As kids, we have seen mostly horror movies from Hollywood while growing up. These movies have been entertaining us for a long. If you have watched most of the famous Hollywood horror movies, then you should definitely look at Thai horror movies that are more horrifying, movies filled with blood, thirst, and terror.
Thai movies have a special quality, and the movies stay long after the credits have ended. Some movies are light on horror and full of jump scares and fun. Thai horror movies are mostly based on native folklore. Most of the common themes revolve around Krasue and Mae Nak, villages filled with ghosts.
While exploring, you will also find genre gradients in Thai movies. These movies are categorized not only under horror but also as teen romances, thrillers, and dramas. Mostly these elements are there in these movies to scare the viewers, but other elements are used to increase the overall watching experience.
For a true fan of the horror genre, you should always explore movies from all around the world. Do not be hesitant to use subtitles with horror movies of native languages. Irrespective of what horror sub-category you like, supernatural horror, slasher flick, or psychological horror, this list will give you movies from all the categories.
Find a perfect pick for your night and be ready to get horrified. And yes! Remember to switch off the lights, as horror movies are best enjoyed alone with all the darkness that you can muster outside and courage inside. Let’s go.
Also Read: 29 Best Asian Horror Asian Movies On Netflix
Shutter
The Thai horror movie, Shutter, was released in 2004. Tun, who is a photographer, and his girlfriend, Jane, get entangled in a hapless car accident where she hits a young girl. After this, the story moves forward, and Tun visits his very recently clicked images, where he notices some strange shadows in the images. From there, the tandem is relentless and gets disturbed by the spirit of the girl from the image.
As Tun analyzes it, he learns that Natre, a former shy and peculiar girlfriend of his who attended the same college as him, was the victim. The narrative is really well written, moves along at a great rate, takes an unexpected turn, and comes to a gratifying and rewarding conclusion.
What you see on the screen is very forthright and amazing; the red tint single color videography and editing explores them really well. A flick might sometimes be predictable and boring, but this one is actually a disturbing movie and unhurriedly becomes alarming. So you will have to sit tight and feel the emotions that the script is trying to deliver, a slow burner that is definitely worth your time.
- Released in: 2004
- IMDB Score: 7.0
- Cast: Ananda Everingham, Natthaweeranuch Thongmee, Achita Sikamana
- Directed By: Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Art of the Devil
Art of the Devil is a series of 3 movies, and the first movie came out in 2003. In this film about vengeance, a lady uses magic to bedevil and murder the family of a guy who treated her unfairly. It contains a lot of goofy voodoo rituals, gore, and eels. Nevertheless, despite a few pleasant moments, the movie is mostly fairly boring, not as awful as you might anticipate, and has lousy acting, which makes it a bit stale and blunt.
Although Jitnukul’s direction is sleek and the movie has a very professional appearance, it’s difficult to keep watching due to the narrative’s aimless meandering and the film’s several confused flashbacks.
The lead actresses, Arisa Wills and Supakson Chaimongkol, are both attractive and provide the audience with a small reason to pay attention and continue with the vision that the director Tanit Jitnukul and the screenwriters want to deliver.
A decent watch if you can overlook the above-mentioned drawbacks. The rest of the movies are a definite upgrade from the first movie, and if you like to watch the whole trilogy, then you can surely consider beginning from the first one.
- Released in: 2004
- IMDB Score: 4.7
- Cast: Supakson Chaimongkol, Tin Settachoke, and Others
- Directed By: Tanit Jitnukul
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Ghost of Mae Nak
It takes the audience on a rollercoaster they never saw coming while following a narrative line that originally appears bland and usual for any thriller. The lead actress, rookie Pataratida Pacharawirapong, was as real, attractive, and full of emotions as one can expect from the actress playing a role in a horror flick, anyhow of nationality.
Nevertheless, most of the acting is a little “over the top,” which is expected of many Asian horror films. You will feel drafted to return to Southeast Asia and explore it more after watching the film because of the cinematography.
There were many images that were culturally intriguing, but there were no views of Bangkok’s congested, filthy streets or sex shops, which sends a good message to the audience globally about the culture and change that people want to see.
