Films sharing characteristics with Cannibal Holocaust often feature extreme violence and graphic depictions of gore, frequently within the context of exploitation cinema. These films may explore themes of cultural clash, primal instincts, and the dark side of human nature, sometimes blurring the lines between fiction and reality through found footage aesthetics or mockumentary techniques. Examples include other Italian cannibal films of the same era, as well as more recent horror films that utilize similar shock tactics.
The study of this subgenre offers a lens through which to examine the evolving boundaries of cinematic representation and the cultural anxieties reflected in extreme horror. While controversial due to their explicit content, these films can provide insight into the societal factors that contribute to their creation and reception. Historically, the emergence of such films coincided with a period of heightened social and political turmoil, and their enduring presence in popular culture warrants scholarly investigation.