People Who Eat PeopleThere are killers, and then there are those who cross all lines of human decency by consuming the flesh of their victims. Here are the grisly details.
Updated July 7, 2023 6.1K votes 1.7K voters 182.7K views
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite movies that heavily feature cannibals and cannibalism.
Are you hungry for the best cannibalism movies? From Cannibal Holocaust to Hannibal, we've compiled the best movies about cannibals. Cannibal horror movies are some of the most memorable films in the horror genre because people eating people is super disturbing, but that doesn't mean there aren't other types of cannibalism genres. Alive is a dramatic story about survival and what that entailed (spoiler: humans having to consume other humans). Silence of the Lambs is a thriller with a cannibalistic serial killer at the center of it all. In any case, you can really make a meal out of these movies. You'll also find movies that feature cannibals or cannibalism as a main part of the plot, sorry The Book of Eli, this list ain't for you.
Vote up your favorite movies about cannibals and vote down any you think other fans should skip. Then be sure to check back as new movies about cannibals are added to the list when they're released. Look for the Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime buttons under each item to start streaming these movies.
Few films have captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim in the realm of cannibalism quite like The Silence of the Lambs. This psychological thriller, released in 1991, boasts an impressive cast, featuring brilliant performances from Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins, who breathe life into the iconic characters, FBI trainee Clarice Starling and cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Not only did the film garner five Academy Awards, but it has also solidified its place in popular culture as an unforgettable and chilling dive into the twisted mind of one of the most infamous cinematic cannibals.
Actors: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald
A feast for the eyes and a banquet for the mind, Hannibal sees the return of the sinister Dr. Lecter, masterfully portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, as he evades his captors while abroad in Italy. This 2001 sequel to The Silence of the Lambs offers morbid elegance as the plot cunningly unfolds, with Julianne Moore stepping into the shoes of Detective Starling. The film's shocking finale, involving the flaying of a character's skull, leaves audiences marveling at such gruesome artistry that has become synonymous with the name Hannibal Lecter.
Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie R. Faison
Interweaving the grit of London's underbelly with stylistic Sondheim ballads, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street shaves the silver screen with a brutal yet melodic tale of vengeance and cannibalism. Tim Burton's 2007 gothic masterpiece showcases the talents of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter as they sing their way through blood-soaked barbershop slayings and mouth-watering meat pies. With three Golden Globe Awards under its belt, this darkly enchanting musical leaves viewers craving more than just a visit to Mrs. Lovett's pie shop.
Actors: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen
Red Dragon, the 2002 prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, thrusts audiences into the cat-and-mouse chase of a brilliant investigator, Will Graham (Edward Norton), torn between seeking the help of the incarcerated Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) and stopping a new killer, Francis Dolarhyde, portrayed by a haunting Ralph Fiennes. The palpable tension between Norton and Hopkins captures the screen, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as both men attempt to battle their internal demons and overcome their monstrous foes.
Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson
From the desolate wilderness of New Mexico descends Bone Tomahawk, a distinctive blend of western and cannibal horror. Released in 2015 and starring Kurt Russell, this grueling journey of an unlikely team seeking to rescue their townsfolk from ravenous, cave-dwelling cannibals leaves its mark on those willing to embark on this brutal and unforgiving quest. The chilling atmosphere complimented by a gripping plot makes Bone Tomahawk a standout entry in the cannibalistic film genre.
Actors: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins, Matthew Fox, Lili Simmons
Alive, a harrowing 1993 survival drama based on the real-life events of a Uruguayan rugby team's Andes plane crash, plunges the audience into the heart-wrenching moral dilemma of sustenance through cannibalism. Featuring a riveting performance by Ethan Hawke, the film forces viewers to confront the painful question: how far would one go to survive? Alive continues to resonate with its intensely emotional narrative, reminding people of the tragic and extraordinary journey that the survivors endured.
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Vincent Spano, Josh Hamilton, Bruce Ramsay, John Newton
