Martyrs is a renowned psychological horror film that has left a lasting impression on fans of the genre. If you’re looking for more movies that delve into the dark and disturbing themes similar to Martyrs, here are 16 films that you should definitely check out.
1. Hereditary
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a chilling horror film that explores the terrifying legacy of a family haunted by supernatural forces. Starring Toni Collette and Alex Wolff, this movie is known for its intense atmosphere and shocking twists.
2. The Babadook
The Babadook is an Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent. The story follows a single mother, played by Essie Davis, who battles with her son’s fear of a mysterious creature lurking in their home.
3. Antichrist
Directed by Lars von Trier, Antichrist is a disturbing film that delves into the psychological and supernatural. Starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, this movie is known for its controversial and graphic content.
4. Inside (À l’intérieur)+trailer)
Inside is a French horror film directed by Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury. It stars Alysson Paradis as a pregnant woman who is terrorized by a mysterious intruder, played by Béatrice Dalle, on Christmas Eve.
5. The Witch
The Witch, directed by Robert Eggers, is a supernatural horror film set in 1630s New England. The movie stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Ineson, and it explores the paranoia and fear within a Puritan family.
6. Irreversible
Irreversible is a French psychological thriller directed by Gaspar Noé. The film stars Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, and it is known for its non-linear narrative and intense, graphic scenes.
7. The Descent
Directed by Neil Marshall, The Descent is a British horror film that follows a group of women who become trapped in an uncharted cave system. Starring Shauna Macdonald and Natalie Mendoza, the film is known for its claustrophobic atmosphere and terrifying creatures.
8. High Tension (Haute Tension)+trailer)
High Tension is a French slasher film directed by Alexandre Aja. Starring Cécile de France and Maïwenn, the movie is about two friends who are hunted by a relentless killer during a visit to a secluded farmhouse.
9. Funny Games
Directed by Michael Haneke, Funny Games is a psychological thriller that explores themes of violence and sadism. The film stars Naomi Watts and Tim Roth as a couple who are terrorized by two young men.
10. The Orphanage (El Orfanato)+trailer)
The Orphanage is a Spanish horror film directed by J.A. Bayona. The story follows a woman, played by Belén Rueda, who returns to her childhood orphanage and discovers that it holds dark secrets.
11. A Serbian Film
A Serbian Film is a controversial horror film directed by Srđan Spasojević. Starring Srdjan Todorovic, the movie is about a retired porn star who is lured into making an extreme film, leading to horrific consequences.
12. The Human Centipede (First Sequence)+trailer)
Directed by Tom Six, The Human Centipede is a body horror film that follows a deranged surgeon, played by Dieter Laser, who kidnaps and surgically joins three people together. The film is known for its shocking and grotesque premise.
13. Eden Lake
Eeden Lake is a British horror film directed by James Watkins. Starring Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender, the movie follows a couple who are terrorized by a group of violent youths during a weekend getaway.
14. The Girl Next Door
The Girl Next Door is a horror film directed by Gregory Wilson, based on a true story. The film stars Blythe Auffarth and Blanche Baker, and it tells the harrowing tale of a young girl who is subjected to brutal abuse by her caretaker.
15. I Spit on Your Grave
Directed by Meir Zarchi, I Spit on Your Grave is a controversial exploitation horror film. Starring Camille Keaton, the movie follows a woman who seeks revenge on the men who brutally assaulted her.
16. The House That Jack Built
The House That Jack Built is a psychological horror film directed by Lars von Trier. The film stars Matt Dillon as a serial killer who recounts his gruesome murders in a series of flashbacks.
These films, much like Martyrs, delve into the darker aspects of human nature and are sure to leave a lasting impact on any horror enthusiast.