Movies do not necessarily have to be described as a horror movie in order to frighten viewers in some way or another. Some elements of a dramatic movie can be so disturbing in some manner that they can be unsettling to viewers. Note that this is not necessarily a bad thing, but rather an intended consequence of the filmmaker who sets out to shock. Here are three of the top non-horror horror movies.
Melancholia
Melancholia starts off with disturbing imagery about the dangerous state of the world and “progresses” from there. The movie is literally about the impending end of the world. This looming catastrophe is hanging over your head the entire movie, and the end promises to be fiery and violent. Viewers live with that knowledge so long as they are watching. Even if there are no overt horror scenes, the end of the world is certainly a disturbing matter. The combination of the foreboding images and the haunting score is enough to profoundly impact the viewer. Melancholia is both an overt expression of impending destruction as well as a subtle examination of a steep descent into depression. The entire movie is an exercise in waiting for a violent end, knowing all along that it is on the way.
No Country For Old Men
The entirety of this film will leave viewers literally in a state of shock. The level of depraved violence in the movie is enough to unsettle even the most hardened viewer. The villain, Anton Chigurh, is so convincingly evil that he is likely to give viewers nightmares for a long time to come after watching this movie. The film manages to look eerie, even during broad daylight. There are numerous scenes in the movie that are iconic in how disturbing they truly are. If you are faint of heart, this movie is most definitely not for you. However, the Coen Brothers are so brilliant at what they do, that you will likely not be able to take your eyes off of it for the entire movie.
Titus
Any movie in which Anthony Hopkins plays the titular villain will likely leave viewers shaking, even if this was an adaptation of a work by Shakespeare. Hopkins’ portrayal of the Roman general is chilling. This movie will not leave it to the viewer’s imagination exactly how evil mankind can be at its worst. Titus is a disturbingly violent character who is intricately played by Hopkins. This portrayal of Titus will most definitely shock audiences. Revenge tragedies are terrifying in general, but the particular cinematography and images used in this movie make it all the more so. The blood and gore factors of this drama are so off the charts, that this movie rivals any horror film.
Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.