Thai movies are oftentimes wild, autobiographical, and burlesque. This one avoids those pitfalls, maybe as a result of its Western director and lack of stereotyping, which is a good sign for the viewers.
- Released in: 2005
- IMDB Score: 5.1
- Cast: Pataratida Pacharawirapong, Siwat Chotchaicharin and Porntip Papanai
- Directed By: Mark Duffield
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Laa-thaa-phii (Ghost Game)
11 candidates choose to participate in a terrifying reality program that pushes them to face their fears and the paranormal. They are taken to a historical war museum in Cambodia, which served as a jail for Khmer Rogue twenty years before. Hundreds of people perished there and were tortured during the 1970s Cambodian conflict.
No one is now willing to enter the abandoned museum. The show’s only winner will get a prize of 5 million Thai Baht. They agree to risk their lives at the museum because of the significant profit, and they soon face actual spirits. It had the feel of Battle Royale crossed with The Truman Show and Survivor.
Our motley company had to depend more on psychology to outplay, outsmart, and outlast each other in this game than in Battle Royale, which transported a bunch of students to an island. A medium to the best viewing venture, as it was not well received by the audience, so check it out yourself to find out.
- Released in: 2006
- IMDB Score: 4.7
- Cast: Pachornpol Jantieng, Supatsiri Patomnupong and Thanyanan Mahapirun
- Directed By: Sarawut Wichiensarn
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Alone
Alone came out in 2007, directed by Marsha, and is a very creepy movie. The movie focuses on Thai Pim, played by Marsha Vadhanapanich, who learns in Seoul that her mother passed away in her homeland due to a heart attack. She goes to Thailand with her lover Wee, played by Vittaya Wasukraipaisan, to help Pim’s mother.
As Pim gets home, her Siamese sister Ploy, played by Masha Wattanapanich, who passed away after a design for divergence when they were teens, haunts her. To help Pim cope with the trauma of her loss, Wee asks an old acquaintance and psychotherapist to meet with her in sessions. Nevertheless, when Pim’s mother is able to meet with Wee, she shares troubling information about the twin sisters’ background.
It is a dark and terrifying horror film and a wonderful illustration of how amazing Asian filmmaking is in this genre. The script is preeminent and ideal, and the narrative may be translated as either a rugged psychological act or merely a terrifying ghost story. With a scanty yet momentous use of visual effects, the directing and performances are of the highest caliber.
- Released in: 2007
- IMDB Score: 6.4
- Cast: Marsha Vadhanapanich, Vittaya Wasukraipaisan, Masha Wattanapanich
- Directed By: Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV
Phobia
It has 4 movies in the franchise. First, we have “Happiness,” which was directed by Iron Ladies’ Yongyoot Thongkongtoon. A girl stays in her apartment while nursing a broken leg. She sends an SMS to her friends, and shortly after, she receives one from an enigmatic sender. The second narrative is nonetheless nice, despite not being very exciting or suspenseful.
‘Tit for Tat’ was directed by Body 19 actor Paween Purijitpanya. A man uses black magic to exact revenge on a bunch of bullies among the pupils. You will be aware of the conclusion because this type of plan is now prevalent. “In the center” is the third tale written by Banjong Pisanthanakun, the author of Shutter and Alone.
In a jungle, four friends set a camp. Before going to bed, they make fun of scary movies and tell ghost stories. As they went river rafting, one of them perished. When they begin to look for him, the situation quickly becomes unsettling.
The fourth and last tale is “Final Fear,” which was written by Parkpoom Wongpoom, who also wrote Shutter and Alone. A dead body of a princess must be escorted by an aviation aid by herself. Things start to get exhilarating and unsettling. Fans of the suspense thriller genre should definitely check it out, especially the first and third stories.
- Released in: 2008
- IMDB Score: 6.6
- Cast: Laila Boonyasak, Maneerat Kham-uan and Apinya Sakuljaroensuk
- Directed By: Youngyooth Thongkonthun, Parkpoom Wongpoom, Paween Purijitpanya, and Others
- Streaming Platform: Chili
Coming Soon
Coming Soon, which came out in 2008, was written and directed by Sophon. The beginning of this film is deeply fearful as a crazy woman who kidnaps children pulls out their Eyes while a young girl tries to flee. When the parents of the kidnapped children arrive and learn what she did to their children, they beat the elderly woman and hang her.
