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While you and I are scratching our heads trying to come up with a solid definition of a cursed image, there’s a huge online community on Reddit dedicated to exactly that.

Titled “Cursed Images,” this online group believes that it has to be the spirit of the image. “If the image causes confusion, eeriness, or dread, the spirit of an image is fulfilled,” and it gets documented and shared on the community with 1.5M members.

So today we wrapped some of the most confusion and eeriness-inducing examples shared on the Cursed Images group, so upvote the best of the worst ones!

#1

Cursed_electrician

Cursed_electrician

garywinthorpe420 Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Cursed_crossing

    Cursed_crossing

    gujii Report

    #3

    Cursed_hospital

    Cursed_hospital

    asiimow Report

    Know Your Meme defines a cursed image as “a type of picture and photograph on the internet that are generally seen as disturbing to the viewer, typically due to the poor photo quality or content within the image that is abnormal or illogical.” The origins of the term online can be traced back to 2015, when cursed images served as an inspiration for many social media accounts devoted to posting various cursed images, subreddits, and other communities.

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    The fact that cursed content still remains relevant and very popular today can be mind-blowing. After all, the “Cursed Images” subreddit, which was formed back in 2016, amassed an astounding number of members – more than 5 million. The rules of the community are pretty strict and it seems like the moderators do a great job of making sure the content meets the community’s guidelines.

    #4

    Cursed_visitor

    Cursed_visitor

    Semi-Charmedx Report

    #5

    Cursed_commute

    Cursed_commute

    appa-ate-momo Report

    #6

    Cursed_xray

    Cursed_xray

    random_user_name123 Report

    Will Cable
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That x-ray expresses how it feels stepping on Lego

    dancebe4thestorm
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure the owner of this arm would strongly disagree 😬

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    seen this before. apparently he got his arm stuck in a meat grinder.

    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can an arm like that even be reassembled?

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    Xray0976
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an Xray Tech....HOLY F**K!!! That's an AP, oblique AND lateral view all at the same time!

    What??
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't imagine how painful that must have been...

    Tan Artt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah everyone's making fun of it but my stomach just twisted... I got a single fracture in my foot and i was struggling for months... This is CRAZY

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    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is known as an amputation, btw, because those big white globs are destroyed soft tissue. You ain't coming back from that with more than maybe 30-40% use if it goes perfectly and you have excellent surgeons and they find ALL the pieces of your bone to fuse them back together. For the curious, I've never seen one that bad as a doctor, but as a farm kid. Do NOT put your hand near things that chew up frozen dirt, folks.

    KimB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was about to say the same thing...too much soft tissue damage to salvage likely no blood flow left either...I've only ever personally seen snowblower vs metatarsal/phalanges never an arm in a wood-chipper ffs!?! I did see a very impressive calf vs chainsaw once...463 sutures two surgeons sewing in layers (vascular attending successfully converting oxygen into carbon dioxide)....very cool :)

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    Astrius
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you hit your elbow against the table

    Damon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s now a tentacle

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WHY TF DO YOU SHOW THIS AND CENSOR WORDS AS A*S?? come on, there's no reason to it... :(

    Bella
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doctor: You only have a slight fracture but you will be just fine 😳

    Wendy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lard Tundering!

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like my cat's leg after a coyote bit him. It took a ton of money but we saved the leg and ten tears later I hear him snoring loudly under the bed right now.

    Unnamed Hooman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you hit your funny bone on the table

    Glynna Bowood
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think the arm is attached even- I think it was just x-rayed to see the extent of trauma.

    Nat Gif
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why his arm in chunks??!?!?!?! Bro better be in Trauma center rn

    Persephone
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤢 not salvageable for repair. This is sad.

    Me Gravy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This x-ray looks legit - the techs initials are "JA" that's where they put them when they take the film.....

    Ponypower
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that will need more than a sticking plaster. Poor person.

    Mr.G86
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fireworks? Grenade? Backstory pleaae?

    Magpie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ok, how do i do an image search ? / or reverse image search or whatever, just how do i do it please ?

    Rebelliousslug
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t think that’s going to be salvageable

    CatFist
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I mean... what do I think? I could fix this." - Aurelio, John Wick part 2

    Lily from England
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this person was run over my a lawnmower, dragged over Lego, and then left on a chopping board.

    CHRISTY SMITH
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This pic has been on here before, it's from somebody getting their arm stuck in a wood chipper, or something just as horrible.

    Horst
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the hell happened??!!

    Shannon Hawks
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    well sir , my diagnosis is your falling to pisces

    QuirkyKittyGirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think there might be a salvageable finger or two there … but the rest? Yeesh!

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Arm + meat grinder = this pic. How horrifying!

