10 Fantasy Films Where Torture Takes Centre Stage

Description: A dark fantasy retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood," where the protagonist navigates a world of werewolves and dark fairy tales, with scenes of psychological and physical torment.

Fact: The film features a dreamlike quality with its surreal visuals, and Angela Carter, who wrote the screenplay, was known for her feminist reimaginings of fairy tales.

Description: This horror-fantasy film introduces the Cenobites, beings who explore the furthest reaches of pleasure and pain. The puzzle box that summons them leads to scenes of extreme torture and body horror.

Fact: The film was based on Clive Barker's novella "The Hellbound Heart," and Barker himself directed the movie.

Description: Based on Bram Stoker's novel, this film features a cult leader who uses snake venom to torture and control her victims, blending horror with elements of fantasy.

Fact: Directed by Ken Russell, known for his eccentric and visually bold films, this movie includes a memorable performance by Hugh Grant in one of his early roles.

Description: While more of a supernatural thriller, it includes scenes where the devil, played by Al Pacino, uses psychological and physical torture to manipulate and corrupt a young lawyer.

Fact: The film was originally much longer, with scenes cut for pacing, including one where Pacino's character delivers a monologue about the nature of evil.

Description: This film involves a rare book dealer who uncovers a series of occult rituals, including scenes where characters are subjected to torturous rites to unlock supernatural powers.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, the film features a haunting score by Wojciech Kilar, known for his work on "Bram Stoker's Dracula."

Description: While not strictly fantasy, this psychological thriller involves entering the mind of a serial killer, where the protagonist experiences surreal, torturous scenarios. The film's dreamlike sequences are both visually stunning and deeply disturbing.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup, and its visual effects were groundbreaking for the time.

Description: This Spanish-Mexican film blends dark fantasy with the harsh realities of post-Civil War Spain. The protagonist, Ofelia, encounters a faun who sets her on a path of magical tasks, but her stepfather's brutal methods of torture and control create a chilling backdrop.

Fact: The film was shot in English and Spanish, with the English version featuring dubbing by the original cast. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the psychological and supernatural torment of a family accused of witchcraft. The torture here is more psychological, with the family's isolation and fear driving them to madness.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue, and all the animals in the film are real, including the infamous Black Phillip.

Description: This sequel to the classic horror film includes elements of fantasy with its exploration of demonic possession, featuring scenes of intense psychological and physical torment.

Fact: The film was directed by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the original "The Exorcist" novel, and it includes a cameo by George C. Scott, who was originally considered for the role of Father Merrin in the first film.

Description: While primarily a fantasy adventure, the film includes scenes where the Skeksis use cruel methods to maintain power, including a form of torture to extract information from captives.

Fact: The film was created by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, using advanced puppetry and animatronics, with no CGI used.