Later, it is disclosed that the audience is watching a movie in a theater. The flick has good horror visuals that will make you jump on your seat. The acting in this film is excellent, and although the ending can be a little confusing, it does sort of make sense because many of the plots and inputs were totally unforeseen and will keep you surprised as you cruise through it.
I also admire that it’s a short film since it never becomes boring and dull, it has the potential to keep you entertained, and you will definitely enjoy the whole structure and all-around this movie as a package.
- Released in: 2008
- IMDB Score: 6.0
- Cast: Vorakan Rojchanawat Sakulrath Thomas, Chantavit Dhanasevi and Oraphan Arjsamat
- Directed By: Sophon Sakdapisit
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV
Meat Grinder
Buss, played by Mai Charoenpura, is a deranged woman who sometimes turns her victims into food and occasionally murders them. In Meat Grinder, she describes how and why she arrived at this picturesque pass and her following expedition. By all accounts, this should be a huge hit; it has a viable plot, manageable pacing, and some charming gore, yet it occasionally comes across as stodgy and uninteresting.
The storytelling is primarily at fault; fragmented but focused, it swirls fragments of the past and presents around its lead without really allowing the story to breathe or develop a convincing sense of rhythm or flow.
You can definitely check it out because of the interesting plot and acting skills displayed by the cast. But the flick is very high on the graphic, blood, and guts which may not be preferable for everyone, and this was a friendly reminder, so only steam it if you can handle everything mentioned above.
- Released in: 2009
- IMDB Score: 5.3
- Cast: Mai Charoenpura, Anyway Niwartwong, Wiradit Srimalai, and Rattanaballang Tohssawat
- Directed By: Tiwa Moeithaisong
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Siam Square
There was a blackout when May and Jublek were at their education center in Siam Square one dusk. It’s not only the edifice; Siam Square, Bangkok’s most well-known hub for young people, is completely dark. They were reminded of the story of a girl who inexplicably disappeared in Siam Square many years ago as the lights turned back on.
Her ghost is said to have haunted the location, and every time there is a blackout, she is said to reappear and take someone with her. The plot had a lot of potentials to make the audience scared, but it fell really short because of the direction and screenplay.
Flick has very blunt and predictable twists, which may work in other genres but not in the horror genre as it permanently kills the surprise element, which is mainly demanded in this space.
You can check this movie if you love the Thai category and want to check something new but not unique; it will not captivate you. There are other movies available on this list that will keep you entertained, but they will surely elevate your watching experience as an entirety.
- Released in: 2017
- IMDB Score: 5.3
- Cast: Morakot Liu, Thanabordee Jaiyen, Nutthasit Kotimanuswanich and Others
- Directed By: Pairach Khumwan
Sang Krasue: Inhuman Kiss
The major conflict of the story is a teenage girl’s love triangle with her two childhood pals. The girl is cursed, and at night she transforms into a Krasue. The internal parts of the nocturnal female spirit Krasue dangle from her neck. The romance and folklore in the novel are expertly balanced. Amazing character and screenplay development.
The flick has gorgeous photography and videography. It could be listless for some of you. You’re going to be amazed by the turns and suspense that will be thrown at you. You will like every aspect of this film, including the chilling score, exquisite photography, and our hapless monster heroine.
It is not a typical Thai movie based on native folklore, but it is something refreshing that will make you a fan of Thai flicks. It has the potential to get on the list as your favorite Thai horror movie, so definitely check this out; a big recommendation from my side.
- Released in: 2019
- IMDB Score: 6.4
- Cast: Phantira Pipityakorn, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, Sapol Assawamunkong and Surasak Wongthai
- Directed By: Sittisiri Mongkolsiri
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
NANG NAK
In 1999, the Thai film NANG NAK was released. As war breaks out in Thailand, a young man called Mak leaves his pregnant wife behind and heads off to fight for his nation. Mak is heavily injured and must get healed and fit before heading back home, and this will take a handful of months.
