10 Hidden Gem Body Horror Movies

10. Shivers

David Cronenberg is directly responsible for popularising body-horror. As a result, it's fitting to kick off our list with his first dip into the genre.

Shivers revolves around a scientist who hopes to revolutionise the medical field by creating parasites that can perform the functions of human organs. However, society soon descends into chaos when the donors begin infecting everyone around them with a parasite.

While watching Shivers, it's obvious Cronenberg was still finding his footing. And yet, the underrated skincrawler holds up, even after half a century. Due to the shoestring budget (reported to be under $200,000,) gore is limited and the invasive worms never appear for long.

Although this would've spelt disaster for an amateur director, Cronenberg took the Jaws approach, focusing more on atmosphere and building up the slimy critters as much as possible. By utilising this technique, it always feels like the parasites are nearby, even when they're not on-screen.

Shivers is ultimately a body-horror, but it effectively mixes in a few zombie elements. While the infected are chasing their victims in droves, you'd swear you were watching a George A. Romero flick.

Considering the influence Cronenberg's body-horror has had on the genre, it's worth checking out the film that started it all.