What was it about the year 1971? Though this Sam Peckinpah classic is categorized as a thriller rather than a horror, what plays out onscreen for two hours is nothing short of horrifying. Dustin Hoffman plays a mathematician pushed to the edge after he and his wife move back to her hometown in rural England. Things start out at a slow burn with Hoffman getting lightly bullied whilst the missus is inappropriately ogled by various townspeople. Once the action starts, however, it comes hard and fast until the very end. Despite this one being over 40 years old its no less shocking than any other entry on this list. There are brutal portrayals of rape, violence, and murder and the nuanced performances force you to wonder along with the protagonists if there were better ways to handle such a horrible situation. Hoffman's evolution from nerdy pushover (they broke his glasses!) to badass castle defender is a great showcase for his impeccable chops, so skip the recent unnecessary remake and go right to the source with this one.
Joe Sippy grew up in Chicago and now resides in Los Angeles. He enjoys corn dogs, rap music, and horror movies. On weekends you can find him in the ocean, surfing very poorly.
