Asian horror cinema hits differently. While Western horror often leans on jump scares, gore, and the age-old trope of exorcisms, Asian horror digs deeper into the psyche, into ancient folklore, into the very fabric of cultural fear. It doesn’t always scream in your face; instead, it whispers, unsettles, and lingers like a shadow in the corner of your eye. These are the kind of horror films that don’t just aim to startle you, they aim to haunt you. To leave you with questions, with unease, with a quiet ache. So here’s a carefully curated list of underrated Asian horror films that won’t just chill your spine, they might just tangle with your thoughts and stomp on your heart on the way out.
20. Kuntilanak (2006)
“Kuntilanak,” directed by Rizal Mantovani, is an Indonesian horror film that taps into Southeast Asian folklore to deliver a chilling experience. The story revolves around Samantha, a young woman who moves into an old orphanage and soon begins to uncover its haunted past. The film centers on the mythical kuntilanak—an undead woman who uses mirrors as portals to the living world, luring and killing those who disturb her rest. What makes “Kuntilanak” so spine-tingling isn’t just the jump scares, but the way it uses cultural myth to evoke dread. The atmospheric sound design, eerie visuals, and creeping suspense keep you unsettled throughout. It’s folklore horror done with an eerie precision that stays with you.
19. The Unseeable (2006)
“The Unseeable,” directed by Wisit Sasanatieng, is a Thai gothic horror film that blends period drama with supernatural dread. Set in 1930s Thailand, it follows Nualjan, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband, who takes refuge in a remote, decaying mansion owned by a mysterious and reclusive woman. As she unravels the house’s secrets, she begins to encounter eerie apparitions and slowly realizes the mansion holds something far more sinister than it seems. What makes “The Unseeable” chilling is its restrained, atmospheric horror, less reliant on loud scares and more on a creeping, invisible presence that burrows into your mind. Its unsettling elegance, sepia-toned visuals, and gradual revelation make it a haunting slow burn.
18. A Snake of June (2002)
“A Snake of June,” directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, is a uniquely disturbing Japanese psychological horror that thrives on emotional claustrophobia. Set in a rain-soaked, unnamed city, the film follows Rinko, a quiet counselor, whose seemingly peaceful life begins to unravel after a mysterious man blackmails her with compromising photos. What follows is a descent into voyeurism, control, and repressed desire. Shot in a striking blue-tinted monochrome, the film crafts a suffocating atmosphere where horror doesn’t come from ghosts or gore, but from the invasive grip of surveillance and shame. Tsukamoto blurs the line between eroticism and menace, making the viewer squirm not from what is seen, but from the vulnerability it forces us to confront.
17. The Piper (2015)
“The Piper,” directed by Kim Kwang-tae, reimagines the classic Pied Piper fable through a grim, post-war Korean lens. The story trails a father and his ailing son who stumble upon a secluded village while searching for medical help. The villagers promise to reward him if he can rid them of a rat infestation, but once he delivers, darker truths begin to seep through. With a creeping sense of dread and moral decay, the film shifts from eerie fairy tale to full-blown nightmare. What makes “The Piper” truly unsettling is its slow-building betrayal and the horrifying consequences of blind trust. It’s not just the rats that gnaw at you—it’s the rotten underbelly of human nature.
16. Satan’s Slaves (1980)
“Satan’s Slaves,” directed by Sisworo Gautama Putra, is a masterclass in Indonesian horror that reawakens the dread of occult terror. Set in a remote countryside home, the film follows a family grappling with the death of their mother, a once-famous singer. But mourning turns to fear when her presence begins to return—unholy and uninvited. Rooted in local myths and Islamic beliefs, the horror here is slow, thick, and oppressive, unfolding through whispers, shadows, and rituals gone wrong. What makes it genuinely chilling is the way it wraps personal grief around supernatural evil, leaving you unsure of what’s worse—what’s haunting the house or what’s been buried in the family’s past. Anwar crafts a fear that lingers well after the credits.
15. Sick Nurses (2007)
“Sick Nurses,” directed by Piraphan Laoyont and Thodsapol Siriwiwat, is a blood-soaked Thai horror that blends slasher tropes with surreal, grotesque imagery. The plot revolves around a group of corrupt nurses who illegally sell dead bodies on the black market. When one of them threatens to expose their crimes, she is murdered—only to return as a vengeful spirit one week later, picking off her colleagues in increasingly bizarre and symbolic ways. The film leans into body horror, fashioning its kills with a twisted sense of irony and theatrical flair. What makes it disturbing isn’t just the violence, but its underlying commentary on vanity, greed, and moral decay—all wrapped in stylized, dreamlike terror.
14. Takut: Faces of Fear (2008)
“Takut: Faces of Fear,” directed by various Indonesian filmmakers, is an anthology horror film that stitches together several terrifying tales rooted in local urban legends and folklore. Each segment dives into a different aspect of fear—from restless spirits to cursed objects—offering a kaleidoscope of nightmares that reflect the dark corners of human anxiety. The movie’s strength lies in its cultural authenticity and the way it evokes dread through everyday settings twisted into sinister traps. Unlike conventional horror, “Takut” lingers in the unsettling atmosphere, where fear isn’t always loud but always present. It’s a mosaic of nightmares that stays with you, haunting your thoughts long after watching.
