Your nightmares will be subtitled tonight. These are the best Asian horror movies on Netflix, ranked by scary movie fans. The Asian horror movies streaming on Netflix represent some of the creepiest in the genre and features some of the best Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese horror movies. From gore fests to psychological thrillers, this list of Netflix Asian horror movies has everything it takes to inspire goosebumps and sleepless nights.
From good J-horror to Hong Kong horror, these international scary movies will have you shivering with fear. But which ones are the best Asian horror movies on Netflix? Vote up your favorites and they'll climb to the top of the list. This way, other fans of Asian horror films will know what to watch next on Netflix.
#Alive is a gripping and suspenseful take on the zombie apocalypse genre, masterfully combining elements of traditional horror with modern Asian cinema themes. The film's reliance on technology-driven isolation and the exploration of confined spaces create an atmosphere that is both suffocating and eerily relatable, a testament to its unique perspective on survival. The characters' desperation and resourcefulness in the face of insurmountable odds evoke a sense of dread and persistence that transcends cultural boundaries, making #Alive a standout in the world of Asian horror movies. Furthermore, its innovative use of social media enhances the plot's tension and relevancy, solidifying its place as one of the best Asian horror films on Netflix.
Playing on the classic trope of a haunted location, Secrets in the Hot Spring blends dark humor and horror elements to craft a wildly entertaining and gory experience for viewers. The film's ensemble of quirky characters and their interactions contribute to the humorous tone while maintaining the eerie atmosphere of the titular haunted hot spring. Additionally, the film's incorporation of supernatural elements, such as vengeful spirits and exorcisms, remains true to traditional Asian horror conventions, giving Secrets in the Hot Spring its distinct identity. The perfect balance between fear and laughter sets this film apart from its contemporaries, making it an essential watch for any Asian horror aficionado seeking a unique cinematic adventure.
The 3rd Eye showcases the power of Asian horror by incorporating the rich cultural mythology of Indonesia into its bone-chilling narrative. Centered around siblings with the ability to see spirits, the film demonstrates how the fearsome supernatural forces they confront can be just as sinister and corrupt as the dark secrets within their own family. The movie's visually stunning portrayal of the spirit world adds a surreal, otherworldly dimension that heightens the tension between the living and the dead. The chilling power dynamics and moral dilemmas explored in The 3rd Eye elevate it beyond a simple ghost story, making it an unforgettable addition to the Asian horror genre on Netflix.
Pee Mak expertly blends elements of horror and comedy in a retelling of the classic Thai folktale Mae Nak Phra Khanong, infusing traditional stories with fresh life for modern audiences. This entertaining film captures the essence of Asian horror through its use of supernatural characters, moral dilemmas, and eerie atmospheres while layering in comedic elements to create an engaging juxtaposition that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The fascinating aspect of Pee Mak lies in its exploration of love and loyalty, pitting the protagonist against the harsh realities of his circumstances as he uncovers disturbing truths about his wife. The captivating combination of horror and humor ensure that Pee Mak is a must-watch for fans of Asian cinema.
Svaha: The Sixth Finger delves into the realm of cults and conspiracies, presenting an intricate and chilling tale steeped in Korean mythology and folklore. As the film unfolds, the audience is thrown into a maze of secrets, deception, and dark forces that challenge our understanding of good and evil. The film's exploration of religious extremism and the corruption of power illuminates various aspects of Asian culture while adding a distinctly sinister tone to the plot. Svaha's striking visuals and its well-crafted atmosphere of suspense transform it into an unforgettable horror film on Netflix, deserving of its place among the greatest in Asian cinema.
Horror films have a special place in audiences' hearts around the world. In Hollywood, characters like Freddy Krueger and Ghostface are synonymous with the genre. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia's horror icons are homegrown ghosts and monsters, from vengeful spirits to the undead fully wrapped in white cloth. The most terrifying and successful horror movies from Southeast Asia typically dive into folklore, making the thrills much closer to home for locals and delivering inimitable dread for worldwide audiences.
