Top 10 Most Disturbing Horror Films (Pre-Code Era)

Let's head back to the early days of horror, specifically the early 1930s when there was very little censorship or control. By mid-1934, The Hays Code laid down the rules for what can and can't be shown in motion pictures, so lets look at some of these more daring and risky horror features from that less compliant era!

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[DanGamingFan]

We're getting Monster Madness a whole six months early? Hey, I'm not complaining.

[aurthurpendragon]

It's been so long since James has done a genuine, narrated top 10 list. This was awesome.

[michaelchauvin]

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde finally makes #1 on a Cinemassacre list.

[JReybabay]

James’s roots are in horror. I learned most of what i know about horror movies from him!

[cpl.barbarusc]

Fritz Lang's M is a freaking Masterpiece of a film. It was an amazing addition to the list.

[patrickoehlke]

You watch these movies thinking it will be tame because of how old it is but when the violent stuff happens and it just catches you off guard, it just makes them more terrifying!

[Tadicuslegion]

I think part of the reason Pre-Code horror is so disturbing is they had to do so much of it for real or as near real as they could with 1930s special effects

[jpenir]

Looking back on Frankenstein, it actually makes the monster MORE sympathetic by showing him throwing the girl in the water. By not knowing what happened as a kid I always assumed he choked her to death

[RobbieLugos]

10:59 The best thing about the movie adaptation is that the cane actually works as a weapon.

[sansthedrummer]

I'll always have a nostalgic love for AVGN, but these are the videos I come back for. I always enjoy listening to James talk about film. You can hear thats where the passion lies even to this day.

[mortalkombatgal]

This feels so genuine and what I remember growing up watching from you James. You've inspired me to become a filmmaker myself and it's been fun going from learning about these classic movies from you back then, to being excited seeing them on these lists already knowing them. Thank you for all that you do.

[CountGremlin]

Love it when Monster Madness comes in March Madness, I can listen to James all day talk about classic films

[monkeyboy]

I’d love to see more content of James talking classic film. Whether it’s Horror or not, I always love hearing James talk about film history.

[Grandmas_Table]

Always love listening to James talk about movies!

[themockbustercanada]

More content like this James. Love to hear something that you’re genuinely passionate about.

[brandonryder]

I'm a horror fan who's not interested in the blood and gore anymore, so these movies are right up my alley. Thanks

[shadowlinkbds]

Monster madness in March? Sure why not? It should never be too late or too early to talk monster like videos here on Cinemasacre.

[RavenHouseMystery]

Thanks for the list, James. These films are surely the best examples of "less is more" in the horror genre.

[wastehazey]

3:16 such a wonderful shot, the gaze of a madman

[MissSallyB]

I'm willing to bet that HOW they actually turned Cleopatra into the bird lady was part of the footage that had to get cut is now lost forever