7 Best Body Horror Movies of All Time

There's something about a gross, body horror movie that just gets under my skin, literally. These movies stick with you when you watch them, and they're really fun to show people who have no idea what's coming. It took me a beat, but I picked out my seven favorites that I think are a must-watch for any fan of cinema. They run the gamut of old, new, and disgusting. Let's dive in. 1. The ThingDirector: John CarpenterWriter: Bill Lancaster (screenplay), based on the novella "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr.Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David.This is a little bit of a boy horror and mystery mashup. It's one of my favorite movies and I think is a safe entry point for most people into this horror subgenre. Hook them with this one, then bring them deeper. 2. The FlyDirector: David CronenbergWriter: David Cronenberg and Charles Edward Pogue (screenplay), based on the short story by George Langelaan.Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Geena DavisThis is just the easiest movie to use when describing body horror to someone. The images, the logline, the reputation, all combine to define the genre. When you see this movie, you will never be able to unsee it. 3. VideodromeDirector: David CronenbergWriter: David CronenbergCast: James Woods, Deborah HarryI recently was able to see this at the Academy Museum with Cronenberg in attendance. I still think this might be his ultimate masterpiece. It rewards repeat viewings if you can do it. 4. EraserheadDirector: David LynchWriter: David LynchCast: Jack Nance, Charlotte StewartThis movie is so strange and so diabolical. It makes you feel so much for its character but also then creepily brings you to such an uneasy place the deeper you get into its world. 5. HellraiserDirector: Clive BarkerWriter: Clive Barker (screenplay), based on his novella "The Hellbound Heart."Cast: Doug Bradley, Clare Higgins, Ashley LaurenceThe cover of this VHS used to give me nightmares. I'd see it in Blockbuster and run past it. Then, and as an adult, I went back to it. Well, I still had nightmares. 6, ScannersDirector: David CronenbergWriter: David CronenbergCast: Jennifer O'Neill, Stephen Lack, Michael IronsideThis is a movie I can only watch late at night. It still feels like I'm a kid and will get in trouble for the ultra-violence and gore. It's the perfect cult film. 7. The SubstanceDirector: Coralie FargeatWriter: Coralie FargeatCast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis QuaidLast year's Oscar darling somehow got snubbed from the Oscars. This movie is so fun, so prescient, and felt like a wonder while watching it. Summing Up The Best Body Horror Movies of All TimeThese are my favorites, but I know there's a whole world of body horror out there to appreciate. I want to hear what movies I missed and what I should add to this list. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Mar 20, 2025 - 21:03

There's something about a gross, body horror movie that just gets under my skin, literally. These movies stick with you when you watch them, and they're really fun to show people who have no idea what's coming.

It took me a beat, but I picked out my seven favorites that I think are a must-watch for any fan of cinema. They run the gamut of old, new, and disgusting.

Let's dive in.

1. The Thing

Director: John Carpenter
Writer: Bill Lancaster (screenplay), based on the novella "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr.
Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David.

This is a little bit of a boy horror and mystery mashup. It's one of my favorite movies and I think is a safe entry point for most people into this horror subgenre. Hook them with this one, then bring them deeper.

2. The Fly

Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: David Cronenberg and Charles Edward Pogue (screenplay), based on the short story by George Langelaan.
Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis

This is just the easiest movie to use when describing body horror to someone. The images, the logline, the reputation, all combine to define the genre. When you see this movie, you will never be able to unsee it.

3. Videodrome

Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: David Cronenberg
Cast: James Woods, Deborah Harry

I recently was able to see this at the Academy Museum with Cronenberg in attendance. I still think this might be his ultimate masterpiece. It rewards repeat viewings if you can do it.

4. Eraserhead

Director: David Lynch
Writer: David Lynch
Cast: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart

This movie is so strange and so diabolical. It makes you feel so much for its character but also then creepily brings you to such an uneasy place the deeper you get into its world.

5. Hellraiser

Director: Clive Barker
Writer: Clive Barker (screenplay), based on his novella "The Hellbound Heart."
Cast: Doug Bradley, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence

The cover of this VHS used to give me nightmares. I'd see it in Blockbuster and run past it. Then, and as an adult, I went back to it. Well, I still had nightmares.

6, Scanners

Director: David Cronenberg
Writer: David Cronenberg
Cast: Jennifer O'Neill, Stephen Lack, Michael Ironside

This is a movie I can only watch late at night. It still feels like I'm a kid and will get in trouble for the ultra-violence and gore. It's the perfect cult film.

7. The Substance

Director: Coralie Fargeat
Writer: Coralie Fargeat
Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid

Last year's Oscar darling somehow got snubbed from the Oscars. This movie is so fun, so prescient, and felt like a wonder while watching it.

Summing Up The Best Body Horror Movies of All Time

These are my favorites, but I know there's a whole world of body horror out there to appreciate. I want to hear what movies I missed and what I should add to this list.

Let me know what you think in the comments.