10 Body Horror Movies That Broke All The Rules

9. Hellraiser

Tokyo Gore Police
Film Futures

Hellraiser is one of the most fiercely original entries into the genre you're ever likely to see, given how the film's depiction of bodily destruction is firmly rooted in sadomasochism - admittedly an ultra-extreme version of it.

The bulk of the film revolves around the attempts of Frank Cotton (Sean Chapman) to restore himself to a flesh-and-blood existence after being ripped apart at the start of the movie by the extra-dimensional sadomasochists known as the Cenobites.

Though the sexual aspect of Clive Barker's source material is rather toned down for the film, the fusion of sexuality and extreme gore still proves shocking today, aided by mind-bogglingly creative effects which depict hardcore mutilation of the human form.

It's little surprise that Hellraiser was controversial upon release, and yet no matter how many naff sequels have come and gone in its wake, it remains a true king of the genre.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.