If you were mesmerized by the surreal, neon-drenched nightmare of The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears (2013), you're likely craving more films that blend psychological horror, avant-garde visuals, and hypnotic storytelling. This article explores 10 similarly unsettling movies and shows that will plunge you into the same eerie, dreamlike atmosphere. Whether you're drawn to giallo-inspired aesthetics or mind-bending narratives, these picks will satisfy your craving for cinematic strangeness.

Eraserhead (1977)
Description: A surreal and nightmarish exploration of alienation and fatherhood, featuring striking black-and-white visuals and a sound design that enhances its unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film took five years to complete due to budget constraints. It has been cited as a major influence on many contemporary filmmakers.


The Tenant (1976)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into themes of identity and paranoia, with a claustrophobic atmosphere and a narrative that blurs the line between reality and delusion.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Roland Topor. It was the director's final film and is considered a classic of psychological horror.


Inferno (1980)
Description: A nightmarish descent into supernatural horror, featuring elaborate set designs, vivid colors, and a plot that unfolds like a fever dream, blending reality with hallucination.
Fact: The film was partially inspired by the works of Thomas De Quincey. It was rushed into production to capitalize on the success of its predecessor.


The Beyond (1981)
Description: A surreal and gruesome horror film that explores themes of existential dread and the supernatural, with a dreamlike narrative and striking visual set pieces.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries upon release due to its extreme violence. It has since gained a cult following as a masterpiece of Italian horror.


Possession (1981)
Description: A harrowing and surreal exploration of love, madness, and the supernatural, featuring intense performances and a disorienting narrative structure.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK as a 'video nasty' for over a decade. It won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.


Phenomena (1985)
Description: A bizarre and visually striking horror film that combines elements of giallo, supernatural horror, and coming-of-age drama, creating a unique and unsettling experience.
Fact: The film features a soundtrack by Goblin and Iron Maiden. It was heavily edited for its international release, losing over 30 minutes of footage.


Trouble Every Day (2001)
Description: A visceral and atmospheric horror film that blends eroticism with body horror, creating a deeply unsettling and visually arresting experience.
Fact: The film features minimal dialogue, relying heavily on its visuals and sound design to convey its story. It was shot in just six weeks.


Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)
Description: A psychedelic sci-fi horror film with a hypnotic visual style and a slow-burning, atmospheric narrative that immerses the viewer in a world of surreal dread.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm film to achieve its distinctive look. It was the director's debut feature and took several years to complete.


Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into the surreal and disorienting world of sound design, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere through auditory and visual experimentation.
Fact: The film pays homage to Italian giallo films, particularly through its use of sound as a narrative device. It was shot in just 20 days.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A visually stunning and deeply unsettling exploration of beauty and obsession, featuring surreal imagery and a dreamlike narrative structure that blurs the line between reality and nightmare.
Fact: The film's color palette was inspired by the work of photographer Guy Bourdin. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to polarized reactions.
