10 More Great Horror Movies Over 2 Hours Long

During the 1980s, the BBFC began cracking down on features believed to be too disturbing for the public. In the end, 72 of these Video Nasties were banned, including 1981's Possession. Andrzej Zulawski's psychological drama isn't a conventional horror, but it's easy to understand why it caused a stir.

Possession starts off like a realistic drama centred around a failing marriage. Since everything is depicted so down-to-earth at first, viewers are left side-swiped when otherworldly elements are inserted into the central narrative with zero buildup. Though critics initially called Possession incohesive and jarring, it's clear Zulawski intended to shake things up by presenting a realistic scenario before dumping the audience into a nightmare world.

Although the intriguing mystery and sickening imagery will leave audiences captivated, nothing is as enthralling as Isabell Adjani's deranged performance as Anna. The lead actress doesn't so much "play" Anna, as she does attack it. She performs with such unbridled mania (especially in one particular scene), it's sweat-inducing to watch her.

With so much to digest, Possession encourages multiple viewings. This is easier said than done, since there are some who will struggle to get through the experience once.