 28
VideodromeMovie · 1983 · 88m · Horror, Science Fiction, MysteryMax Renn leads a TV channel focused on popular, low-quality programming. Seeking new material, he discovers "Videodrome," a program featuring extreme violence. Hoping to increase viewership, Max broadcasts it. Soon after, his girlfriend disappears after auditioning for the show, prompting him to investigate. He uncovers a disturbing truth suggesting the violence in "Videodrome" may be real. This thriller examines media manipulation and the difficulty of distinguishing reality from illusion, unfolding in a suspenseful story.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 29
GozuMovie · 2003 · 130m · Horror, Comedy, CrimeMinami accidentally kills Brother, a gangster associate. Shortly after, Brother's body disappears, and Minami begins searching for him. He discovers a secluded hotel and decides to stay there. The hotel staff are odd, and the atmosphere is unsettling. Minami soon realizes he's in over his head.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 30
Meat LoveMovie · 1989 · 1m · Animation, Comedy, RomanceA short film tells an unusual story of love between two slices of raw meat on a kitchen counter. They long for connection, and as 1920s jazz plays, they playfully interact. Their budding romance is interrupted when forks and skewers unexpectedly lift them and place them in a hot pan, intensifying their story of desire and chance encounters. The film explores fleeting moments and life's surprising turns.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 31
They Eat ScumMovie · 1979 · 73mThis is the story of a teenager who becomes a prominent figure in the death-rock music scene, experiences a decline in popularity, and then returns to prominence.IMDb 4.9TMDB 5.4 - 32
ThingsMovie · 1989 · 84mDriven by an obsessive need for a child, a husband resorts to extreme measures, compelling his wife to participate in a risky experiment. The experiment yields the birth of numerous grotesque and terrifying creatures.IMDb 2.9TMDB 3.8 - 33
RubberMovie · 2010 · 82m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyIn the California desert, a telepathic killer tire relentlessly pursues a beautiful woman, shocking those who witness the bizarre events.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.9 - 34
Tetsuo: The Iron ManMovie · 1989 · 67m · Horror, Science FictionThis dark thriller follows a man with a metal fetish who descends into madness as maggots infest a wound on his body. He is accidentally struck and killed by a Japanese businessman and his girlfriend. Hoping to avoid trouble, they quickly dispose of the body. But their attempt at escape fails when the businessman begins a terrifying transformation; his skin hardens into iron, trapping him in a horrifying curse. The couple's lives unravel as they desperately search for the origin of this affliction and a way to end its devastating effects.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 35
The Boxer's OmenMovie · 1983 · 105m · Horror, Fantasy, ActionAfter his brother is seriously injured by a Thai boxer, Chan Hung travels to Thailand seeking revenge. His quest for vengeance evolves into a search for truth when he discovers a mysterious omen that could break a family curse. As Chan Hung explores fate, curses, and dark magic, the distinction between revenge and destiny fades. The film blends Eastern culture and beliefs with a personal vendetta, offering a compelling story about redemption and the power of the supernatural.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 36
Spider BabyMovie · 1967 · 84m · Comedy, HorrorIn a remote mansion, the last of the Merrye family battles a hereditary curse. They physically age, but their minds regress, leaving these isolated siblings struggling to understand the world. Their loyal chauffeur protects them from societal judgment and their own unpredictable behavior. But when greedy relatives and their lawyer plot to take over the Merrye estate, the family's precarious existence is threatened, leading to a dramatic clash that could end their line forever.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9 - 37
Ebola SyndromeMovie · 1996 · 100m · Comedy, Crime, HorrorA man on the run flees across continents to escape capture, beginning in Hong Kong and heading towards South Africa. He discovers he has immunity to the Ebola virus. Now, he must return home, but his journey inadvertently plunges him back into the center of the deadly outbreak. The film explores desperation, survival, and difficult choices against the backdrop of a global health crisis.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 38
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past LivesMovie · 2010 · 114m · Drama, FantasyFacing imminent death from kidney failure, Boonmee spends his final days with his family in the countryside. His deceased wife unexpectedly appears as a ghost to care for him, and his long-lost son returns, transformed into a creature other than human. Seeking answers about his condition, Boonmee journeys with his family to a mysterious cave on a hilltop – the place where he was born.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 39
Black MoonMovie · 1975 · 101m · Fantasy, Horror, MysteryThis film explores conflict between men and women during a global war. A young girl fleeing the war finds refuge in a hidden sanctuary. There, she meets an enigmatic unicorn and its unusual human family: a sister, brother, their many children, and a matriarch who communicates via radio from her bed. The family welcomes the girl as she adjusts to this strange world. The story examines survival, resilience, and unity, highlighting the complexities of human connection during hardship and the strength found in supportive communities.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 40
Drawing Restraint 9Movie · 2006 · 135mThis film explores the idea of limiting oneself and continues Matthew Barney's exploration of religious rituals, specifically focusing on Shinto practices.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 41
MarquisMovie · 1989 · 83m · Animation, ComedyOn the eve of the French Revolution, an eccentric Marquis is wrongly accused of plotting against the king. Amidst the turmoil at Versailles, he finds refuge in writing stories of passion and transgression. But his unusual companion, a talking penis named Colin, desires more than just words; he yearns for involvement in the political upheaval. Together, they navigate the dangerous world of power, confronting their inner struggles as the Marquis grapples with loyalty to the monarchy and his own rebellious nature. This darkly comedic story examines freedom, creativity, and the merging of fantasy and reality.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 42
AriaMovie · 1987 · 97m · Music, Comedy, DramaThis film showcases ten short films by ten different directors, each with their own style. Ken Russell, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, and Nicolas Roeg are among them. The films center on an aria, used as the main soundtrack. Each director uses the music to create a visual story that enhances its emotional impact. The collection offers a fascinating look at different artistic approaches and a captivating experience for viewers.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.3 - 43
PinMovie · 1988 · 103m · Horror, Thriller"Pin" is a story about Leon, an adult man who has always been close to his plastic medical dummy from childhood. After a tragic accident leaves him without family, Leon brings the dummy to live with him and his sister, Ursula. Ursula is initially against this, but Leon's attachment to the dummy grows into something unhealthy.
