HORROR TEN SPOT: Top 10 Bizarre Horror

Last Updated on August 3, 2021

Horror comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of it rocks, some of it sucks, and some of it just leaves you saying “Meh.” But there is a whole other possibility that almost defies attempts at criticism. It’s the flicks that at the end you simply think WTF was that?!

Now I’m not one who generally thinks because I don’t understand something it must have been ultra deep, in fact my ego requires I go in the other direction on that point. Still, it’s hard to discount the power of those works that, while not necessarily “understandable” do kick your brain all over the place and permanently brand you.

So let’s take a look at a group of the oddest, weirdest, most head tripping horror flicks you’ll likely ever see. And if you make it back alive from the trip, then spit bullets on what crazy sights you’ve seen in your life.

1. ERASERHEAD

Has there ever been a surrealist work that was so widely accepted? I don’t think so. A lot of that is because this isn’t a movie that’s meant to make sense in the traditional view. It’s more a tapestry of images that create a horrific Rorschach experience for each and every viewer. The true beauty of Lynch’s startling unique creation is that everyone agrees it’s weird, but it’s differently weird for each person. Confusing, horrifying, and enthralling all in one fell swoop. If you wanna get your bizarreness on, this freaky haired boy is the one to see.

2. TETSUO – THE IRON MAN

What do you do when you’ve been anally raped by a chick’s bio-mechanical metal rod? If your answer is grow a high-speed drill from your johnson and screw your girlfriend to death, then this is the movie for you. Much like many of Cronenburg’s movies, TETSUO looks at how technology, in ways both chosen and not, has integrated itself into our lives so fully that we cannot keep the two separate. Now it doesn’t do any of this in a way that makes sense from a linear narrative perspective, but it sure does create some amazingly unforgettable images.

3. BEGOTTEN

What? The? F*ck? I don’t even know exactly what’s going on in this flick because it’s purposely shot in a grainy overdeveloped black and white that causes as many headaches as it does inspire any stylistic affection. Here’s what I do know, though. It starts off with God Killing Himself and gets more uncomfortable and weird from there. You don’t watch this movie. You survive it.

4. SINGAPORE SLING

It’s film noir. Wait no, it’s a psycho-sexual melodrama. Or maybe it’s the grossest collection of sexual deviancy in cinematic history. Nah, it’s just a good old fashioned serial killer team flick. Basically mom and daughter do all sorts of kinky sex murder things together while a down on his luck detective tries to survive the duo. Don’t let the black and white fool you. This is a grotesque headtrip of the highest order.

5. LIQUID SKY

Did you think the whole concept of I COME IN PEACE was the coolest original idea you’d ever seen? Bummer, ’cause it wasn’t original. The basic premise was found in LS, although instead of Dolph Lundgren battling a mean WWE-style alien, you get a lead playing both a male and female, and at one point her female character fellates her male character. Yeah. Add in plenty of New Wave styles and surprisingly aggressive synth music to get a concoction that is best sipped when you’ve had one too many of whatever you like to have one too many of.

6. SPIRAL (UZUMAKI)

The whole town is turning into snails. Peaked your interest yet? This beautifully shot Escher like meditation on a town overcome by, you guessed it – spirals, is not exactly thrill a minute, but it’s hypnotically involving. Not a good choice for anyone who gets motion sickness, but for those tired of what feels like the standard Asian horror movie, this is a good chance to reboot your expectations.

7. VIDEODROME

It was a tough call between this and eXistenZ, but ultimately I had to give the nod to Cronenburg’s 1983 classic of mindf*ckery. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the movie is that it’s cynical view of the future of television hasn’t actually been surpassed by the networks yet. Filled with images that continue to shock and disgust to this day (gun in tummy anyone?), this film has never clearly made sense to me, but the crazy goings on certainly make me want to try to get it.

8. POSSESSION

When the director of a film says it’s basically about a woman f*cking an octopus then you know the ride is gonna be different than the usual. That’s without getting into the fact that it’s an incestuous relationship with said octopod. The vigorous overacting in this makes it too shrill of a dish for a lot of folks, but my take is this – if you’re OK with the tentacle humping, how the hell can histrionic thespians turn you off?

9. BUBBA HO-TEP

Elvis is still alive, and with the help of JFK – who happens to be black, ends up fighting a mummy in a nursing home. Believe it or not this is actually the most linear and accessible entry on the list. In fact the film is so damn good at making you believe in the absolutely ridiculous set up that you almost feel like it’s a pretty reasonable series of events while watching it. But then afterwards you start reeling the plot back through your brain pan and the only likely thought is WTF was that?!

10. SLAUGHTERED VOMIT DOLLS

This flick is a vomitorium in the most literal sense. It’s pretty much scene after scene of f*cked up expectoration for no discernable purpose. It features elements that even your 2 GIRLS AND A CUP fans would likely have difficulty stomaching, although there is some deftly dark humor in scenes like when a dude makes himself gag using the severed arm of a bulimic. I’m entirely unclear what the filmmakers wanted to accomplish with it, but it definitely leaves you wondering what the hell you just watched.