If you’re into horror movies, then you’ve probably heard of Eli Roth. He’s that guy who just loves to scare the heck out of people with his movies, especially the ones with tons of gore. Yeah, those are called splatter films—basically, the kind of movies where the more blood, the better. Roth’s been in the game for a while now, and it all started when he got hooked on Ridley Scott’s Alien as a kid. Fast forward, and by the time he finished high school, he had already made over 100 short films! Impressive, right?
Since then, Roth has directed, acted, written, and produced films that have left a serious mark in horror cinema. So, if you’re looking to get into his work or just want to see some of his top projects, here’s a rundown of the best Eli Roth movies and series that are totally worth watching.
10. Borderlands
Okay, so Borderlands was supposed to be this epic adaptation of the popular video game series. It’s an action-comedy set in a crazy world where a group of misfits teams up to find the missing daughter of the universe’s most powerful guy. The cast is awesome with Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, but here’s the thing—it didn’t really land well with critics. The movie ended up with a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 10%, and even though it had big names, it just couldn’t hit the mark. It’s one of those “watch it if you’re curious” movies but don’t expect too much.
- IMDb: 4.5/10
- Release: August 9, 2024
- Rating: PG-13
9. The House with a Clock in Its Walls
This one is a bit different from Roth’s usual gory style. It’s a family-friendly fantasy about a young boy who moves in with his uncle, only to discover that their house has some seriously creepy secrets. There’s magic, weird clocks, and an evil warlock who used to live there. Starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett, it was a hit at the box office, grossing over $131 million worldwide. Critics liked it, but they also said it didn’t quite live up to its full potential.
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Release: September 21, 2018
- Rating: PG
8. Death Wish
Death Wish is a remake of the classic 1974 film of the same name. Starring Bruce Willis as a vengeful dad on a mission to take down the bad guys who hurt his family, this film is all about justice served cold. It didn’t do too well with critics and flopped at the box office, but if you’re into vigilante thrillers with a bit of action, it might be worth a watch.
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Release: March 2, 2018
- Rating: R
7. Knock Knock
Ever wonder what happens when you let two beautiful strangers into your house while your family’s away? Well, Keanu Reeves’ character finds out the hard way in Knock Knock. What starts as a good deed turns into a nightmarish game of seduction and manipulation. Critics didn’t love it, but the idea of a simple act turning into chaos makes this movie an interesting watch.
- IMDb: 4.9/10
- Release: October 9, 2015
- Rating: R
6. The Green Inferno
The Green Inferno is for those with strong stomachs. It’s a movie about a group of activists who end up trapped by a tribe of cannibals in the jungle. Inspired by old-school Italian cannibal films, Roth goes all out with the gore and survival horror. Critics were mostly negative, but if you’re into hardcore horror, this might just be your thing.
- IMDb: 5.4/10
- Release: September 25, 2015
- Rating: R
5. Hostel: Part II
If you thought the first Hostel movie was intense, the sequel cranks up the horror even more. In Hostel: Part II, three female art students are kidnapped and taken to a facility where rich people pay to torture and kill others. It’s brutal and not for everyone, but horror fans appreciate Roth’s commitment to making things as terrifying as possible.
- IMDb: 5.5/10
- Release: June 8, 2007
- Rating: R
4. Thanksgiving
Remember that fake trailer in Grindhouse? Well, Roth turned it into a full movie! Thanksgiving is a slasher film about a killer who uses the Thanksgiving holiday as his inspiration. The movie came out in 2023 and was actually pretty well-received by critics. It’s got the classic slasher vibe, and the gore is, of course, on point.
- IMDb: 6.2/10
- Release: November 17, 2023
- Rating: R
3. Inglourious Basterds
While this isn’t an Eli Roth-directed film, it’s one where he acted, and it’s too iconic to leave out. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds follows a group of Jewish soldiers out for revenge against the Nazis during World War II. Roth plays one of the Basterds, and his role is pretty unforgettable. This movie is a masterpiece, winning tons of awards and receiving praise worldwide.
- IMDb: 8.4/10
- Release: August 21, 2009
- Rating: R
2. Cabin Fever
Before Roth was known for splatter films, he made Cabin Fever. It’s about a group of friends who rent a cabin in the woods, only to find themselves falling victim to a flesh-eating virus. This film launched Roth’s career and gave horror fans a new kind of gore to enjoy. The 2016 remake didn’t live up to the original, but Roth’s original 2002 version is still a fan favorite.
- IMDb: 5.6/10
- Release: September 12, 2002
- Rating: R
1. Hostel
Finally, Hostel is probably the most well-known Eli Roth movie. It’s about a group of tourists who find themselves in a horrifying situation, being sold to a secret organization that allows rich people to torture them. This movie helped kick off the “torture porn” trend in horror, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s definitely a must-watch for hardcore horror fans.
- IMDb: 5.9/10
- Release: January 6, 2006
- Rating: R
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What is Eli Roth known for?
Eli Roth is known for his work in the horror genre, especially splatter films that focus on extreme gore and violence.
What is the best Eli Roth movie to start with?
Hostel is a good starting point if you're into extreme horror. If you prefer something lighter, try The House with a Clock in Its Walls.
Is Thanksgiving worth watching?
If you're a fan of slasher films and enjoyed Roth's Grindhouse trailer, then definitely give Thanksgiving a try.
Does Eli Roth act in his films?
Yes, Eli Roth has appeared in a few movies, most notably in Inglourious Basterds.
Are Eli Roth's films for everyone?
Not really. If you're not into extreme violence and gore, some of his movies might be too much for you. But he does have some lighter films like The House with a Clock in Its Walls that are more family-friendly.
