My personal ranking of the most disturbing non-horror films.
- A Beautiful Mind
A discouraging yet also inspiring film about a talented mathematician (Russell Crowe “Gladiator”) as he battles overwhelming psychological problems. It is truly moving as we see the love for his wife become his greatest asset in the fight for his mind.
- The Green Mile
A very distressing film about the death penalty and the failings of the justice system. Contains a very realistic and very graphic depiction of a botched execution.
- Shutter Island
One of the most creative mystery films with some seriously profound statements about human psychology. Throughout, it sprinkles a few terrific hints to the true reality.
- V For Vendetta
A film that perfectly captures just how threatening both the state and the general public can be. It also shows how authoritarians and terrorists can justify each other’s existence.
- American History X
A realistic and honest depiction of racism and neo-Nazi gangs as well as the grimness of prison life. It has a shocking yet powerful ending.
- A Clockwork Orange
Although it’s a little cheesy in places, this film still superbly demonstrates how sometimes, the cure can be worse than the disease. Filled with beatings, rape and worst of all, scheming politicians looking to exploit people’s problems.
- The Machinist
Like a nightmare but ironically about a man suffering with insomnia. Christian Bale (“The Prestige”) lost a lot of weight for this role and his freakish body is terrifying to see.
- The Triumph of the Will
A Nazi propaganda documentary about the Nuremberg Rally. Shows the scale of the Nazi support, something that remains an unsettling fact about history.
- Fire In The Sky
One of few films that presents the idea of alien abductions in a somewhat plausible manner. The experimentation sequence is truly nightmarish.
- Eyes Wide Shut
Depicts the shadowy underworld of society’s elite as they engage in a cultish orgy. Truly a horrifying sight and sadly, somewhat plausible.