The film shows Leon's mental state slowly breaking down as he deals with grief, loneliness, and difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination. Ursula tries to help her brother, struggling to understand his behavior and facing difficult consequences.
Director Jane Smith’s dark comedy-drama explores complex human relationships and psychology, offering both humor and food for thought. "Pin" is a captivating film that examines the mysteries of the human mind.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 44
GummoMovie · 1997 · 89m · Drama, ComedyIn San Francisco, a team of dedicated trauma specialists at City Hospital race against time to provide life-saving care during emergencies. Using land vehicles, boats, and helicopters, these professionals quickly reach patients across the city – from high-rise buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid to the San Francisco Bay. They risk their own safety while working to help people in extreme conditions, finding deep meaning in their efforts. This documentary offers a powerful look into urban trauma care and its effect on both those who are injured and the people who rescue them.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 45
Un Chien AndalouMovie · 1929 · 16m · Horror*Un Chien Andalou* is a highly influential European surrealist film that revolutionized cinema with its experimental approach. Director Luis Buñuel and artist Salvador Dalí collaborated to create a film that blurs reality and dreams, prompting viewers to reconsider their understanding of the world. The movie presents a series of seemingly unrelated yet unsettling scenes and images, defying conventional storytelling and offering a distinctive cinematic experience that remains impactful. Its provocative visuals and innovative style solidify *Un Chien Andalou*'s place as a key moment in the development of film as an art form.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 46
Liquid SkyMovie · 1982 · 112m · Science Fiction, Comedy, ThrillerIn a unique science fiction story set in New York City's underground punk scene, a mysterious alien searches for a rare chemical. This unusual creature, with its strange appearance, becomes involved with the city's punk subculture as it seeks a powerful brain chemical released during orgasm.
The alien explores New York's streets and clubs, forming unlikely friendships with a group of outcast punks who get drawn into its strange quest. The story examines identity, isolation, and the search for pleasure, all underscored by punk rock music. The film blends dark humor, striking visuals, and compelling storytelling, prompting audiences to consider their own desires long after viewing.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 47
Cat SoupMovie · 2001 · 33m · Fantasy, Animation, Science FictionThis darkly humorous story follows Nyatta, a kitten who walks and talks, as he journeys to the afterlife to rescue his sister's soul.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 48
CrimewaveMovie · 1985 · 83m · Comedy, Crime, HorrorErnest Trend is at his wit's end with his business partner. Seeking a quick fix, he hires two exterminators to handle the situation. But their operation goes horribly wrong, resulting in the accidental death of an innocent man.
Faced with the devastating consequences, Ernest and the exterminators desperately try to find a way to escape their predicament. Their desperate attempt at redemption leads them down a dangerous path as they concoct a complex scheme to frame someone else and conceal their crime. The story is a gripping exploration of guilt, deception, and desperation, forcing audiences to question the limits these characters will reach to avoid facing the truth.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5 - 49
Even Dwarfs Started SmallMovie · 1970 · 96m · Comedy, DramaThis film examines freedom and rebellion through the story of a community of dwarfs in a remote countryside institution. When the inhabitants revolt against their keepers, their actions range from funny and ordinary to unsettling. The story is an allegory for the complicated results of people fighting for independence, showing both positive and disturbing outcomes when individuals seek autonomy.
The movie shows how a justifiable uprising can be empowering but also lead to chaos, highlighting the difficult balance between freedom and order. By casting the entire film with dwarfs, the allegory becomes stronger, prompting viewers to consider how societal rules affect an oppressed group's fight for liberation. The result is a thought-provoking film that explores fundamental human struggles and emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 50
TaxidermiaMovie · 2006 · 94m · Drama, Horror, ComedySpanning three generations, the story begins with a World War II orderly seeking release through bizarre acts. His affair leads to a son who develops an extreme appetite and becomes a competitive speed eater. This son, in turn, has a child fixated on taxidermy.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6
