The Cannes Film Festival has often been a platform for horror films that shock audiences with intense and disturbing scenes. Some were even so horrifying that viewers fainted in the theater!

This article highlights five of the most terrifying horror films ever screened at Cannes, ranging from supernatural tales to extreme gore. If you're a true horror fan, this list belongs on your watchlist! Ready for a nerve-wracking viewing experience? Check out the best horror films from Cannes below!

1. Antichrist (2009)

Directed by Lars Von Trier, this film caused many viewers to flee the theater during its Cannes 2009 screening. Some even fainted due to its brutal violence and deeply unsettling psychological atmosphere.

Following a couple (Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg) who descend into madness after the tragic death of their child, Antichrist features disturbing sadomasochistic scenes. The film was so controversial that it received an "anti-award" for being the most misogynistic film at the festival.

2. The Neon Demon (2016)

The Neon Demon (2016)

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this film sparked outrage at Cannes 2016. Viewers booed, and some even shouted angrily at the screen, deeming its scenes repulsive.

The Neon Demon follows Jesse (Elle Fanning), a young model drawn into a fashion world filled with obsession and envy. As time goes on, she faces the dark side of the beauty industry in an increasingly horrifying journey.

3. Irréversible (2002)

Gaspar Noé delivered one of the most controversial films in Cannes history. When it premiered at the 2002 festival, about 200 viewers walked out, and 20 fainted, requiring medical assistance.

The film follows Marcus (Vincent Cassel) as he seeks revenge on the man who assaulted his girlfriend, Alex (Monica Bellucci). Told in a non-linear narrative, its explicit sexual violence makes Irréversible a difficult film to watch, even today.

4. Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo (2019)

Abdellatif Kechiche’s film became one of the most despised movies at Cannes 2019. Around 70 viewers left the theater, and shockingly, lead actress Ophélie Bau also walked out.

The story follows a young screenwriter torn between love and his career. However, the film was criticized for being excessively vulgar and meaningless, earning its reputation as one of the worst films in the festival’s history.

5. Crimes of the Future (2022)

David Cronenberg once again delivered body horror that some Cannes 2022 viewers couldn’t endure. Several left the theater, disgusted by the film’s grotesque scenes. Yet, despite the controversy, Crimes of the Future received a seven-minute standing ovation.

The film follows Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen) and Caprice (Léa Seydoux), a couple in the future who perform public shows by extracting additional organs from Saul’s body. However, the procedure takes an unexpected turn, leading to horrifying consequences.

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