When he goes back and meets his lovely wife, and sees the face of his newborn baby. Yet it soon becomes apparent that Nak was specially altered by the rigors of delivery. The film was favorably welcomed in Thai movie theatres. You could be let down if your expectations were for a nasty horror film; instead, it is a tragic love story.
It is a visual delight; the photography is splendid, and the film features some of Thailand’s greatest sequences. The entertainers selected for the two lead roles had excellent shapes and smart close-cropped coifs, which receded their beauty as rural peasants. Overall, a solid startling flick. But understand that the horror setup of the flick will not give you shock treatments.
- Released in: 1999
- IMDB Score: 6.5
- Cast: Intira Jaroenpura, Winai Kraibutr
- Directed By: Nonzee Nimibutr
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Art of the Devil 2
Art of the Devil is one of those movies that has the works of seven different directors known as the Ronin Team. Similar to the first film, the goal of this one is vengeance, with black magic’s instruments and sanity as the price. The witchcraft shown in these films is dangerous, nasty, and expensive for both the practitioner and the victim.
Six students go to a former teacher’s isolated house who also occurs to be the stepmother of one of the kids. Given the vile things that happen to the victims of the hex, this movie features a lot of graphic scenes that provide some effective shocks. Given that the earlier two movies handled the torture more emotionally and with off-camera sets, here you are not limited to the visual specifics.
If Syrianna and Hard Candy’s torture scenes made you cringe in your seat, then prepare for more, as this movie has other scenes that will make you unsettled and recoil in your seat. A good watch for individuals who like these types of movies.
- Released in: 2005
- IMDB Score: 5.8
- Cast: Napakpapha Nakprasitte, Hataiwan Ngamsukonpusit, Akarin Siwapornpitak and Others
- Directed By: Pasith Buranajan, Kongkiat Khomsiri, Isara Nadee and Others
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
The Unseeable, a.k.a. Pen choo kab pee
The narrative centers on Nualjan, a pregnant rural girl who fled her native town in pursuit of her missing husband. She is accommodated at a sparsely populated boarding house owned by the enigmatic rich widow Ranjuan while traveling to Bangkok. Ranjuan also rooms in another house inside the exact courtyard.
Having few friends and gaining the housekeeper’s contempt, Nualjan experiences dreadful people and unexplainable events, which aren’t made any easier by rumors about the haunted nature of the location. With the ultimate twist ending, the story layout did emerge to follow the normal pattern.
You may occasionally believe that, despite the red herrings, your intuition about how events will play out is likely to be accurate. Although the acknowledgment refined the situation and determined any remaining issues, it also displayed that the story doesn’t appear to want to stop; at times, it may become boring because of the length, try and find it out yourself.
- Released in: 2006
- IMDB Score: 6.7
- Cast: Supornthip Choungrangsee and Siraphun Wattanajinda
- Directed By: Wisit Sasanatieng
- Streaming Platform: Yidio
House of Ghosts, a.k.a. Pisaj
This is an influential mixture of folk and political horror, and Chookiat Saakveerakul’s camerawork is sophisticated and continually muggy. He also did a fantastic job of setting the mood with his ominous visuals and amazing display design.
But what makes Evil a great movie is its political message, in which the movie seeks to analyze pain brought on by a family member’s or the government’s mishandling of governance.
Some of the scenes and visuals may look undercooked and half-baked. It felt like the screenwriters rushed with the scenes without finishing them effectively. The horror elements were not that out of the box and will fail to entertain and haunt you as the movie progresses.
- Released in: 2004
- IMDB Score: 6.2
- Cast: Pumwaree Yodkamol, Alexander Rendell, Amora Purananda and Others
- Directed By: Chookiat Sakveerakul
The Sisters a.k.a. Pee Chong Air
Five male and one female, young rock artists travel to Bangkok for a show. They eventually stay in a peculiar hotel room where unsettling things start to happen. The ceiling vent is taken down when the temperature in Room 409 begins to rise.
Everyone who peers up into the conduit immediately leaves. They all appear to see the ghost of a prostitute who was fatally battered and murdered in Room 409 of the Tulip hotel. Police discovered her head in the AC after she had already been beheaded.
