My Top 10 Favorite Bizarre Movies

#1 - It's What's Inside (9/10)

Easily one of my favorite horror/comedies of all time now, It's What's Inside is a wild ride. While you might think this is just another run-of-the-mill film about a college reunion gone wrong based on Google's quick overview, this movie is anything but predictable and far from your average teen thriller.

I highly recommend going into it without even glancing at a review or trailer. It's better to be surprised, and if you're feeling truly ambitious, see it with a group of your closest friends. The fun-filled mayhem, drunken shenanigans, psychological games and life or death stakes this film mixes together makes quite the intriguing cocktail.

#2 - The Substance (9/10)

Warning: While this is an incredible movie, if you are not a fan of visceral body horror and/or extreme sensory experiences, I would stay away from this film. It has even been described by critics as "gut-wrenching," and "sensory assault." The Substance is not for the faint-hearted.

That said, if you can handle the guts and gore, The Substance offers a unique look into the challenging, sexist and ageist reality many female Hollywood stars face throughout their careers. The hidden, heartbreaking struggles many women face in the world of fame and the self-destructive paths some take to deal with or avoid those struggles are presented to the audience in all their glitz and glitter.

By the conclusion of the film, we are simultaneously mourning the protagonist's downfall and stifling the urge to vomit at the self-inflicted mutilation she endured.

#3 - Pulp Fiction (8.5/10)

Another exceptional classic, Pulp Fiction is my second favorite film from Quentin Tarantino (there's just no beating Inglourious Basterds for me).

I remember watching this film for the first time with one, overwhelming question lingering in my head: Who exactly am I routing for? Every time we meet a new character in this film, we eventually learn something else about them and their world that make us question their judgement, humanity and purpose. Is there anyone truly "good" in this movie? Is anyone truly "bad" or "evil"? I guess you'll find out!

#4 - Swiss Army Man (7.5/10)

Swiss Army Man was a movie I discovered in college, and frankly, I couldn't really tell whether I enjoyed it after watching it for the first time. It is one of those films that is so out there and so daring with its experimental cinematic approach, it leaves you wondering, what the hell did I just watch?

But at the end of the day, this film has a lot of heart. Daniel Radcliffe is as eccentric as ever, and the almost whimsical adventure he and Paul Dano set off on together weaves together a tale of longing, courage and thirst for human connection.

#5 - Memoir of a Snail (8/10)

Seeing clip after clip of this touching stop motion animated film on TikTok, I had to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. Memoir of a Snail, while heartbreaking and somewhat grim, is incredibly meaningful. It ultimately reminds us all that, even in the face of extreme hardship and pain, everyone deserves happiness and that happiness is what we make it.

#6 - The Invitation (8/10)

I watched this film for the first time not long after my father passed away and was immediately pulled into the painful, disconnected world of a grieving father trying to move on.

After he and several of his lifelong friends reunite for the first time in years at a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife (and mother of his deceased child) and her new partner, the tension is immediately palpable. Her strange behavior and questionable means of coping with their son's death only add to that tension, setting off a chain of events that ultimately ends in disaster.

All in all, The Invitation is a stellar film. A masterclass in building suspense and apprehension, it will leave you double-checking the locks at night and maybe even questioning whether you truly know who your friends are...

#7 - Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (7.5/10)

On a far more light-hearted note, I had to include Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in this list. A family favorite that has something for everyone, I highly recommend this film if you're ever having a bad day. It's one of those quirky, feel-good movies that is not only satisfying to watch for any cinemaphile thanks to its clever editing style, but is also a film that most anyone can relate to. If you do give it a try, let me know what you think!

#8 - Mary and Max (7.5/10)

From the same studio that brought us Memoir of a Snail, Mary and Max is another touching stop-motion animated story that dives into the challenges of mental health, childhood trauma and fear of the unknown. But despite the heavy topics the film explores and the crippling struggles the two main characters face at times, the underlying story is relatable and sweet.

#9 - The Prestige (7.5/10)

I never would've guessed based on the title or movie posters that this was a tale of two competing magicians. Had I known that, I might've laughed and skipped seeing this one. However, within the first ten minutes, I was hooked. Another unexpected thriller featuring countless twists and turns that would put M. Night Shyamalan to shame. My personal favorite from Christopher Nolan, I highly recommend everyone give this film a try!

#10 - Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (7.5/10)

I know I might get some flak for including both Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 together, however, I find it difficult to watch one without the other. They complete each other.

Another film that is quite heavy-handed with the gore and violence, Kill Bill packs betrayal, heartbreak, laughs and endless action into one of the greatest revenge stories of all time. It is Uma Thurman at her best and Tarantino at his most masochistic.

***Honorable Mentions***

The Menu (7/10)

You either love or you hate this one, I happen to love it. I'm a huge fan of Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult, and while I disliked Anya Taylor-Joy for the longest time, this film actually made me start to like her. A satirical tale of regret and rebirth, The Menu is an insanely twisted peak into the minds of those who crave validation and those who are never truly satisfied.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (7/10)

A queer gem that was a ton of fun to see and experience with college friends. Tim Curry is fabulous and the songs are super catchy. It is one of those films you have to see at least once in your life, such a classic!

The Room (5/10)

I had to include The Room in the honorable mentions list at the very least. While it is not a "good" film by any stretch of the imagination, it is a cult classic for a reason. A great flick to watch with friends if you can't find anything else to watch, I guarantee you, there will be lots of laughs!