Pink Flamingos is a cult classic in the genre of transgressive cinema, known for its shocking content and boundary-pushing themes. If you’re a fan of John Waters’ infamous film, you’ll likely enjoy these 19 other movies that are equally provocative and unconventional. For more on Pink Flamingos, check out this link.
1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This musical comedy horror film follows a newly engaged couple who stumble upon a bizarre mansion. Starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, the film is a cult phenomenon known for its eccentric characters and interactive midnight screenings.
2. Eraserhead
David Lynch’s surrealist horror film centers on Henry Spencer, who navigates a nightmarish industrial landscape. Starring Jack Nance, this film is celebrated for its disturbing imagery and unsettling atmosphere.
3. Gummo
Directed by Harmony Korine, Gummo is a disturbing portrayal of life in a small, tornado-ravaged town. The film features a series of vignettes starring Jacob Reynolds and Chloe Sevigny, presenting a bleak and often shocking view of American life.
4. Freaks
This 1932 horror film directed by Tod Browning features a cast of real-life circus performers. The story focuses on the lives and struggles of sideshow “freaks,” and it remains controversial for its portrayal of physical deformities.
5. The Holy Mountain
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s surrealist film is a visually stunning journey through a mystical landscape. Starring Jodorowsky himself, the film explores themes of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
6. Trash Humpers
Another entry from Harmony Korine, Trash Humpers is a pseudo-documentary that follows a group of elderly vandals. The film, starring Korine and Rachel Korine, is shot on VHS and embraces a raw, unpolished aesthetic.
7. Ichi the Killer
This Japanese crime-horror film directed by Takashi Miike is known for its extreme violence and graphic content. Starring Tadanobu Asano and Nao Omori, the film follows a sadistic yakuza enforcer and a psychologically disturbed assassin.
8. Happiness
Directed by Todd Solondz, this dark comedy-drama explores the lives of several dysfunctional characters. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jane Adams, and Dylan Baker, the film delves into themes of loneliness and perversion.
9. Visitor Q
Takashi Miike’s black comedy-horror film tells the story of a dysfunctional family visited by a mysterious stranger. Starring Kenichi Endo and Shungiku Uchida, the film is known for its shocking and taboo-breaking scenes.
10. A Serbian Film
This controversial horror-thriller directed by Srdjan Spasojevic follows a retired porn star who is lured into making an extreme film. Starring Srdjan Todorovic and Sergej Trifunovic, the film is infamous for its graphic and disturbing content.
11. Nekromantik
Directed by Jörg Buttgereit, this German horror film tells the story of a couple who engage in necrophilia. Starring Bernd Daktari Lorenz and Beatrice Manowski, the film is a shocking exploration of love and death.
12. The Greasy Strangler
This black comedy horror film directed by Jim Hosking follows a father and son who run a disco walking tour. Starring Michael St. Michaels and Sky Elobar, the film is known for its bizarre humor and grotesque imagery.
13. Cannibal Holocaust
Ruggero Deodato’s found footage horror film depicts a documentary crew’s ill-fated trip to the Amazon. Starring Robert Kerman and Francesca Ciardi, the film is notorious for its graphic violence and realistic special effects.
14. Antichrist
Directed by Lars von Trier, this psychological horror film follows a grieving couple retreating to a cabin in the woods. Starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, the film explores themes of grief, pain, and madness.
15. Bad Taste
Peter Jackson’s debut film is a splatter comedy about aliens invading a small New Zealand town. Starring Terry Potter and Peter Jackson himself, the film is celebrated for its over-the-top gore and dark humor.
16. Santa Sangre
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s horror-drama film tells the story of a boy who grows up in a circus and later becomes involved in a series of murders. Starring Axel Jodorowsky and Blanca Guerra, the film is a visually stunning and surreal experience.
17. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
Directed by Peter Greenaway, this crime drama is a tale of infidelity and revenge set in a lavish restaurant. Starring Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, and Helen Mirren, the film is known for its opulent visuals and disturbing themes.
18. Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Pier Paolo Pasolini’s film is an adaptation of the Marquis de Sade’s novel, depicting the horrific abuses suffered by a group of teenagers. Starring Paolo Bonacelli and Giorgio Cataldi, the film is infamous for its graphic and disturbing content.
19. Society
Directed by Brian Yuzna, this body horror film follows a teenager who discovers his wealthy family is part of a grotesque cult. Starring Billy Warlock and Devin DeVasquez, the film is known for its shocking climax and social commentary.