It is a good watch if you have seen the Hollywood movie “The Ring.” The Sisters have a very similar vibe to it. From the visuals to the tone and color grading, everything will remind you of the ring, which is a good thing, in my opinion, as it was a good watch with creepy horror elements in it.
- Released in: 2004
- IMDB Score:
- Cast: Pock Piyathida Mittiraroch, Chokoon Santanapanich
- Directed By: Tiwa Moeithaisong
Pee Mak
The protagonist of “Pee Mak” is Mak, portrayed by Mario Maurer, who, after serving in the military, returns to Phrakanong. His spouse Nak portrayed by Davika Hoorne, and their little child is waiting for him here. Mak invited his military friends to come home with him. But, there is a problem in Phrakanong, and the locals are ignoring Mak at all costs since they think his wife has passed away.
Nevertheless, she is present in their house, making his meals and caring for his child, so how can Nak be dead? Story-wise, the film does a good job of fusing the comedy and horror genres. It has many humorous moments and also does a good job of building suspense, which typically culminates in something amusing that will make you laugh instead than being terrified.
This blend of horror with comedy doesn’t work well, but this movie is a perfect example of how to handle both genres well; director Banjong balanced both emotions well. You will feel that in the movie, laughing and terrified. This makes the whole experience elevated and enjoyable for the audience; definitely check it out.
- Released in: 2013
- IMDB Score: 7.2
- Cast: Mario Maurer, Davika Hoorne, Pongsathorn Jongwilas, Nattapong Chartpong and Others
- Directed By: Banjong Pisanthanakun
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV
Long Weekend
Long Weekend came out in 2013 and was directed by Taweewat Wantha. In the same hospital room as the victimized youngster Thongsook played by Chinawut Indracusin, the girl Nam, portrayed by Natpassara Adulyamethasiri, befriends him and reveals her love of horror movies.
As she says she wants to see ghosts, Thongsook takes off his amulet-encrusted necklace and is assaulted by them. Years later, Thongsook is an unpopular kid who attends Nam’s class and harbors feelings for her. I will suggest it to everyone who wants to kill some time pleasantly, not only Asian horror enthusiasts, as “Long weekend” will give the tension and horrors we desire more from a production like this!
Well, it has that familiar feel to it, and you will see many familiar elements, but the delivery seems new, the comedy is well-placed, and the effects are pleasantly accomplished. All in all a good watch, totally recommended.
- Released in: 2013
- IMDB Score: 5.1
- Cast: Surampha Yokchotisakul, Surampha Yokchotisakul, Sean Jindachot, and Others
- Directed By: Taweewat Wantha
The Promise
Without providing too much background information or fluff, the film gets right into action after quickly introducing the friendship between these two best friends. It’s crucial to experience this movie for yourself, so I won’t give away any of the plot details. Also, the performance is superb; even among the younger cast members, the writing is of the highest caliber.
The storyline shifts in such a manner that they cause you to overthink the events that are about to happen, making the film feel slightly remote. Most significantly, this movie effortlessly maintains the tension throughout.
An adequate Thai ghost story all in all, with just the right amount of ghosts, jump scares, drama, and sadness. Nothing seems excessive here, and it nicely balances everything out, so you should check the movie out.
- Released in: 2017
- IMDB Score: 5.9
- Cast: Namthip Jongrachatawiboon, Apichaya Thongkhamand Others
- Directed By: Sophon Sakdaphisit
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The Eyes Diary
The girl, Roh Pla, resides in Nott’s home without Nott’s knowledge. Nott himself was anxious to see Pla and accept his apologies. While Nott was at work, victims of accidents and suicide were removed, and their bodies were cared for. Both the driver’s and the accident victim’s bracelets were carried home by him, and will get fond of his friends.
The Eyes Diary truly has the potential to be more ominous; it just dwells too much on one piece of love. Thankfully, there are Modtai subplots and adorable, unsettling dolls. Funny and scary humor. Nott wants to see Pla’s spirit.
Thus, he is working to awaken his inner eyes. Finding a shaman to open an inner death should not be difficult in Thailand. Good movie to kill time; the plot is light-hearted, and the vision of the director is also refreshing and entertaining.
