If you're fascinated by the eerie and thought-provoking themes of 'Embryo' (1976), a sci-fi horror film exploring the ethical dilemmas of accelerated human growth, you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article curates a list of gripping titles that delve into genetic experimentation, artificial life, and the moral boundaries of science, perfect for fans of dark, speculative storytelling.

Shivers (1975)
Description: A blend of body horror and psychological terror, featuring parasitic creatures that induce violent and sexual behavior in their hosts.
Fact: The film was funded by the Canadian government as part of a tax shelter program. It was controversial for its graphic content and themes.


Rabid (1977)
Description: Explores themes of infection and bodily mutation, with a focus on a woman whose surgical transformation leads to a deadly epidemic.
Fact: The film was shot on a shoestring budget and marked the director's first collaboration with a then-unknown actor who would become a frequent collaborator.


The Brood (1979)
Description: Explores themes of psychological horror and bodily transformation, focusing on the grotesque manifestations of repressed emotions and trauma.
Fact: The film's special effects were so disturbing that they reportedly caused walkouts during its premiere. It was inspired by the director's own tumultuous personal life.


Altered States (1980)
Description: Centers on scientific experimentation leading to extreme physical and psychological transformations, blending horror with surreal and psychedelic visuals.
Fact: The film's intense sensory-deprivation tank scenes were achieved using real isolation tanks. It was based on a novel by Paddy Chayefsky, who disowned the film.


Scanners (1981)
Description: Focuses on psychic abilities and the grotesque physical manifestations of mental power, including explosive head trauma and bodily control.
Fact: The infamous 'head explosion' scene was created using a plaster head filled with fake blood and meat, detonated with a shotgun blast.


The Thing (1982)
Description: Features grotesque body horror and paranoia, with a focus on an alien entity that assimilates and transforms its hosts in horrifying ways.
Fact: The film's groundbreaking practical effects were created by Rob Bottin, who was only 22 at the time. It was initially a box office flop but later became a cult classic.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: Explores the merging of technology and human flesh, with surreal and disturbing imagery that blurs the line between reality and hallucination.
Fact: The film's iconic 'video head' effect was achieved using a combination of prosthetics and stop-motion animation. It was banned in several countries upon release.


The Stuff (1985)
Description: A satirical take on consumerism and body horror, where a mysterious substance transforms those who consume it into mindless slaves.
Fact: The titular 'stuff' was made from a mixture of yogurt, cottage cheese, and marshmallow cream. The film was marketed as a horror-comedy.


The Fly (1986)
Description: Delves into body horror and the terrifying consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong, showcasing a gradual and grotesque physical transformation.
Fact: The famous 'brundlefly' makeup took over five hours to apply each day. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.


The Hidden (1987)
Description: Deals with an alien entity that takes over human bodies, leading to violent and unpredictable transformations, blending sci-fi with body horror.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to 'The Thing' but was reworked into a standalone story. It features a high-speed car chase that became a highlight.
