Food & Fear: 13 Spooky Movies That Will Make You Think Twice About Your Next Meal
Let's be honest, there's something about food that just screams "horror movie material." Maybe it's the primal connection we have to sustenance, or maybe it's just the fact that food can be pretty gross when it's gone bad. Whatever the reason, there's a long and storied history of food-centric horror films, and we're here to dig into some of the best (and creepiest) ones.
1. Raw (2016)
This French horror flick is a wild ride. A young vegetarian student starts craving raw meat, and her obsession spirals into a bloody and disturbing exploration of the human desire for…well, you know. Raw is not for the faint of heart, but it's a seriously creepy and thought-provoking film.
2. The Wicker Man (1973)
This classic British horror film features a creepy cult that worships a wicker man, and their ritualistic practices include...well, let's just say you won't be looking at your local farmer's market the same way again.
3. The Fly (1986)
We're not talking about the cute, buzzing fly here. This movie is about a scientist who accidentally transforms himself into a grotesque, insect-human hybrid. Oh, and did we mention the whole "meat grinder" scene? Yeah, it's not for the squeamish.
4. Teeth (2007)
Remember those old wives’ tales about women having a “secret weapon”? This film takes it to the next level with a twist you won’t see coming. It’s a dark comedy, a gory horror, and a little bit of everything else – and it’ll leave you feeling…well, a little unsure of the female anatomy.
5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Sure, Hannibal Lecter is known for his cannibalistic ways, but let's not forget the "fava beans and a nice chianti" scene. It's chillingly casual, and it perfectly embodies the unsettling nature of this classic thriller.
6. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
This dark musical features a vengeful barber who murders his customers and turns them into…pie. The film is beautifully gruesome, with a soundtrack that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
7. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The OG zombie movie features a scene where a group of survivors barricades themselves in a farmhouse. They’re desperately trying to survive, but they’re slowly running out of food. The scene is a chilling reminder of the basic needs that keep us going, even in the most desperate of times.
8. The Thing (1982)
This sci-fi horror film about a parasitic alien that takes over the bodies of its victims is a masterpiece of suspense and gore. The film features a scene where a crew member is transformed into a terrifying creature, and his transformation is terrifying, gory, and unsettling.
9. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
This film is a classic for a reason. It’s a gritty and unflinching look at a family of cannibals who live in the backwoods of Texas. There’s a scene where the characters eat human flesh, and it’s absolutely disturbing.
10. Cube (1997)
This Canadian sci-fi thriller is about a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a massive cube. They slowly realize that the cube is filled with deadly traps, and one of the ways the cube tries to kill them off is through food.
11. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
While not exactly a horror film, this dark comedy has some seriously disturbing scenes of food-related violence. The title says it all, and the film is a twisted tale of betrayal, power, and ultimately, death.
12. Train to Busan (2016)
This Korean zombie movie is a fast-paced and action-packed thrill ride. The film features a scene where the zombies are attacking a train, and the passengers are trapped inside. The tension is high, and the scene is a masterclass in suspense.
13. The Ritual (2017)
This British horror film follows a group of friends who go on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness. They encounter a mysterious creature and become the target of its hunt. The creature has a strange and disturbing relationship with food, and it’s clear from the beginning that the group is in for a wild ride.
So, there you have it: 13 spooky movies that will make you think twice about your next meal. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go order a pizza. Just make sure it’s cooked through, alright?
Bonus Tip: While these films are definitely worth watching, I would recommend a good snack before you hit play! The last thing you want is to find yourself feeling a little peckish while watching a movie about cannibalism.