- Released in: 2014
- IMDB Score: 5.9
- Cast: Chonnikan Netjui, Focus Jeerakul, Prama Imanotai Others
- Directed By: Sophon Sakdaphisit
Laddaland
The narrative mixes family life and horror together. The narrative is not particularly fascinating, despite the outstanding performances. The entire town is haunted since they didn’t explain why or how it happened; in horror movies, the conclusion is where the ghost’s origin and the mystery of the past are revealed.
The plot of Laddaland is relatively easy to swallow and play along in the minds of the viewers. A young couple with two children relocates from Bangkok to the high locality of Laddland. Their new environment is restricted and gated, and it can be seen as a safe neighborhood.
He was able to move since he is the only person in their family who is employed and has a job that is reasonably steady. Although it lacks the scary scenes of other films, it is nonetheless a wonderful watch with a subtle narrative and representation that will keep you interested.
- Released in: 2011
- IMDB Score: 6.2
- Cast: Saharat Sangkapreecha, Atipich Chutiwatkajornchai, Piyathida Woramusik, and Others
- Directed By: Sophon Sakdaphisit
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Bangkok Haunted has a different approach to storytelling. Three young women meet in a coffee shop and share 3 stories. First is “The Ancient Drum” Little Jieb receives an old drum in Bangkok from Mr. Anake’s transportation company truck that was not on order. She calls her old teacher Arkom, who recognizes the lucky symbols she has described and relates the orphan Paga’s tale.
The Second is “The Love Potion’s Price” Pam, who is stunning, gets a sample of a love potion that makes its user seductive to men from her neighbor. Pam is unaware that the essence used on a man in a nightclub is made from the blood of murdered women.
And the third story is known as “Revenge of the Dead” The inquiry into the death of Gunaya, a lady who was discovered hanging in a far-off storeroom, is being headed by Detective Nop. He is adamant that it is a murder case and refuses to accept his major plea of suicide. You will love all the stories, especially the first one. The direction by the Pang brothers is done phenomenally, and you can see that in the three stories.
- Released in: 2001
- IMDB Score: 5.1
- Cast: Pimsiree Pimsee, Dawan Singha-wee, and Others
- Directed By: Oxide Pang and Pisut Praesangeam
Ringu
This movie has a way of getting under your skin and into your brain before turning out the lights and sneakily infiltrating your brain. The movie doesn’t include a lot of action or violent scenes, but as the narrative progresses, the mood gets progressively more ominous and unpleasant.
Attending the funeral for Reiko Asakawa’s niece, she assumes it is simply another death. But she discovers that there is a secret behind it all when she finds out that three other teenagers died at the same time, on the same night, and that they had all seen a “curse video” a week prior. This is an interesting setup for the movie.
Yes, I know this premise is very similar to the movie “Ring.” The ring was, in fact, inspired by Ringu. Ringu is one of the most horrifying movies that you will see on the list, totally recommended for the acting, music, and the whole setup. If you do not watch this movie, then you will definitely miss out big time.
- Released in: 1998
- IMDB Score: 7.2
- Cast: Nanako Matsushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rikiya Otaka and Others
- Directed By: Hideo Nakata
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Dorm
The setup of the 2006 movie, Dorm revolves around Ton Chatree, played by Charlie Trairattana, a young boy in Thailand who is sent to a private school by his dad in order for him to be more responsible, work better in school, and watch less television. Arriving at the school, Ton feels alone and longs for his loved ones.
His new schoolmates’ ghost stories of a youngster who drowned in the pool and a newly pregnant lady who committed suicide make him feel uneasy. As a result of his friendship with the lonely youngster Vichien, Ton eventually learns that Vichien is the child whose death in the water occurs every night.
Ton looks for a means to provide his pal with a peaceful place to rest in heaven. A great and understated soundtrack is also featured in the movie, along with the cinematography. It includes melancholy piano ballads and languid orchestral compositions.
Even though this is standard for the genre, the score contributes to the emotional impact of the movie. One thing to note is the acting in the movie is done exceptionally, and you will not find any silly things or representations, and it is a big thing to manage, given that there were kids as actors.