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    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m going to go with broken!

    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ikea arm. Some assembly required.

    Roger9er
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a dark brown suspicion that he has lost this arm by now...

    Barbra E. Nyberg
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder what the rest of the body looks like?

    crowspectre (he/they)
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apparently the guy us okay, he got his arm stuck in a meat grinder and it was actually restored after like 28 hours of surgery

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    PurpleDoople
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Soccer players after a butterfly flies into them

    HelluvaHedgehogAlien
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like the WORD ‘Yaaaaaaaaaah’ in a nutshell

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    But in order to find out how exactly cursed images manage to pass the test of time, year after year, we have to look behind them. We have to think of what it is exactly about the disturbing, confusing, odd visuals that make us so intrigued by them.

    We reached out to Laura Vanagaite, an international freelance graphic designer who specializes in branding and social media content creation, who believes that there’s an explanation for why people like looking at cursed images.

    #7

    Cursed_photobomb

    Cursed_photobomb

    reddit.com Report

    Damon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s the same monster that appear every time a Catholic masturbates

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    #9

    Cursed_follower

    Cursed_follower

    panichan2 Report

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    “Cursed images can attract attention because they often challenge our expectations of what is normal or acceptable, and can evoke feelings of confusion, unease, or even fear. These types of images can create a sense of cognitive dissonance, where what we see doesn't match what we expect, leading us to want to understand and make sense of the image,” Laura explained.

    #10

    Cursed_cosplay

    Cursed_cosplay

    HYRneedy Report

    #11

    Cursed_backyard

    Cursed_backyard

    GameMonkeyDev Report

    #12

    Cursed_noclip

    Cursed_noclip

    SirProdigal Report

    Saint Thomas
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a statue in the Paris catacombes called "Le Passe-Muraille" (the 'passer-trough-walls'). In fact there are many of them. It's a reference to a short story written in 1941 by french author Marcel Aymé, about a man who has the ability... well, to pass trough walls :-) There's a 1951 movie adaptation of the same name with Bourvil playing the titular character.

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    Moreover, cursed images can evoke a vast array of different emotions. For example, “people may find humor or a sense of irony in the absurdity of these images, which can make them memorable and shareable.” Having said that, Laura added that these types of images may not be universally liked and that personal taste and cultural background can play a significant role in how they are perceived.

    #13

    Cursed_water Leak

    Cursed_water Leak

    Water0Crab Report

    #14

    Cursed_statue

    Cursed_statue

    lol62056 Report

    juice
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that's what happens in the tunnel of bees...

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    #15

    Cursed_image

    Cursed_image

    donttalktomeimsad Report

    Barbra E. Nyberg
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mickey getting a little head. I'll show myself out.

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    From the design point of view, some visual content seems to be more appealing to us than others. “People may be drawn to confusing or abstract design because it challenges their perception and requires them to think and interpret what they're seeing. This can create a sense of engagement and interest that is absent in more straightforward designs,” Laura explained.

    “Additionally, abstract or dark designs can evoke strong emotions or create a unique atmosphere that stands out from more conventional designs,” Laura said.

    #16

    Cursed_hot Wheels

    Cursed_hot Wheels

    sggEeulB Report

    #17

    Cursed_watcher

    Cursed_watcher

    cursed_napkin Report

    The Other Other White Meat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like a manakin 😭 that would jump-scare me right off the fuggen toilet!

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    #18

    Cursed_pilgrimage

    Cursed_pilgrimage

    cursed_cynical Report

    On the other hand, it’s important to note that confusing design isn't always effective or appropriate, and clear communication should be the primary goal of any design, the graphic designer argues.

    “These types of designs can challenge our perception of what is normal or acceptable, and can also be seen as unique and original. Additionally, people may appreciate the skill and creativity required to produce such designs, and may find them to be intellectually stimulating or aesthetically pleasing,” Laura concluded.

    #19

    Cursed_keyboard

    Cursed_keyboard

    KuCamBr Report

    Will Cable
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There isn't a fire hot enough to destroy this laptop and what is on it. (yes I know about the battery etc)

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    #20

    Cursed_return

    Cursed_return

    FishWithFangs Report

    ojjunior
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thomas took a little while to return...

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    #21

    Cursed_pool

    Cursed_pool

    Bossboy_42 Report

    #22

    Cursed_gang

    Cursed_gang

    ReDxFo Report

    #24

    Cursed_nun

    Cursed_nun

    iLaur1337 Report

    Lee F.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All nuns are cursed. By nature, of course

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    #25

    Cursed_kitty

    Cursed_kitty

    cursed_napkin Report

    #26

    Cursed_playground

    Cursed_playground

    Xilolfino Report

    #27

    Cursed_watcher

    Cursed_watcher

    Fuemix Report

    #29

    Cursed_baby

    Cursed_baby

    hman0987 Report

    #30

    Cursed_decision

    Cursed_decision

    flowwwwy Report

    Will Cable
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The people are drowning in a sea of debt, bad healthcare system, taxes etc but the government still looks on and wonders what else it can get from you.

