
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.