5 body horror movies to watch on Hulu

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who grew up during the golden age of body horror films, I must say that my love for this sub-genre has only intensified over the years. The Substance, much like a well-cooked ribeye, served as a tender reminder of why I fell in love with body horror in the first place – it’s the perfect blend of shock, disgust, and unease that leaves you craving more.

Body horror is a popular sub-genre for horror movies and gets more acclaim as time goes on. The Substance regained the attention of body horror lovers and reminded me why I adore the genre. My fascination began in the 80s after watching movies like The Thing and Hellraiser.

Body horror is the abnormal modification of the human body to the point of being grotesque. The point of body horror is to shock the audience and to make them feel uncomfortable in their own skin. The movies on this list will do just that and remind you why the genre is so popular.

Alien franchise (1979-2024)

In a different phrasing, let me share that another film which fueled my affection for this genre is “Alien”. A particular image, the Xenomorph emerging from Kane’s chest, has left an indelible impression on me (although it might be considered a spoiler, I believe most people are already familiar with this scene).

In a spaceship drifting through the empty cosmos, the crew of the Nostromo is trying to make their way back home. They’re abruptly awakened from cryosleep by an emergency signal coming from a distant vessel. Upon investigating, they discover a ship filled with mysterious eggs. One of these eggs hatches, attaching itself to one crew member. The creature that emerges terrorizes the ship, hunting down the crew until none are left alive. If you’re interested, you can watch Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien: Resurrection, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, and Alien: Romulus on Hulu.

Suitable Flesh (2023)

Suitable Flesh” delves into the realm of body horror, albeit without excessive gore in most instances. However, its true terror lies not in grotesque imagery but in the concept of body swapping. This idea, while fascinating, is profoundly unsettling as it portrays a scenario where one has no control over their own body and no means to regain it. The hopelessness of this situation adds an extra layer of dread to the narrative.

Dr. Elizabeth is an exceptional psychiatrist, but one day she encounters an unusual client named Asa. Asa reveals that he thinks his father has taken over his physical form. During a meeting with the father, Elizabeth discovers a book containing spells within it. When these spells are whispered into someone’s ear, they cause a body swap. Eventually, Elizabeth experiences this phenomenon herself and must track down Asa’s father to reverse the spell and regain her own body.

Titane (2021)

In natural and easy-to-read language, Titane is a gruesome French film directed by Julia Ducournau, who previously directed Raw (2016), another body horror movie. The genre is depicted through the grisly killings of the protagonist, Alexia, and her bizarre pregnancy. The body horror in this film is more graphic but also emphasizes the film’s unpredictable narrative.

Growing up, I was unfortunate enough to be in a devastating car crash that required a titanium plate in my skull. Now as an adult, I work as a captivating showgirl at an automotive exhibition, where my unusual fascination with vehicles, known as mechanophilia, becomes apparent. However, there’s more to me than just my attraction to cars – I harbor a sinister secret: I am a serial killer on the run. To escape detection, I disguise myself as a missing boy named Adrien and find myself under the care of his father, who is gradually unraveling my hidden truths.

The Fly (1986)

“The Fly,” a 1980s classic, significantly shaped the body horror genre as we know it today. This movie excels in its grotesque yet convincing practical effects, and the transformation of Seth is both astounding and terrifyingly realistic.

Seth Brundle is an ambitious scientist who encounters a journalist by showcasing his remarkable invention. This scientist, Brundle, develops a teleportation device that swiftly moves inanimate objects. As time passes, he deciphers the secrets of transferring living organisms. In a moment of imprudence, he transports himself without noticing a fly had also been transported, leading to his transformation into a half-human, half-fly creature.

Hatching (2022)

In a Finnish production titled “Hatching“, we encounter a unique blend of body horror, reminiscent of bird-body transformations. The metamorphoses in this movie might be overlooked given the pedigree of its puppet maker, who has contributed to blockbusters such as “Jurassic World” and “Star Wars“.

As a gamer, I’m fixated on proving my worth to my overbearing mom by excelling in gymnastics. The hope is that this will finally earn her approval. One fateful day, I chance upon an injured bird and its egg. I secretly bring the egg home, fearing my mom’s disapproval. I vow to nurture it like the perfect mother it deserves. But when it hatches, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before.

2024-11-30 04:25