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    #31

    Cursed_kamikaze

    Cursed_kamikaze

    reddit.com Report

    #32

    Cursed_mri

    Cursed_mri

    ismailizhere Report

    Domi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the examination itself is a rather unpleasant experience.

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    #33

    Cursed_soul

    Cursed_soul

    cursed_napkin Report

    #34

    Cursed_baby

    Cursed_baby

    slashinghands Report

    Domi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The woman looks at it with so much love.

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    #35

    Cursed_observer

    Cursed_observer

    TheEpicFuzzray Report

    Daria
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's only Joe, the people follower.

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    #36

    Cursed_cult

    Cursed_cult

    S-L-A-V-E-R-Y Report

    #37

    Cursed_inside

    Cursed_inside

    FishWithFangs Report

    #38

    Cursed_haircut

    Cursed_haircut

    billieuglish Report

    #39

    Cursed_kfc

    Cursed_kfc

    SPIDER-MAN-2 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #40

    Cursed_forest

    Cursed_forest

    Blobfish_6ix9ine Report

    Mickysixxx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always hang out at night in the bush with a bunch of old tv's and a cross and have people photograph me, WTF is going on here?

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    #42

    Cursed_beholder

    Cursed_beholder

    cursed_napkin Report

    Mark Wilson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha, that's the Watcher/proto-Fifth Doctor from the 'Doctor Who' episode "Logopolis". Definitely creepy though

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    #43

    Cursed_girlfriend

    Cursed_girlfriend

    scurvy4all Report

    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is one of the monsters featured in the film, 'Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark.'

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    #45

    Cursed_quarantine

    Cursed_quarantine

    kersedlife Report

    Domi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am afraid of gas masks, I told my friend about it and since then she has been telling me about them and showing them to me.

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    #47

    Cursed_fallout

    Cursed_fallout

    dbot25454 Report

    Will Cable
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How influencers feel without multiple filters

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    #49

    Cursed_stalker

    Cursed_stalker

    SGrimgar Report

    Orbital
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, we have really been trying to contact you about your cats extended warranty

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #53

    Cursed_night_out

    Cursed_night_out

    DevourerITA Report

    #54

    Cursed_spiderman

    Cursed_spiderman

    Shekelsss Report

    #55

    Cursed_dog

    Cursed_dog

    babycheesefingers Report

    Passiveaggressiveraven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this from The Poughkeepsie Tapes?Did not like that part of the film.At all.

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    #56

    Cursed_teddy

    Cursed_teddy

    spookyAGENT Report

    Me
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not the teddy who is cursed here...

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    #58

    Cursed_balcony

    Cursed_balcony

    dacluelessbadger Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #61

    Cursed_companion

    Cursed_companion

    SirProdigal Report

    #62

    Cursed_gathering

    Cursed_gathering

    mattzattackz Report

    Domi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel anxious about this photo and want to cry.

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    #63

    Cursed_cereal

    Cursed_cereal

    SoupCollector Report

    #64

    Cursed_doublebounce

    Cursed_doublebounce

    EdwardTennant Report

    #65

    Cursed_antichrist

    Cursed_antichrist

    Cursed_Plague Report

    #66

    Cursed_toilet

    Cursed_toilet

    adamlm Report

    #67

    Cursed_sister

    Cursed_sister

    Daiato Report

    #68

    Cursed_ritual

    Cursed_ritual

    TheEntitledKid Report

    #69

    Cursed_obesity

    Cursed_obesity

    juli_69 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #70

    Cursed_friendship

    Cursed_friendship

    cursed_napkin Report

    #71

    Cursed_brethren

    Cursed_brethren

    cursed_napkin Report

    Steve Robert
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But the cell phone reception is really great

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    #72

    Cursed_orgy

    Cursed_orgy

    AstronomicalDumbass_ Report

    jai putman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, that's a shot from 'An American werewolf in London '

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    #73

    Cursed_matress

    Cursed_matress

    will_tschirhart Report

    #74

    Cursed_uzi

    Cursed_uzi

    Cursed_Judge Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a furry? I don’t judge furries at all but I can’t tell if it is or not, it looks like a very white Smurfette with a long nose 😅

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    #75

    Cursed_icepeople

    Cursed_icepeople

    Rausoutofmy_House69 Report

    Damon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of those pool parties at Bryan Singer’s place

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