Body horror, a sub-genre that disturbingly showcases the vulnerability of the human body, has been an enduring category in cinema. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best body horror films that have captivated and horrified audiences over the years, along with tips on how you can watch them.

1.”The Fly” (1986) – Directed by David Cronenberg

This modern classic stars Jeff Goldblum as a scientist who begins to transform into a fly after one of his experiments goes awry. Cronenberg’s masterpiece is available for streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and can also be rented or purchased through Google Play Movies & TV and iTunes.

2.”The Thing” (1982) – Directed by John Carpenter

Set in the isolated Antarctic, a group of researchers confronts a shapeshifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims. Tense, gory, and chilling, “The Thing” can be found on services like Hulu or for digital rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

3.”Videodrome” (1983) – Directed by David Cronenberg

Yet another Cronenberg entry, “Videodrome” explores visceral themes through the tale of a TV station president who stumbles upon a broadcast that induces hallucinations. The film is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Movies.

4.”Possessor” (2020) – Directed by Brandon Cronenberg

Continuing his father’s legacy, Brandon Cronenberg’s “Possessor” is a harrowing story about an agent using brain-implant technology to inhabit other people’s bodies to commit assassinations. It’s available to stream on services like Hulu and to buy or rent on platforms such as Apple iTunes.

5.”Society” (1989) – Directed by Brian Yuzna

A cult favorite renowned for its shocking finale and special effects, Brian Yuzna’s “Society” depicts a teenager discovering his affluent family’s monstrous secrets. The film can be streamed on Shudder or rented/purchased from Amazon Prime Video.

6.”Tetsuo: The Iron Man” (1989) – Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto

In this Japanese cyberpunk film, a man mutates into metal after being hit by a car. As chaotic as it is influential, it can be watched on The Criterion Channel or rented from Amazon Prime Video.

Body horror continues to fascinate by exploring deep-seated fears about infection, transformation, and mutation. The movies listed above stand out as exceptional examples of filmmakers contorting the human form into stories that both terrify and intrigue us in equal measure.