Bruno Pugh
There’s a movie genre that has yet to be widely known by many people. While comedy, horror, romance, action, and drama dominate the big screen, another category that defies the usual classification exists. This genre pushes the boundaries of creativity and imagination to create plots that are often bizarre and inexplicable. Here are 15 of the strangest movies ever made.
Eraserhead (1977)
Directed by the visionary David Lynch, “Eraserhead” presents a surreal journey into a nightmarish landscape. The protagonist, Henry, finds himself in a grim, industrial world filled with bizarre occurrences and unsettling entities. Innovative sound design and haunting visuals create an atmosphere of discomfort, making this film a go-to for cult cinema.
El Topo (1970)
Embarking on a quest through a desert landscape, the protagonist of “El Topo” navigates a path filled with bizarre challenges and mystical encounters. This 1970 film by Alejandro Jodorowsky merges Western themes with profound spiritual inquiries. The narrative goes through confrontations with odd characters and symbolic trials, each step aiming to shed light on more profound truths.
Santa Sangre (1989)
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s “Santa Sangre” showcases his distinctive approach to filmmaking. He blends horror, drama, and surreal elements to tell the story of Fenix, a man who becomes the arms of his armless mother. This film blends trauma and redemption, painted with vivid and often disturbing imagery.
The Holy Mountain (1973)
Prepare to be challenged by Alejandro Jodorowsky’s film “The Holy Mountain.” His unique blend of religious and existential symbolism, portrayed through avant-garde visuals, has left an indelible mark on the cinema industry. The film follows a thief and seven other individuals representing planets in the solar system on a transformative journey up a mystical mountain.
The Greasy Strangler (2016)
Unpredictability is the center of “The Greasy Strangler,” where a bizarre father-and-son duo engages in antics that blur the lines between grotesque and hilarious. Set in an ordinary urban life turned upside down by their disturbing behaviors, the film’s atmosphere is filled with strange tension. Director Jim Hosking infused crude humor and unexpected twists, creating a unique cinematic experience.
Rubber (2010)
In the vast, desolate American desert, “Rubber” unfolds the story of Robert, a sentient tire with a mysterious telepathic gift. Directed by Quentin Dupieux, this unique storyline captures Robert’s chaotic adventure as he discovers and explores his destructive powers. The open landscapes are the perfect setting for the tire’s bizarre journey of mayhem and self-discovery.
Videodrome (1983)
If you want to experience the sinister interplay between technology and the human psyche, “Videodrome” is a must-watch. Directed by David Cronenberg, this film follows Max Renn, a small-time TV executive who stumbles upon a mysterious broadcast that induces disturbing hallucinations. It explores themes of media consumption, body horror, and psychological manipulation.
The Lobster” (2015)
Set in a dystopian future where societal norms enforce romantic pairings, “The Lobster” portrays a world where single people face transformation into animals if they remain unpaired. This dark comedy by Yorgos Lanthimos uses a provoking, clinical setting to heighten the absurdity of societal pressures and the desperation of its characters.
Enter the Void” (2009)
Oscar’s spirit takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo in Gaspar Noé’s “Enter the Void.” After his untimely death, we follow his spectral perspective as he floats above the city, revisiting key moments of his life and observing the ripple effects of his actions.
Swiss Army Man (2016)
Daniel Radcliffe portrays a life-saving corpse with unusual abilities in “Swiss Army Man.” Stranded on an island, Paul Dano’s character discovers that this corpse can perform miraculous, albeit bizarre, functions. This odd companionship delivers a poignant exploration of isolation, humor, and inventiveness, a signature of Director Daniel Kwan.
Holy Motors (2012)
Monsieur Oscar, a chameleon-like character played by Denis Lavant in Leos Carax’s “Holy Motors,” takes on various identities daily. Each role he takes on—from a beggar to a motion-capture artist—is a vignette that challenges human experience. The film’s episodic structure allows viewers to experience different emotions.
Dogtooth” (2009)
How far can manipulation shape our perception of reality? “Dogtooth” (2009) by Yorgos Lanthimos probes into the lives of a family kept in extreme isolation by their controlling parents. The intensity of the seclusion breeds a distorted reality where language is manipulated and outside influences are villainized, showing a chilling portrayal of psychological control.
The Forbidden Room (2015)
In “The Forbidden Room,” a submarine captain’s urgent journey to understand his vessel’s mysterious and potentially dangerous cargo is the entry point into a labyrinthine series of tales. Directed by Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson, their archaic cinematic techniques give a dreamlike quality that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Set in Baltimore’s seedy underbelly, “Pink Flamingos” is notorious for disturbingly exploring the grotesque and taboo. John Waters directs the story and centers on Divine, an eccentric character determined to defend her title as the “filthiest person alive” against challengers who are equally bizarre and evil.
House (1977)
Gender dynamics take a wild turn in Nobuhiko Obayashi’s “House,” where a group of schoolgirls encounters bizarre supernatural events in a haunted rural home. The innocence and curiosity of its young female protagonists amplify the horror and absurdity of their surroundings, melding horror with eccentric humor.
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