- Released in: 2006
- IMDB Score: 7.2
- Cast: Charlie Trairat, Chintara Sukapatana and Others
- Directed By: Songyos Sugmakanan
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The Medium
The Medium by Banjong Pisanthanakun, a Thai-Korean supernatural horror film, burns steadily but strongly. It features spooky music and a grimly saturated filter, as well as other distinctive aspects of Asian horror found only in the Korean and Thai subgenres.
Due to difficulties in its mockumentary format, the movie occasionally loses momentum, although Pisanthanakun succeeds far better when he focuses on the subtleties and detailing of the movie.
It is one of those unsettling horror films that have a foreboding air, a sense of doom, and a chilling atmosphere that only grows more intense as the narrative develops. Narilya Gulmongkolpech provided a robust foundation that was cleverly bolstered, carefully penned, and exquisitely detailed. The climax is absolutely off the charts, and it is guaranteed to chill your spine and keep you entertained all along.
- Released in: 2021
- IMDB Score: 6.5
- Cast: Sirani Yankittikan, Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, and Others
- Directed By: Banjong Pisanthanakun
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Videos
School Tales The Series
Thailand-based School Tales is a television series that debuted in 2022. Every episode of this anthology series takes place at a school and has curses or spirits that seriously endanger the pupils and, occasionally, the teachers.
Many events in the movies include bullying and the typical school environment; in extreme cases, the one who has experienced these acts will go through some supernatural happening. Every episode has potential and will keep you entertained, but your expectations are in check when it comes to the horror element; it is just some kids doing their stuff, having fun, and hunting ghosts.
Every episode from the series will end in some sort of a cliffhanger which will keep you hooked for the next episode. There is a big cast in the show, and majorly each of them is a child, but all of them have a mature on-screen presence, and they managed to deliver a good characterization of their roles and writings. Overall, a decent light watch.
- Released in: 2022
- IMDB Score: 5.4
- Cast: Jennis Oprasert, Kay Lertsittichai, , Siwat Jumlongkul, and Others
- Seasons: 1
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Train to Busan
Train to Busan came out in 2016, and Yeon Sang-ho’s directed flick took the hall by storm. Seok-woo, the main character, is a stressed-out guy with issues relating to his business dealings and divorce. Su-an, his 9-year-old daughter, begs her father to take her to Busan the following day so she may meet her estranged mother since she feels ignored.
Seok-woo was unable to refuse. A female passenger with bite wounds on her legs collapses and transforms into a zombie while riding the very same train to Busan as Seok-woo and Su-an. Each time she bites someone else, they turn into a zombie as well, and so on. All of the actors are excellent, but I think Soo-an Kim gives one of the greatest child actor skills you will see in any movie.
The videography is fantastic. Even though the whole narrative takes place during the day, the movie nonetheless succeeds in making you feel so uncomfortable and uneasy all the time without relying on cheesy techniques like jump scares or dim lighting.
The colors are fantastic, the cutting is flawless, and all in all a good-looking movie. One more thing to actually enjoy the camera work and the whole color grading and picturization, watch this movie in the highest resolution possible.
- Released in: 2016
- IMDB Score: 7.6
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an and Others
- Directed By: Yeon Sang-ho
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
The Eye
Mun, played by Angelica Lee, a youthful lady, has been blind since the age of two. Surgery to replace the cornea gives a possibility to regain vision. But Mun receives more than she foresaw once her vision is recovered. She regularly contends with pictures of people and locations that don’t feel quite right. Mun notices spirits and ghosts.
The worst of it, though, is not that. Mun realizes that the image of herself in the photograph is not the same person she sees when she looks in the mirror after being shown the photograph. The first half of the movie is horrifying and full of creepy. You will be thrilled in some scenes, such as the one in the elevator or when we first saw what Mun saw in the mirror.
It’s all managed deeply well. Anyway, much to its disadvantage, the movie abruptly changes its narrative tone halfway through. The Eye transforms from a subdued, powerful horror movie to a visual effects showcase. The acting by all the cast was well done and will definitely keep you entertained; overall, it is a good watch.
