Every now and again, your brain needs a break from cliches and strict structures. You want entertainment that pushes the boundaries, that challenges you to think, induces laughter, or leaves you speechless. From neon fueled cultural critiques to disturbing documentaries alongside trance-inducing strolls through forests, we present to you 7 films that in many ways are bizarre, outrageous, and awe inspiring; and challenge every possible multidisciplinary tradition of cinema.
1. Kung Fury – The Ultimate ’80s Action Parody 🚓⚡
If the ‘80s inspired over-the-top action films make you reminisce more than they punch you in the face retro style, Kung Fury will do the complete opposite. Kung Fury is a Kung Fu satire directed by David Sandberg, it’s set in Sweden and runs for only thirty minutes. The film is filled to the brim with synth wave music, retro arcade cabinets, laser shooting raptors, and even includes a time travelling Hitler getting roundhouse kicked to oblivion.
It’s story is just as beautiful; a cop is gifted with super kung-fu powers due to being struck by lightning and bitten by a snake simultaneously. Yes, you read that correctly. The cop embarks on a quest to defeat Kung Fu Hitler, that’s Kung Fu Themed Hitler for those wondering, and the chaos ensues. The action is beautifully brisk while the premise itself is absolutely bonkers.
👉 Watch now: Kung Fury
2. Slaughterhouse Slumber Party – Cult Comedy Horror at Its Craziest 🔪🎉
Here we analyze a more complicated form of horror – absurd horror. Think of what would happen if The Evil Dead was combined with a late night adult swim cartoon. A group of witches decide to throw a slumber party and raise havoc while cheerleading and doing dance sequences.
The unique blend of low quality effects and self-aware humor is what makes Slaughterhouse Slumber Party so memorable. The movie is an absolute blast when enjoyed with friends who adore B-grade movies due to its hectic and chaotic nature.
👉 Watch now: Slaughterhouse Slumber Party
3. Frogman – The Found-Footage Legend Reimagined 🐸👀
If urban legends intrigue you, ‘Frogman’ chronicles the story in a gripping found-footage horror format. Based on the ‘Loveland Frogman’ myth from Ohio, the film follows a group of amateur investigators attempting to uncover evidence proving the creature’s existence.
The project starts as a comical excursion, however, things quickly spiral out of control when the crew realizes they are not the only people roaming the woods. This indie horror gem succeeds in creating authentic suspense without relying on overused stereotypes, with grainy camcorder footage, haunting soundscapes, and perfectly timed jump scares.
👉 Watch now: Frogman
4. Mayhem – Office Politics Meets Murder Frenzy 😈🏢
If urban legends intrigue you, ‘Frogman’ chronicles the story in a gripping found-footage horror format. Based on the ‘Loveland Frogman’ myth from Ohio, the film follows a group of amateur investigators attempting to uncover evidence proving the creature’s existence.
The project starts as a comical excursion, however, things quickly spiral out of control when the crew realizes they are not the only people roaming the woods. This indie horror gem succeeds in creating authentic suspense without relying on overused stereotypes, with grainy camcorder footage, haunting soundscapes, and perfectly timed jump scares.
👉 Watch now: Mayhem
5. Dead Cert – Vampires vs. Gangsters in London’s Underworld 🧛♂️💼
Fusing horror and crime, Dead Cert is a supernatural take on the classic gangster flick. It follows Freddie Frankham, a reformed mobster trying to operate a respectable nightclub on London’s East End. Life seems to be going smoothly until a group of Romanian businessmen starts taking a keen interest in his club. It turns out that living the highlife isn’t their main priority; they are, in fact, vampires.
Dead Cert is a stylishly violent film steeped in atmosphere and tension that explores the slow-burn dread of betrayal, bloodlust, and the high cost of attempting to escape one’s past.
👉 Watch now: Dead Cert
6. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed – Art Meets Activism 📸🩸
For me, personally, leaving the theatre resonated profoundly. Goldin’s fight isn’t one that ends—and neither do the implications of how much more freeing overdose would be for someone like her. You have to give it to Poitras for capturing such trauma, for admitting the inability to shelter helplessness so profoundly associated with surrender to a sublime and inevitable art.
Verdict: an incredibly graphic doc, and an incredibly painful embrace of reality.”
👉 Watch now: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
7. The Ancient Woods – A Silent Journey Through a Forgotten World 🌲🦌
The Ancient Woods is a magnificent piece of cinema that defies conventionality. Shot over the span of several years, this profound documentary captures life in The Lithuania Forests; showcasing the breathtaking scenes of deer silently grazing, owls stoically hunting, and insects skillfully constructing their entomological structures, all in serene stillness, making it feel as if modern life is irrelevant; while completely eschewing the use of dialogue, narration or even music.
This film is ideal in mindfulness, introspection and relaxation, as it simultaneously exhibits the tranquil power of nature while gently reminding us of the meditative beauty of simply observing. A perfect gentle balm from the raucous commotion of the outside world.
👉 Watch now: The Ancient Woods
🌟 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weird
A box office budget and a Hollywood ending aren’t needed for every movie. Many pieces of cinema that are bold and bold as well as messy tend to capture our attention. For those searching for gut-wrenching art, heartwarming horror, or even strange humor, look no further than these seven films.
Set the mood with dimmed lights and popcorn in hand to watch the wonderfully weird, that cinema that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
