20 Horror Movies That Were Way Too Cruel

Lars von Trier's The House That Jack Built is a good serial killer horror, maybe even a very good one. So then, why has it been so divisive and polarizing over the years? That's simple: this movie is absolutely sadistic and is going to be far too much for many viewers. 

Honestly, it's difficult not to wish this movie hadn't been quite so viscous. With its excellent philosophical dialogue, atmospheric visuals, and Matt Dillon's superb performance as the serial killer, this is an accomplished film in its own right, and more viewers would've been able to appreciate this had it not been so nasty. An interesting film to compare it to is Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. That one is also difficult to watch, but doesn't feel nearly as gratuitous, as it conveys more through atmosphere and leaves most of the violence off-screen. 

In contrast, this picture is sometimes excessive with its extended sequences of violence, and some of Jack's crimes are a bit over the top. House could've said all it needed to say without being so gruesome, and maybe then it would've spoken to a wider audience. Having said this, Lars von Trier has made a career out of making movies that upset everyone, and he probably smiled when 100 people walked out at the movie's Cannes premiere.