Sometimes some movies deal with topics that make the audience squirm. Perhaps it’s the violence, the horror, or the sheer depravity of the film that causes the viewers to feel uncomfortable (or even disgusted).
Here are some movies that have caused hatred and, at times, walkouts among viewers
Freaks (1932)
This horror-drama follows the seduction of circus owner Hans by Cleaoptara (a trapeze artist who loves money). Hans suffers from dwarfism, and this movie shockingly exploits this and the physical disabilities of other circus members.
The Passion of Christ (2004)
Mel Gibson’s ambitious portrayal of the last days of Jesus. Many critics hammered the film as overly violent as Jesus was lashed, beaten, and then crucified.
127 Hours (2010)
Survival stories are inspirational. Man versus nature in a struggle to survive a tragic ordeal. Yet, when cutting off one’s arm with a knife to stay, the viewers can get a bit queasy.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
This set a new bar for war movies. The first 20 minutes or so are utterly violent and realistic. Some WWII American veterans who saw initial screenings re-experienced PTSD.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino’s debut film. The swearing and violence were too much for some at the Sitges Film festival. During the screening, several people walked out on it, including Wes Craven.
Alien (1979)
One of the best sci-fi horror films in which a crew is combating a stowaway on their ship. The disturbing part of the film is when the alien pops out of Kane’s chest.
Psycho (1960)
Not many films have one of the main stars bumped off within 30 minutes of it starting. Psycho’s shower scene caused some audience to faint in their seats while others fled the cinema in terror.
The Painted Bird (2019)
Another film that looks at the tragedy of WW II. A boy wanders through villages in Eastern Europe, seeking help. The violence within the film can be overwhelming for some.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
This movie was banned in several countries upon its release. The horror and violence were too much for some. Many people threatened to sue cinemas that screened it with moral bankruptcy.
Swiss Army Man (2016)
Swiss Army knives provide various survival options thanks to their deliberate versatility. What if you treated a corpse like that? The concept caused walkouts at the initial screening at Sundance.
Irreversible (2002)
The violence was too much for many in this psychological horror. Also, the SA scene was too graphic. At the Cannes Film Festival, 250 people left the screening as it was too disturbing.
Raw (2016)
A vegetarian suddenly craves raw meat after being forced to eat part of a rabbit in Biology class. The cannibalistic scenes were too much for some at Toronto Film Festival, where several viewers fainted.
Prometheus (2012)
A sequel to Alien. Some people still haven’t gotten over the alien-popping-out-of-a-chest scene. There were reports of faintings when Noomi Rapace had an abortion on her alien baby.
Titane (2021)
It is rumored that this film caused a frenzy (not in a good way) at Sydney Film Festival. Again, like other movies on this list, there are stories of people fainting while watching Titane. That’s all due to the graphic violence and self-mutilation within the film.
Caligula (1979)
This was supposed to be a portrayal of the depravity and perversion of Caligula. However, many were disgusted at the passion throughout the film. A fact that many critics attacked the movie over and which also caused walkouts.
