Horror fans are always chasing that next big scare—the story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned or the credits roll. But some horror stories go beyond just being scary. They unsettle, they disturb, and they leave a mark that never quite fades. If you’re looking for truly disturbing horror, these books and movies will haunt you long after you experience them.
Disturbing Horror Books That Will Keep You Up at Night
1. The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum
One of the most gut-wrenching horror novels ever written, The Girl Next Door is based on the real-life murder of Sylvia Likens. Ketchum pulls no punches, depicting the horrific abuse of a teenage girl at the hands of her caretaker and local neighborhood kids. It’s deeply disturbing and emotionally devastating, making it one of the hardest horror books to read—but also impossible to forget.
2. Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite
If you thought Silence of the Lambs was dark, Exquisite Corpse takes things to another level. This novel delves into extreme horror territory, exploring the minds of two sadistic serial killers. Graphic, depraved, and unrelenting, this book is not for the faint of heart.
3. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
A classic in both psychological horror and social satire, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street banker with a hidden penchant for extreme violence. The novel’s graphic depictions of murder and Bateman’s eerie, detached narration make this one of the most disturbing horror books ever written.
4. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
This novel is as strange as it is unsettling. It follows Frank, a teenager living on a secluded Scottish island, who engages in gruesome rituals and shocking acts of violence. The Wasp Factory is psychological horror at its finest, with a twisted protagonist whose mind you won’t soon escape.
5. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
Stephen King himself has said that Pet Sematary is the book that scared him the most. It explores grief, death, and the terrifying consequences of bringing the dead back to life. The novel’s slow descent into horror builds tension in a way that sticks with readers long after they’ve finished it.
The Most Disturbing Horror Movies Ever Made
1. Martyrs (2008)
Often cited as one of the most disturbing horror movies of all time, Martyrs is a brutal, relentless film that explores suffering and human endurance in ways no other movie has. Part psychological horror, part extreme torture film, Martyrs isn’t just scary—it’s soul-crushing.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is psychological horror at its most devastating. What starts as a family drama about grief slowly morphs into something far more sinister. With disturbing imagery, an unforgettable dinner scene, and a climax that leaves audiences shaken, Hereditary is a modern horror masterpiece.
3. The House That Jack Built (2018)
Lars von Trier is known for pushing boundaries, and The House That Jack Built is no exception. Following a serial killer over the course of several years, the film is a deep dive into the mind of a sadistic murderer. It’s violent, philosophical, and deeply unsettling.
4. Irreversible (2002)
While not strictly a horror movie, Irreversible is one of the most disturbing films ever made. Told in reverse order, it depicts one of the most harrowing acts of violence ever put to screen. This is a film that leaves viewers shaken, often unable to revisit it.
5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Despite its reputation as a grindhouse gore-fest, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is actually light on blood but heavy on atmosphere and dread. The raw, documentary-like style makes it feel terrifyingly real, and Leatherface remains one of horror’s most iconic and disturbing villains.
Why Do We Love Disturbing Horror?
So why do horror fans seek out the most disturbing books and movies? The answer lies in horror’s unique ability to make us confront our deepest fears. These stories go beyond simple jump scares—they make us uncomfortable, force us to consider the darkness within humanity, and leave us changed.
Whether you’re looking for psychological horror, extreme horror, or just something that will leave you feeling uneasy, these disturbing books and movies deliver. But be warned: once you experience them, you may never look at horror the same way again.
What’s the most disturbing horror story you’ve ever encountered? Let us know in the comments!
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