9 Films With A Reputation For Inducing Walkouts

Ever settled into a comfy seat for a movie, only to find yourself scrambling for the exit? It happens. From stomach-churning horror to mind-bending art-house, some films push the boundaries of what audiences can endure. Prepare to be horrified, bewildered, and maybe even a little grossed out as we explore 9 movies that caused mass walkouts in theaters.

This ain’t your popcorn-and-puppies experience. These films are for the brave, the curious, and anyone with a strong constitution (and maybe a barf bag, just in case). So, buckle up, daring cinephiles, and let’s delve into the shocking world of movies that sent audiences running!

1. The Exorcist (1973):

The film’s iconic scenes of pea soup vomit, head-spinning, and contortionism can be incredibly disturbing and nauseating for some viewers, especially those sensitive to gore. The film also explores complex themes like faith, loss, and the nature of good and evil. These can be overwhelming and unsettling for some, particularly younger audiences. The possessed Regan uses profanity and blasphemy extensively, which can be offensive or uncomfortable for certain viewers.

Some viewers found the film’s deliberate pacing and focus on atmosphere to be slow or lacking in action. The exorsist also doesn’t offer clear answers about its themes or events, which can be frustrating for those who prefer more closure. Some criticized the film’s heavy reliance on jump scares and shocking visuals to scare the audience, rather than building suspense and dread.

2. Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975):

Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975) is an infamous film notorious for its graphic depictions of violence, fascism, and sexual depravity. It’s no surprise that it induced walkouts and even theater closures upon its release. The film features scenes of torture, murder, and humiliation, often of a sexual nature. These scenes are unflinchingly realistic and disturbing, even by today’s standards.

The film exploits and degrades its characters, both physically and psychologically. This can be incredibly upsetting and offensive for viewers. It tackles complex themes like power, corruption, and the nature of evil. These themes are explored in a way that is often bleak and nihilistic, which can be difficult to watch.

The film was made in the context of post-fascist Italy, a country still grappling with the legacy of Mussolini’s regime. It’s exploration of fascism and its excesses was seen as provocative and unsettling by many. Despite its controversy, Salo is also considered a work of art by some. Its visual style, editing, and performances are all praised by critics.

3. Cannibal Holocaust (1980):

Cannibal Holocaust (1980) famously triggered walkouts due to its extreme content and blurring of lines between reality and fiction. The film depicts brutal violence and animal cruelty, often shown in a seemingly unfiltered way. This realistic portrayal, even if fictional, proved intensely disturbing for some viewers.

The film’s mockumentary style, presenting itself as real footage, heightened the sense of immediacy and brutality, making it feel like one was witnessing actual atrocities. While the film used special effects for some scenes, real animals were also harmed, leading to widespread outrage and boycotts, causing some moviegoers to leave in protest.

Ultimately, Cannibal Holocaust’s walkouts stemmed from its bold and unflinching depiction of violence, its blurring of reality and fiction, and its exploration of uncomfortable themes. It remains a challenging and controversial film, and its ability to induce walkouts speaks to its powerful and unsettling nature.

4. Serbian Film (2010):

Serbian Film (2010) is notorious for inducing walkouts due to its extreme and disturbing content, which explores themes of war, trauma, and the darkest aspects of human nature. It features scenes of extreme violence, sexual assault, and mutilation, often involving children and animals. These scenes are unflinchingly realistic and shocking, even for seasoned viewers of horror cinema.

The film tackles taboo themes like necrophilia, incest, and child abuse. These themes are explored in a graphic and exploitative manner, pushing the boundaries of what most audiences consider acceptable. The film also employs deliberate tactics to unsettle and disturb viewers, such as prolonged scenes of torture, shock cuts, and disturbing imagery. This can create a sense of anxiety and claustrophobia for some viewers.

5. A Clockwork Orange (1971):

A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 dystopian masterpiece, is a cinematic odyssey that continues to provoke and disturb audiences. While critically acclaimed for its groundbreaking visuals, innovative storytelling, and philosophical depth, it’s also infamous for inducing walkouts during its initial release. Here’s a deeper dive into why:

1. Ultra-Violence: The film’s graphic and stylized depiction of violence, often perpetrated by the charismatic Alex and his gang, the Droogs, is undeniably shocking and disturbing.