- Released in: 2002
- IMDB Score: 6.7
- Cast: Angelica Lee, Lawrence Chou, Chutcha Rujinanon, and Others
- Directed By: Pang brothers
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos
The Wailing
Long after the final credits have rolled, you will continue to think about “The Wailing” over and over in your head. It’s an ever-changing experience that progresses through a number of distinctly different acts that are solely determined by how well you comprehend the plot’s developments. This demonstrates how well-aware it is of its audience since it can foresee your thoughts in order to build up a startling revelation.
Although having a rather clear ending, the story has a lot of ambiguity, which makes it a really mysterious film to watch since your expectations are always changing and, somehow, never quite being met. The plot takes place in a tiny South Korean town where, following the entrance of a strange Japanese guy in the neighboring mountains, a mystery sickness spreads and claims many lives.
A police officer is looking into the case, and when his own daughter starts displaying some of the same symptoms, he becomes even more interested. He turns to a shaman for assistance in order to solve the case before it’s too late. A full-on mysterious movie that will keep you occupied, and all your predictions will fail while cruising through the story.
- Released in: 2016
- IMDB Score: 7.4
- Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, and Others
- Directed By: Na Hong-jin
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Dark Water
Kunio Hamada’s wife, Yoshimi Matsubara, portrayed by Hitomi Kuroki, is going through a contentious divorce, played by Fumiyo Kohinata. Their daughter Ikuko is the source of the most disagreement created by Rio Kanno. Kunio calls Yoshimi unstable, and it appears that he has a point.
Ikuko is nonetheless given at least momentary custody of Yoshimi. She is seen looking for an apartment to reside in with Ikuko. It is a slow-burner with a spooky story that slowly reveals itself. Even as a seasoned veteran of horror films, there were several situations that made me want to squint my eyes at the television.
The characters are not disposable filler as in many contemporary American horror stories. In that, there isn’t constant blood, gore, and knife-wielding psychos, and this isn’t American horror. Nevertheless, you will enjoy it because of the acting and showcase of emotions by the cast on screen.
- Released in: 2002
- IMDB Score: 6.7
- Cast: Hitomi Kuroki, Rio Kanno, Mirei Oguchi, and Others
- Directed By: Hideo Nakata
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
Pulse
“Pulse,” which came out in 2001, is one of the finest works of Kiyoshi Kurosawa. It is one of the creepiest movies that you will see on this list. A collection of teenagers in Tokyo start to uncover uncommon occurrences, including lost friends and coworkers, malfunctioning technology, and a mysterious website that compels them to answer the bewitching question, “Do you wish to meet a ghost?”
Everything in this narrative is designed to cause you to shudder progressively building up. There are just increasing moments of fear and anxiety but no actual moments of shock. The philosophy throughout the movie is really gloomy and menacing. The tune is quite disturbing, and Junichiro Hayashi’s imagery is gorgeous.
The central idea of “Kairo” is that there is nothing but a terrifying void at the end of the line—neither heaven nor hell, but an insufferable epoch spent transitioning between the two, and this concept, in general, is revealed well in the movie, a good thriller movie, recommended.
- Released in: 2001
- IMDB Score: 6.5
- Cast: Kumiko Asō, Haruhiko Kato, Koyuki and Others
- Directed By: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos
House
A Japanese student heads to the country with her six closest female friends to spend the summer at her dying estranged aunt’s rickety, run-down house. The girls quickly learn that the home is contained by horrible demonic entities that want to consume them. The film’s true star, though, is director Nobuhiko Ohbayashi, who creates the type of drug-fueled lunacy that cult film lovers can only imagine.
Once the hauntings start, they don’t stop, and Ohbayashi provides a never-ending rollercoaster of cheap, tacky, and ridiculous special effects. A carnivorous piano, demonic animated cat ghosts, and many other bizarre things are there. Practically in every sense, this movie is quite unique.
The unique visuals are a result of Obayashi’s utilization of many of the special effects techniques he picked up while working on TV advertisements. The acting and color are both quite weird, yet the movie has a peculiar appeal of its own and is not monotonous to watch. It’s almost like this movie aims to mirth spectators while still being creative.
- Released in: 1977
- IMDB Score: 7.3
- Cast: Kimiko Ikegami, Miki Jinbo, Ai Matubara, Kumiko Oba and Others
- Directed By: Nobuhiko Obayashi
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Videos, Apple TV
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