Science Reveals the Single Most Disgusting Moment in Film History

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As a movie lover, I think we all have that one scene, right? The one that just sticks with you, and not in a good way. It’s so gross or disturbing that it instantly kills your appetite or makes you swear you’ll never watch that movie again. Sometimes it’s something really intense in a survival film, like a brutal injury, and other times it’s just pure silliness gone wrong in a comedy. But honestly, movies have always pushed boundaries when it comes to what makes us squirm, whether it’s with genuinely scary stuff or just trying to shock us for a laugh.

A five-year research project aimed to measure how strongly people react to disgusting images by showing over 250 films to nearly 500 viewers. Researchers used a scale of one to eight to determine which movie moment caused the most revulsion.

Despite competition from modern horror and French art films, the study found that a 1972 cult classic was the most disgusting. The final scene of John Waters’ Pink Flamingos was officially named the most repulsive in movie history.

Participants were asked to watch thirty seconds of the legendary drag queen Divine eating dog food. The results were clear: the scene received an average disgust rating of 6.45, and almost 85% of viewers found it deeply disturbing.

Even after fifty years, this scene remains notorious. As of February 2026, John Waters, still known as the “Pope of Trash,” remains a vibrant figure in the cultural landscape.

Nearing his 80th birthday, the filmmaker is currently touring his new comedy show, Going to Extremes, which recently played in Provincetown and Boston. Waters describes the show as intentionally provocative – something that could get both him and the audience in trouble, demonstrating that his rebellious spirit hasn’t faded.

Despite some difficulties getting his movie adaptation of Liarmouth made in late 2024, John Waters is still very active in film and television. He recently hosted Baltigore, a horror series, in a role reminiscent of Rod Serling, playing a character called “The Broker.” The series is notable for its impressive practical effects, created by the same team who worked on Killers of the Flower Moon.

Waters also continues to support the arts with his yearly “filth elder” auctions. This year, one of the prizes was a wedding ceremony performed by Waters himself, offered in exchange for a significant donation to the Provincetown Film Society.

Good news for fans of John Waters’ most iconic films – and for those who love physical media! The Criterion Collection is working on 4K restorations of several Waters classics, like Desperate Living, building on the popularity of their recent Pink Flamingos re-release.

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2026-02-12 12:44