In light of today’s release of new Western horror BONE TOMAHAWK in to theatres we thought we’d take a look back at some of the more mermorable aspects of cannibalism in horror. BONE TOMAHAWK is a gritty, unpredictable, action-packed Western chronicling a terrifying rescue mission. When a group of cannibal savages kidnaps settlers from the small town of Bright Hope, Sheriff Franklin Hunt and his team set out to bring them home. But their enemy is more ruthless than anyone could have imagined, putting their mission – and survival itself – in serious jeopardy. The new movie from first time director S. Craig Zahler stars Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox and Richard Jenkins opens in UK theatres around the country today.
Jupiter’s Clan (The Hills Have Eyes)
The cult classics cannibalistic mutants serve as some of the most memorable and horrifying antagonists in the history of cinematic horror.
Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs)
The great Anthony Hopkins screen time for ‘Silence of the Lambs’ is just over 16 minutes, yet it was for this role that Hopkins would be awarded an Oscar for best actor. There is no villain more synonymous with cannibalism than Hannibal Lecter, all thanks to Hopkins first performance of Hannibal Lecter.
Angel Gang (Judge Dredd)
In a movie overflowing with action and memorable moments, it was the religious fanatics/ cannibals known as the “Angel Gang” who truly stand out in the 1995 original.
Cannibal Tribe (Cannibal Holocaust)
One of the most controversial films of all time, that is still to this day banned in certain countries. The Amazonian savages are relentless in their pursuit for human flesh.
The Sawyer Family (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
It can sometimes be easy to overlook the cannibalism that features in this film, with viewers to focused on the nightmarish ‘Leather-face’ or the aging members of the sawyer family. But the sawyers murderuous pursuit for victims does not just stem from bloodlust, but for the consummation of humans.
Colonel Ives (Ravenous)
Robert Carlyle portrayal of the cannibalistic Colonel Ives/ F.W.Colqhoun in this superb western acts as the standout performance in a film filled with superb performances, a terrifying premise excellently executed to create a unique film.
Troglodyte Clan (Bone Tomahawk)
These cannibalistic savages are truly shocking in their level of brutality and unflinching in their pursuit of Kurt Russell and his men. The film mixes the cunning of native Americans from classic westerns with the savagery of the tribes of films such as ‘Cannibal Holocaust’.
Kevin (Sin City)
Elijah Woods is a truly terrifying creation. Kevin is truly unnerving and a monster in a very real sense. Woods character is so superb as in that to fall prey to him you only have to be vulnerable.
Parker Family (We Are What We Are)
This 2013 American version is a remake of the Mexican film of the same name, telling the story of a seemingly normal family who happen to be cannibals. The dynamic in this version has been changed to that of a father-daughter family which creates adds weight to the horror that this could be the family next door.
The Survivors (Alive)
‘Alive’ is a different entry on this list, as the reasoning for our characters indulging in cannibalism greatly differs to others included in this list. This film is ultimately about horrific acts which had to be done to survive, making the cannibalism in this film truly cinematically different to many other films that touch on this gruesome subject.
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