Disturbing Movie Scenes Still Discussed Decades Later

By Sophia Maddox | May 17, 2023

Mulholland Drive

Welcome to our gallery featuring some of the most disturbing scenes in film history. For many of us, movies have been a way to escape from reality and be transported into new and exciting worlds. However, there are some films that take us to places we never wanted to go, showing us the darkest corners of humanity and the human psyche.

Some viewers may have seen these movies when they were first released, or perhaps they were introduced to them later in life. But regardless of when they were viewed, these movies have left an indelible mark on their viewers. From the unforgettable head-spinning scene in The Exorcist, to the chilling moment in Gerald's Game, where the protagonist is left alone and handcuffed to a bed after her partner dies from a heart attack, these scenes are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, let's take a deep dive into some of the most disturbing scenes in movie history and explore what makes them so unforgettable. Continue reading to experience the horror.

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(Universal Pictures)

David Lynch is the master of blending the mundane and spine-tingling elements in his films. Take Mulholland Drive for example. There's a scene set in a faux diner called Winkie's (which is designed to look like Bob's Big Boy) where a man recounts a dream he had. But, as fate would have it, he comes face to face with the very same character from his dream, which scares him to death. This surreal film exposes the seedy side of Tinseltown and this particular moment is its most terrifying. The man at the center of this horror show is a lone wolf, with no ties to any other character, making his fate all the more troubling. Just before he bites the dust, he expresses his anxiety about encountering the dream character in real life. It's a scene that leaves a haunting impression, one that won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Gerald's Game

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(netflix)

The Netflix original movie Gerald's Game is a one of a kind intense ride. The story follows a couple, Jessie and her husband, who are looking to spice up their love life by heading to a remote cabin. But things take a deadly turn when her husband handcuffs Jessie to the bed and pretty much immediately suffers a fatal heart attack.

The most gripping and, frankly, gross moment in the movie is when Jessie finally figures out how to break free, and it's not for the faint of heart. Jessie smashes a glass and uses a shard to slice her wrist, then proceeds to peel the skin off her hand so she can slip out of the handcuff. It's a pretty intense scene, and Gugino's portrayal of the pain and agony that Jessie goes through is truly gut-wrenching.