12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die

12. Wolf Creek

This 2005 horror flick, loosely based on the real life murder and kidnapping of British tourists, goes down as one of the most brutal horror flicks ever made. The film's tone is remarkably light throughout the first act, which makes its vicious turn all the more shocking. The film is most definitely not for the faint hearted, but avoids cliched horror traits to make a truly affecting experience.

The film is seen from the perspectives of Australian and British tourists travelling the vast Australian outback before arriving at the Wolf Creek National Park. It is here where they are 'assisted' by local larrikin Mick Taylor after their car battery goes flat. After receiving a tow back to Taylor's nearby residence, their nightmare soon begins, their drinks spiked before each person is individually tortured by their psychopathic captor.

The previously loveable John Jarratt gives a career changing performance as the psychotic Taylor, with a chilling laugh and smile that will give you nightmares for weeks. The torture scenes are displayed in graphic detail, but even worse is the inferred grotesque acts committed by Taylor.

The inference that this is something our villain has done many times before and is likely to commit again is the most chilling aspect of this semi fictional tale.