The horror genre is one of the most popular and captivating, with a fervent fanbase that loves engaging stories and dark atmospheres. Within this genre there are numerous subgenres that explore fears, traumas, nightmares and deep concerns of the human mind. Among these, the body horror (or body horror) stands out for its visceral and disturbing approach.
This subgenre manifests itself in various media, from cinema to comics, video games and TV series. In this article, we explore what constitutes the body horror and how it became one of the most impactful films in the horror universe.
What is Body Horror?
THE body horror OR biological horror is a subgenre of horror that explores graphic and psychological violations of the human body. These depictions may include mutations, mutilations, diseases, grotesque deformations and unnatural movements of the limbs, as well as containing elements of disturbing sexuality and extreme physical distortions.

Inspired by the gothic horror of literature, this subgenre became popular and consolidated especially in cinema, in which terror arises from the creation of monstrous bodies in metamorphosis. These physical transformations, in addition to being visually shocking, also carry a profound psychological burden, reflecting existential fears. Mutations can be interpreted as a metaphor for disease, deterioration of the body or loss of control over oneself.
Node body horrorthe grotesque body becomes a representation of the world’s fears and anxieties, functioning as a vehicle to convey discomfort and the supernatural. The subgenre explores human frailty and how the body can be manipulated, transformed or destroyed, generating a feeling of extreme vulnerability.

Body Horror in different media
Video games
Body horror is very present in games. Some examples include:


Comic books
Body horror is also an important subgenre in comics, with stories exploring the physical distortions of characters.

Manga
Japan has a rich tradition in body horror, especially through manga that mix the grotesque and the surreal.

Body Horror: iconic authors and works
Some of the writers and directors who have explored body horror the most in cinema include:

The post What are Body Horror Films? Discover the horror film subgenre that first appeared on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.