13. Dukun (2018)
“Dukun” is a Malaysian horror-thriller directed by Dain Iskandar Said, loosely inspired by the infamous 1993 murder case of Malaysian politician Datuk Mazlan Idris by singer-turned-shaman Mona Fandey. The film follows Karim, a public defender in Kuala Lumpur, who is entangled in the trial of Diana Dahlan, a nightclub singer and shaman accused of murdering a wealthy businessman during a black magic ritual. As the trial unfolds, Karim discovers unsettling connections between Diana, his missing wife, and his runaway daughter, Nadia. The film delves into themes of greed and the lengths individuals will go to achieve eternal youth and influence, even at the cost of human life. Dain Said’s direction, combined with strong performances, especially by Umie Aida as Diana, creates an atmosphere of suspense and dread that lingers throughout the film.
12. Dorm (2006)
“Dorm,” directed Songyos Sugmakanan by Kin Ming Chan, is a haunting Thai horror film that delves into the pain of guilt and the lingering presence of trauma. The story centers on Kong, a high school student who moves into a boarding school dormitory after a family tragedy. Soon, he and his new friends begin to experience unexplainable supernatural events tied to a dark secret buried within the school’s walls. What makes “Dorm” chilling is its intimate portrayal of grief intertwined with ghostly hauntings, crafting an eerie atmosphere that mixes adolescent vulnerability with mounting dread. The film’s slow-building tension and emotional depth make it more than just a typical ghost story—it’s a haunting meditation on loss.
11. Macabre (2009)
“Macabre,” directed by The Mo Brothers (Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto), is a brutal Indonesian horror-thriller that pushes boundaries with its relentless tension and raw violence. The plot follows a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a remote house, hunted by a sadistic and deranged killer with a twisted obsession for torture and control. The film doesn’t shy away from graphic brutality, but what truly unsettles is the claustrophobic atmosphere and the psychological unraveling of its characters. “Macabre” is chilling because it blends visceral horror with a sense of inevitable doom, leaving viewers breathless and disturbed by the relentless nightmare it presents.
10. Meat Grinder (2009)
“Meat Grinder” is a Thai horror film that delves into the disturbing psyche of a woman driven to madness by her traumatic past. The story follows Buss, a troubled woman who, after inheriting her mother’s noodle stall, begins serving dishes made from human flesh. As her mental state deteriorates, she becomes entangled in a cycle of violence and cannibalism. The film explores themes of abuse, trauma, and the consequences of a broken society. While the film is graphic and unsettling, it also offers a commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the impact of past traumas. The juxtaposition of horror with social critique makes it a thought-provoking piece for those interested in films that challenge the boundaries of the genre.
9. Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait (2007)
“Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait” is a South Korean-Vietnamese horror film that delves into themes of betrayal and vengeance. The story follows Yoon-hee, a Korean writer struggling with writer’s block, who travels to Vietnam to research a local legend about a haunted portrait of a woman named Muoi. Upon her arrival, she reconnects with her estranged friend Seo-yeon, and together they uncover the tragic tale of Muoi, a woman disfigured and betrayed in life, whose spirit seeks revenge from within her portrait. “Muoi” is notable for its blend of Korean filmmaking techniques with Vietnamese cultural elements, offering a unique perspective in the horror genre. While it may not be groundbreaking, it provides an engaging narrative that explores the consequences of betrayal and the haunting power of unresolved grievances.
8. Coming Soon (2008)
“Coming Soon” is a Thai horror film that delves into the perils of movie piracy and the supernatural consequences that ensue. The story centers on Shane, a projectionist who, along with a colleague, illegally records a newly released horror film titled Evil Spirit. After the recording, Shane begins to experience disturbing events that mirror the film’s plot, leading him to uncover a chilling truth about the movie’s production and its cursed origins. The film’s chilling nature stems from its exploration of the consequences of illegal actions, the blurring of reality and fiction, and the haunting presence of a vengeful spirit. The unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling keep viewers on edge, making it a memorable entry in the Thai horror genre.
7. Marebito (2004)
“Marebito” is a Japanese horror film that delves into the psyche of a man obsessed with fear. The story follows Takuyoshi Masuoka, a freelance cameraman who, after witnessing a man’s terrifying suicide, becomes fixated on understanding the essence of fear. His quest leads him into the labyrinthine underground tunnels beneath Tokyo, where he discovers a mysterious woman chained to a wall. He brings her back to his apartment, and as he observes her, he realizes she exhibits strange, inhuman traits. The film explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity. Directed by Takashi Shimizu, known for his work on the “Ju-on” series, “Marebito” offers a departure from traditional J-horror. The film is shot in a documentary style, with a handheld camera that adds to the sense of realism and unease. The narrative is slow-paced and atmospheric, focusing more on psychological horror than on overt scares. The film’s ambiguity and open-ended conclusion leave much to interpretation, inviting viewers to question the nature of fear and reality.