Recently, the cinema of Southeast Asia has witnessed an emergence of great, popular scary movies. Local horror films in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have set box office records, beating major Hollywood releases. This only solidifies the genre as arguably the most popular in the region. Films like Joko Anwar's Impetigore and Emir Ezwan's Soul have been officially submitted to the Academy Awards, cementing the importance of horror in Southeast Asia. With streaming services like Netflix and Shudder acquiring more international films, it has never been easier to watch these scare-fests at home in time for Halloween.
Directors Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, who gained fame through Shutter three years earlier, returned with Alone, which tells the story of conjoined twins Ploy and Pim (Marsha Vadhanapanich) who have vowed to stay together until the end. However, after an operation to separate them killed Ploy, Pim was haunted by her twin's vengeful spirit.
Alone was hailed as a chilling psychological horror thriller with supernatural aspects. It delivered solid scares with efficient use of practical special effects and caught viewers off guard with its brilliant third-act twist. The film became a festival hit, winning best director and best actress at the 2007 Fantastic Fest.
Laddaland marked the second horror film directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit, one of the co-writers of Shutter and Alone. The film follows a family who moved to a new housing complex in Chiang Mai. While the move was to reduce the family's financial problems, they were soon haunted by mysterious paranormal events.
The film was believed to be inspired by an allegedly haunted complex in Thailand, which made it even scarier. While its horror elements might be familiar to genre fans (haunted house, creepy neighbors), the film's setting gives it an edge. It provides a glimpse of a typical life in satellite cities, not just in Thailand but in other parts of Southeast Asia, and shows that even in cities, one is never safe from supernatural threats.
Munafik (which means "hypocrite" in Malay) follows the story of a grieving Muslim medical practitioner who recently lost his wife in an accident. The tragedy shook his belief until he agreed to help Maria, who experienced demonic disturbances and possessions.
Directed by Syamsul Yusof, who also starred in the lead role, the film was lauded as an effective horror film that capitalized on its setting and practical effects. Munafik has all the ingredients of a quintessential Southeast Asian religion-based horror: it's set in a local village and featured the strength of religion to defeat evil.
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, who will soon make his Hollywood debut with the Train to Busan remake, May the Devil Take You sees Alfie (Chelsea Islan) as she seeks answers to her father's illness in his old villa but ends up in the clutches of a vengeful satanic priestess.
The film is like an Indonesian take on Evil Dead and Hereditary, as it was set in a single location and dealt with familial trauma and curses. With that in mind, Tjahjanto crafted a film that has a unique mix of Indonesian and Western elements, complete with a generous amount of blood, making it gruesomely fresh to watch. Check out the sequel to this film, May the Devil Take You Too, as it takes the East-West terror mash-up to the next level.
After the death of one of the students in an all-girl Catholic school, a new counselor Pat (Bea Alonzo), tries to uncover the mystery that surrounds the school. She realizes that there was a dark force haunting it from the past, and everyone will be in danger as the secrets unravel.
While Hollywood horror films have often explored terror in churches with priests and nuns, Mikhail Red's Eerie is a standout in this, as in The Philippines, Catholicism is a major religion. Contextually it feels more sinister for local audiences and is a unique way to view the diversity in the region as well. Watch the film for a slow-burn horror with great use of practical effects on Netflix.
The Queen of Black Magic is a loose remake of a 1981 Indonesian film. The film followed a group of grown-up orphans and their families who returned to their orphanages and revealed the dark rituals performed there.
Directed by Kimo Stamboel and written by Joko Anwar, the film takes its time to build the intensity until it provides horrific sequences that would make audiences squirm. The film does a great job in creating the right dose of tension before it unleashed its scares, from gross insects to full-on body horror.
Impetigore follows Maya (Tara Basro) as she discovers that she inherited a large house in a remote village and is also a target for the people there, who were all trying to kill her to break a curse that has beset the village for years.
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