2. Sexual Depravity: A Clockwork Orange doesn’t shy away from exploring the dark side of human nature, including scenes of sexual assault and violence. This adds to the overall sense of unease and discomfort.

3. Moral Ambiguity: The film delves into the complexities of free will and morality, presenting a protagonist, Alex, who is both victim and perpetrator of violence. His transformation through aversion therapy raises questions about the nature of good and evil.

4. Unconventional Storytelling: A Clockwork Orange’s non-linear narrative and jarring jumps between timelines can be disorienting, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Kubrick’s use of dark humor and satire further compounds the discomfort, as viewers struggle to reconcile the film’s disturbing content with its often ironic tone.

6. Under the Skin (2013):

Under the Skin (2013), Scarlett Johansson’s enigmatic sci-fi drama directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. However, its unconventional storytelling and ambiguous themes also led to walkouts during its initial release.

Unlike traditional sci-fi films packed with action and aliens, Under the Skin takes a slow and deliberate pace. The narrative unfolds through Scarlett Johansson’s character, Laura, a mysterious woman picking up men on the Scottish highway. This lack of a clear plot or driving force might frustrate viewers accustomed to fast-paced narratives.

The film throws viewers into a surreal world without explaining much. Who is Laura? What are her motives? Where did she come from? These questions remain unanswered, leaving some viewers feeling confused and frustrated. Beyond the sci-fi veneer, Under the Skin delves into existential themes like alienation, the human condition, and the nature of consciousness. This philosophical exploration can be challenging for viewers seeking straightforward entertainment.

7. Swiss Army Man (2016):

Swiss Army Man (2016), the quirky dramedy starring Daniel Radcliffe as Manny, a farting corpse, and Paul Dano as Hank, the lonely man who befriends him, is indeed infamous for its unconventional nature and unique blend of humor, pathos. The film doesn’t shy away from bodily functions, with Manny’s flatulence powering everything from jet-skiing to musical instruments. This explicit and often absurd use of bodily humor can be jarring for some viewers, leading to walkouts from those unwilling to embrace its gross-out charm.

Swiss Army Man tackles complex themes like friendship, isolation, loss, and self-discovery, but it does so in a non-linear, allegorical way. This ambiguity can be frustrating for viewers seeking clear-cut answers, leaving them feeling puzzled or unsatisfied. A rotting corpse as a central character is not your typical cinematic companion. Manny’s unconventional nature, combined with Radcliffe’s surprisingly endearing performance, can both fascinate and alienate viewers, depending on their tolerance for the bizarre.

8. Heaven’s Gate (1980):

Clocking in at over 3 hours, the film’s bloated runtime is often cited as a major reason for walkouts. Viewers simply found it too long and meandering, with its slow pacing adding to the tedium. Unlike traditional westerns filled with gunfights and thrilling chases, Heaven’s Gate focuses on character development and historical context. This deliberate lack of action left many viewers craving excitement and ultimately bored.

The films’ complex storyline, interwoven with historical events and multiple character arcs, can be difficult to follow. This lack of clarity left viewers feeling lost and disengaged. The films raises important questions about class conflict and labor struggles, but ultimately offers no clear answers or satisfying resolutions. This ambiguity frustrated viewers seeking closure and emotional payoff.

9. Battlefield Earth (2000):

Battlefield Earth (2000), one of the films renowned for its walkout-inducing powers. Its infamy stems from a multi-pronged assault on viewers’ patience and expectations. Based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s novel, this sci-fi film was widely panned for its poor acting, special effects, and dialogue, leading to disgruntled viewers heading for the exits.

This Disney adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved children’s book disappointed some viewers with its muddled plot, rushed pacing, and confusing visuals, prompting some families to leave early.

It’s important to remember that films’ appreciation is subjective. While some viewers might walk out due to being offended or disengaged, others might find these very same qualities to be thought-provoking or groundbreaking. These films sparked strong reactions, which is partly why they continue to be discussed and debated today.