6. Teke Teke (2009)
Directed by Kōji Shiraishi, “Teke Teke” is a Japanese horror film.” The film is based on the Japanese urban legend of the same name. The story follows Kana Ohashi, a high school student who becomes entangled with the vengeful spirit of Teke Teke after her friend is gruesomely killed. The legend tells of a female ghost who, after losing her lower body in a train accident, haunts the living, dragging herself on her hands and making a “teke teke” sound as she moves. If someone encounters her, they are said to be killed within three days. The film delves into Kana’s desperate attempts to uncover the origins of the Teke Teke legend and find a way to escape her impending doom. With the help of her cousin Rie, Kana investigates the history behind the spirit, leading them to a tragic tale of a nurse named Reiko Kashima, who became the vengeful entity after a traumatic event during the post-war era. For those interested in Japanese horror that explores urban legends, “Teke Teke” offers a compelling narrative and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese supernatural folklore.
5. Noroi: The Curse (2005)
“Noroi: The Curse” is a Japanese horror film that masterfully blends documentary-style filmmaking with supernatural terror. The story follows Masafumi Kobayashi, a paranormal researcher who vanishes after completing a documentary about an ancient demon named Kagutaba. The film unfolds through a series of videotapes, interviews, and news reports, piecing together the investigation into the curse and its deadly consequences. What sets “Noroi” apart is its slow-burn approach to horror. The film builds tension gradually, relying on atmosphere and psychological unease rather than jump scares. The use of found footage and documentary elements adds a layer of realism, making the supernatural events feel all the more unsettling. The film’s intricate plot weaves together various characters and events, leading to a chilling and unexpected climax.
4. The Red Shoes (2005)
“The Red Shoes” is a South Korean horror film that reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, infusing it with elements of psychological terror and supernatural vengeance. The story follows Sun-jae, a woman who, after discovering her husband’s infidelity, moves into a dilapidated apartment with her daughter, Tae-su. While commuting, Sun-jae finds a pair of striking pink high heels and brings them home, unknowingly inviting a curse that brings greed, jealousy, and death to those who possess them. As the curse unfolds, Sun-jae becomes entangled in a tragic tale of a dancer named Keiko from the 1940s, whose spirit seeks retribution. What makes “The Red Shoes” particularly chilling is its exploration of the psychological unraveling of its protagonist, Sun-jae, as she becomes consumed by the cursed shoes. The film’s blend of supernatural elements with human flaws creates a haunting narrative that lingers with the viewer. The tragic backstory of Keiko adds depth to the horror, making the curse feel both personal and inevitable.
3. The Fake (2013)
“The Fake” is a South Korean animated drama that delves into the exploitation of faith and human frailty. Set in a rural village threatened by a dam project, the story follows Kim Min-chul, a violent alcoholic, who discovers that a charismatic church elder, Choi Gyeong-seok, is deceiving the community to seize their compensation funds. Despite Min-chul’s attempts to expose the fraud, the villagers remain under Choi’s sway, leading to tragic consequences. The film’s chilling nature arises from its portrayal of real-world issues through a lens of horror, making the supernatural elements feel grounded and terrifying. The characters’ moral complexities and the bleak setting amplify the sense of dread, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
2. Kairo (Pulse) – Alternate Cut (2001)
“Kairo” (released internationally as Pulse) is a Japanese techno-horror film that delves into themes of isolation and the encroachment of the digital age. The narrative unfolds through two parallel storylines: one follows Michi, a woman investigating the mysterious disappearance of her colleague, while the other centers on Ryosuke, a computer scientist exploring a haunting website that seems to be linked to a series of suicides. As the film progresses, it becomes evident that the internet serves as a conduit for malevolent spirits, leading to a pervasive sense of dread and existential despair. “Kairo” stands out in the J-horror genre for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance. Rather than relying on overt scares, the film evokes a lingering sense of dread, making it a standout example of horror cinema that explores the intersection of technology and the human psyche.
1. Epitaph (2007)
“Epitaph” (Korean: 기담, Gidam) is a haunting South Korean horror film set in 1942 during the Japanese occupation. The story unfolds through three interconnected tales at Ansaeng Hospital, each exploring themes of love, guilt, and the supernatural. The film is framed by scenes in 1979, where Dr. Park Jung-nam reflects on his past after discovering an old photo album. The first story follows Jung-nam, a young intern, who becomes infatuated with a beautiful corpse in the morgue, only to discover it is his fiancée, who had committed suicide. The second narrative centers on Asako, a young girl who survives a car accident that kills her family, and is haunted by the ghost of her mother. The final tale involves a married couple of doctors, Kim Dong-won and Kim In-yeong, who are drawn into a series of mysterious deaths and uncover unsettling truths about their own lives.
“Epitaph” is noted for its blend of gothic horror and psychological drama, offering a unique and thought-provoking addition to the Korean horror genre. Its exploration of human emotions, set against a historical backdrop, provides a chilling and memorable cinematic experience.
