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Updated June 23, 2023 12.1K votes 2.2K voters 48.6K views
Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Pretentious Horror Movies Ever Made
Voting Rules
Vote up the horror films that tried to be groundbreaking in their form or message, but in a self-indulgent way that makes you roll your eyes.
Latest additions: Cordelia, Mandy, Hostel
Most divisive: The Prodigy
When an intelligent horror film is released, fans of the genre often judge it by its level of pretension. Movies like The Silence of the Lambs and Get Out are widely accepted as well-done works of art - though that doesn't keep some viewers from critiquing their storytelling or refusing to name them as part of the horror genre altogether. The ultimate value of any work of art is, of course, subjective. However, people still ask, "Is this actually good, or is it just pretentious?"
There is a general consensus among horror fans that filmmakers like Lars von Trier - though he retains a dedicated fanbase - mostly produce eye-roll-worthy cinema. And although every item on this list has garnered enough attention to assume it merits some level of worth, horror fans on the internet have agreed these films rank among the most pretentious movies of all time.
As you vote on whether these films are groundbreaking or just showy artistry, contemplate what it means to be pretentious - and if these movies contribute to the genre in a valuable way.
In the psychological horror film Mother, Jennifer Lawrence plays the character of a nameless woman living in tranquil isolation with her husband, Him (Javier Bardem). The serenity of their existence is disrupted by mysterious strangers who come to their home uninvited. As these intruders grow in number, the woman's sanity starts unraveling, and she finds herself battling unfathomable chaos that threatens her very existence. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this allegorical tale dives into themes of creation, love, and sacrifice. A recipient of several award nominations, Mother pushes cinematic boundaries with its bold narrative and intense performances.
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson
In the chilling drama Antichrist, a grieving couple retreats to their cabin in the woods, aptly named Eden, following the tragic death of their son. He (Willem Dafoe) is a therapist, intent on aiding his wife, She (Charlotte Gainsbourg), through her grief. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they descend into madness and brutality. Directed by Lars von Trier, this controversial film won Charlotte Gainsbourg the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival for her harrowing performance. This movie is an exploration of sorrow, insanity and the dark corners of human nature, all set against an eerily beautiful backdrop.
Actors: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm
In five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest.
Actors: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Siobhan Fallon, Sofie Gråbøl
Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor), a psychiatrist, has a new patient, Henry Letham (Ryan Gosling), who claims to be suicidal. In trying to diagnose him, Sam visits Henry's prior therapist (Janeane Garofalo) and also finds Henry's mother -- even though Henry has said that he murdered both of his parents. As reality starts to contradict fact, Sam spirals into an unstable mental state. Then he finds a clue as to how and when Henry may try to kill himself, and races to try to stop him.
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Ryan Gosling, Elizabeth Reaser, Bob Hoskins
A barren soundstage is stylishly utilized to create a minimalist small-town setting in which a mysterious woman named Grace (Nicole Kidman) hides from the criminals who pursue her. The town is two-faced and offers to harbor Grace as long as she can make it worth their effort, so Grace works hard under the employ of various townspeople to win their favor. Tensions flare, however, and Grace's status as a helpless outsider provokes vicious contempt and abuse from the citizens of Dogville.
