David Cronenberg: All 21 Films Ranked From Worst To Best

13. Scanners

Speaking of exploding eyeballs, Scanners is the Cronenberg film that has provided perhaps the most recognisable images in the film-maker's canon. The now ubiquitous GIFs of heads and eyeballs exploding have spread to those that probably aren't even aware of the original source. Now, Scanners isn't actually all that good when compared with some of Cronenberg's masterpieces (particularly those in the Top 10 here). But it has to have a fairly high position on the list simply because of how recognisable its imagery is. Yes, it looks a bit rubbery and outdated... But the rubbery imagery is far more visceral and organic than the CGI that would doubtless have been used had the film been made today. For many, Scanners' explosive visuals ARE Cronenberg.