Buzz
Public service announcements (PSAs), also referred to as public information films (PIF), are crafted to increase awareness and shift public behavior regarding specific issues. While their primary goal is education, these films sometimes employ fear-inducing tactics to ensure their message is taken seriously. Over the years, this approach has led to the creation of some truly unsettling PSAs.
The PSAs featured here differ in length, theme, and style. Some include shocking twists, others rely on disturbing visuals, and a few incorporate fantastical elements, while others feel uncomfortably realistic. Despite their differences, each film shares a common trait: they are likely to leave viewers feeling more disturbed than before watching.
10. Mistake (2014)
New Zealand has a reputation for producing terrifying PSAs about dangerous driving. This leads one to believe that New Zealanders are either exceptionally skilled drivers or too frightened to drive again. Regardless, the 2014 PSA “Mistake,” aimed at encouraging drivers to slow down, stands out as the most chilling example they’ve ever created.
In “Mistake,” two drivers are moments away from a collision at an intersection when time suddenly stops, giving them a chance to converse before the unavoidable happens. Tragically, one driver has erred by entering the road prematurely, while the other is speeding. The first driver mentions his son is in the backseat, but the second driver appears powerless to prevent the impending crash. The scene concludes with a final shot of the father gazing at his child before the collision. The PSA ends with the message, “Others make errors. Drive slower.”
9. Clean Up (1991)
David Lynch, the visionary behind works like Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, and the unconventional Dune, also ventured into creating an educational short about littering. Titled “Clean Up,” this PSA is as bizarre as one might expect from Lynch, showcasing his unique approach to storytelling.
True to David Lynch’s signature style, “Clean Up” evokes an unsettling atmosphere without relying on explicit visuals. The film alternates between scenes of people discarding trash on the streets and close-ups of gnawing rats, all captured in black and white. The haunting musical score, with its eerie high notes and rising intensity, amplifies the sense of dread, leaving viewers with an overwhelming feeling of unease.
8. Kevin (2011)
Meth—just once is too much, right? The Montana Meth Project (MMP) clearly agrees, as they’ve created an entire library of unsettling videos aimed at deterring young people from experimenting with meth. While their mission is commendable, these videos are not something you’d want to binge-watch like your favorite Netflix series.
Most MMP PSAs follow a similar theme, highlighting the destructive behaviors of meth users rather than the drug itself. However, “Kevin” stands out as the most horrifying entry. This PSA depicts a young man recounting his friend’s descent into violence and insanity, culminating in a psychiatric hospital stay. The narrative takes a chilling turn when he reveals, “This is what he used to dig imaginary bugs out of his skin.” The video then cuts to images of a rusty tool and insects, leaving viewers to imagine the gruesome details.
7. Lonely Water (1973)
In 20th-century Britain, children weren’t just scared by shows like Dr. Who—they were also traumatized by public information films. One such film is the notorious “Lonely Water.”
Aimed at warning children about the dangers of water, “Lonely Water” introduces a sinister, cloaked figure called the “spirit of dark and lonely water,” who lurks near rivers and lakes where children play. The film depicts a series of tragic accidents resulting in drownings. Although a group of sensible kids with charming accents eventually saves the day, the overall tone remains far too grim for its intended young audience.
6. Evan (2018)
PSAs addressing school shootings are inherently difficult to watch, but Sandy Hook Promise’s 2016 ad “Evan” stands out for its clever approach. The video begins as a sweet teenage love story, complete with charming folk music. However, subtle yet alarming events unfold in the background, unnoticed at first.
The ad takes a shocking turn when a teenager with a gun enters a school gym. It then rewinds, criticizing viewers for missing the warning signs. Throughout the video, an unnamed student is shown being bullied, posting images with weapons online, and consuming gun-related content—clear red flags that went unnoticed. The message is both impactful and deeply unsettling.
5. No Brainer (2003)
You might recall the classic PSA where a man fries an egg and declares, “This is your brain on drugs.” The New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NSAD) takes a different route with this video. Instead of showing the effects of drugs on the brain, it portrays the brain itself as the drug, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
The PSA titled “No Brainer” takes viewers into a nightclub restroom, where a man begins extracting pieces of his brain and snorting them. It’s undeniably grotesque and doesn’t shy away from graphic imagery. If you’re easily disturbed, this is one video you’ll want to avoid.
4. Monsters (2012)
If clowns or terrifying Easter bunnies with bloodshot eyes unsettle you, proceed with caution. This PSA, created by Fragile Childhood, offers a haunting yet impactful perspective on the effects of parental drinking by transforming parents into grotesque versions of iconic monsters.
Alongside the clown, the video features a sinister Santa, the grim reaper, a zombie-like mother, and an Easter bunny that seems straight out of a nightmare. This Finnish production aims to highlight the emotional toll parental drinking takes on children, leaving them to navigate a frightening and lonely world.
3. Protect and Survive (1975)
“Protect and Survive” refers to a series of booklets produced in the 1970s and ’80s, intended to instruct the British public on surviving a nuclear war. Accompanying these booklets were short films devoid of horror elements, gore, or even human presence. Instead, they relied on simplistic 1970s-style animations and sound effects. Despite their simplicity, these films are among the most unsettling content you’ll ever encounter.
The minimalistic animations, retro computer-generated effects, and eerie silence devoid of human activity contribute to the unnerving atmosphere of “Protect and Survive.” The films also reflect the grim reality of Cold War-era paranoia and the futile attempts to prepare for nuclear devastation. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes these films so disturbing, their impact lingers long after viewing.
2. Top Chef (2007)
In the PSA “Top Chef,” a young woman proudly states, “I’m a sous-chef here,” adding, “With any luck, I should be head chef by next year.” She also mentions her upcoming wedding, but her plans are tragically cut short by a horrific accident.
The scene shifts to her handling a pot of scalding hot water, followed by a slip and graphic images of severe burns accompanied by agonized screams. This PSA goes beyond promoting workplace safety—it might just make you avoid kitchens altogether.
1. The Finishing Line (1977)
This 1970s British PSA, aimed at children, was so shocking and bizarre that it was swiftly banned. After viewing, it’s easy to understand why. “The Finishing Line” resembles a grim horror movie rather than content suitable for young audiences.
The film depicts children taking part in a dystopian sports event near a railway track, which predictably ends in disaster. The scene quickly turns chaotic, reminiscent of Battle Royale or Hunger Games, as children are struck by passing trains. By the end of the 20-minute version, the railway is littered with the bloodied bodies of young victims.
Shockingly, this film was created for classroom use by British Transport Films. It was shown in a few schools, traumatizing countless children, before public outrage led to its ban. The decision to produce and distribute such content remains baffling.
