7. Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust

Banned in several countries, Cannibal Holocaust was not a movie for the casual horror fan. Real blood was used throughout (unfortunately, a number of animals – some actually shown in the movie itself – were killed to provide it), and many of the scenes are so realistic that director Ruggero Deodato was charged with murder in an Italian court for shooting what they believed to be a snuff film.

It was only when he produced the still very much alive “deceased” cast members that he was exonerated, but what makes this such a controversial release should be obvious by now. It wasn’t until 2001 that it was finally made available to buy – with a fair few scenes removed – but it’s still difficult to sit through this movie’s most gruesome moments.