Most people tend to watch movies repeatedly if they prove to be entertaining, but that’s not something audiences are always left wanting to do. That’s because there can be times when a movie is so intense that watching it a second time isn’t a good idea. Some stories aren’t built for repeat viewing, whether it’s because the film is filled with scary moments or because the subject matter is a lot to deal with.
With that in mind, we’ve looked at 21 movies that are so intense that a second viewing is out of the question.
American History X
American History X covers serious topics blending racism, far-right beliefs, and Nazi ideologies, which creates an intense viewing experience for anybody. Edward Norton’s lead performance is full of passion, but although the story is gripping, it features violence and trauma that might not bring people back.
Saw 2
Gore and violence are not to everyone’s tastes, so many might not want to rewatch Saw 2. While the original Saw does feature some bloody scenes, they’re nothing compared to its first sequel, which ramps things up to the extreme. With the group of characters having to endure various challenges to earn an antidote, the gruesome nature of the deaths in this movie ramps up and won’t leave some people wanting more.
Marley & Me
On paper, the idea of a movie based on loving a pet and seeing their life journey sounds like wholesome fun, and for the most part, that’s undoubtedly true with Marley & Me. But the ending is one guaranteed to leave people dealing with profound sadness. That will put most people off from returning to this story regardless of the charming chemistry that Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson share.
Midsommar
Florence Pugh dazzles in Midsommar, but her excellent performance alone might not make people want to watch this more than once. The core plot is all about trauma, and the movie does feature some disturbing and brutal scenes that can leave people covering their eyes while watching. There are moments when this is incredibly eerie, leaving an overwhelming feeling of fear that people may not want to deal with again.
Hereditary
Certain horror movies can feel over the top and ridiculous. Still, Hereditary brings a level of raw realness due to the family aspect that makes this one deeply upsetting and traumatic to watch. The acting throughout this one is profoundly moving, and that only intensifies the emotions that viewers will feel.
Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver outstanding performances in this one. While some may be tempted to watch Marriage Story again to appreciate them, it’s easy to understand why most don’t. The movie’s plot is based on a messy divorce, providing lots of raw emotion that can be intense.
Spotlight
Spotlight boasts an incredible ensemble cast featuring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and John Slattery, and the acting throughout is fantastic. It’s a drama that follows The Boston Globe’s journalistic team as they pursue a lead focusing on child molestation charges against a local church. The fact that it’s based on a true story makes the events even more harrowing, so most can’t stomach a second viewing.
127 Hours
James Franco brings the intensity in this one. He portrays a mountain climber who gets stuck during one of his adventures. With his arm trapped and time running out, there’s only one option left for survival. Audiences know what’s heading into it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch, so people don’t view it again.
Terrifier 2
Terrifier 2 is one of the bloodiest movies ever made, with violence and gore being the core themes. The main antagonist being a clown could be too much for some people, but for those without that fear, the consistent violence might end up pushing them over the edge.
Stronger
Stronger is a movie based on the real-life of Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal does a terrific job portraying him and bringing all the emotions to the table in showcasing what happened after that. While it’s ultimately an inspirational story, the subject matter is intense and could be too much for some people to watch again.
Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino’s movies have always been known for featuring tons of violence, and Django Unchained is no different in that regard. However, throw in much racial language and a plot that focuses on slavery, and this one indeed becomes intense. Jamie Foxx admits the movie is supposed to leave you feeling angry, and while it’s worth watching, people might not want to return to it afterward to feel that way again.
A Quiet Place
This movie is one of the most unique concepts ever created. Its world is taken over by creatures who can hear the slightest noise and are willing to kill anyone they hear. It plays with the concept of sound like no film has before. But it’s incredibly intense to watch, as audiences are gripped by the tension, particularly during the birth scene.
Prisoners
Prisoners is an incredible thriller that produces one of Hugh Jackman’s most outstanding performances. It’s also a profoundly intense movie. The plot centers around a missing child, so there’s already plenty of tension, and that doesn’t let up with the depths Jackman’s character is willing to sink to get her back. That can make the idea of watching again hard, plus the movie isn’t quite as enjoyable when the spoilers are known.
Get Out
Get Out is a clever horror movie that doesn’t focus on gore or big jump scares but provides a detailed look into societal racism. There are some intelligent twists and unique ideas throughout this, but even though the plot is expertly put together, its unsettling nature doesn’t lend itself to a second watch.
Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler movies are typically full of family fun and highly repeatable. But that’s not the case with Uncut Gems, which sees the comedic actor take on a more serious role as a jeweler with a gambling issue. The movie is anxiety-inducing and has several significant twists that can quickly leave viewers feeling blown away without needing to rewatch it.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a movie that leaves viewers feeling exhausted by the end due to the film’s intensity, which doesn’t let up from start to finish. While it’s packed full of incredible music and some fascinating scenes, the uncomfortable relationship between student and teacher is one that many people will find too much.
Jackass: The Movie
Some movies are intense because of violence, consistent scares, or their psychological nature of them. When it comes to Jackass: The Movie, it is something completely different. People can be put off by this one due to how disgusting it is, with the various stunts throughout this one pushing the boundaries of extreme that some people might find disturbing.
The Mist
The Mist is a gripping movie about a group of people attempting to survive after a mist descends and dangerous creatures begin to lurk. However, David’s decision in the final act will leave viewers feeling depressed, and the outcome of the lead characters is one people won’t be clamoring to revisit.
The Human Centipede
The clue is in the title about why people might find it too intense for a repeat viewing. It’s a highly intense movie simply due to the plot, with one twisted scientist wanting to create something straight out of people’s nightmares. The film has plenty of brutal scenes to watch, so most won’t check it out a second time.
Requiem for a Dream
Based on Hubert Selby’s novel, Requiem for a Dream is one of the most intense movies ever made. Focusing on the impact of drugs, this story is complex and can be highly emotional. It’s a movie that feels taxing to view, making it hard to check out again.
