12 Asian horror movies to scare you this Halloween

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Immerse yourself in the terrifying world of Asian and Asian-American horror with these classic and contemporary sub-genres recommended by NextShark. From supernatural hauntings and psychological thrillers to folklore-inspired tales and found-footage nightmares, these films offer a diverse range of scares for truly terrifying viewing.

“Creepy»
2016 thriller from Japan, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, starring Hidetoshi Nishijima and Yuko Takeuchi.

What it is about: A former detective and his wife become embroiled in a disturbing mystery surrounding their strange and mysterious new neighbor.
Why you should check: “Spooky” is a thriller with a disturbing atmosphere and shocking twists.

“Spell»
Open 2022 horror film from Taiwan, directed by Kevin Ko.

What it is about: A mother desperately tries to save her daughter from a deadly curse, begging the audience to take part in a gruesome ritual.
Why you should check: The Conjuring is an innovative and truly terrifying horror film that will stay with you long after you watch it.

“Kill Barbara with panic»
A 1995 psychological horror film from the Philippines directed by Chito S. Ronyo, starring Lorna Tolentino and Dawn Zulueta.

Popular on NextShark: 12 Asian horror movies to scare you this Halloween

What it is about: A woman returns to the Philippines after her sister’s suicide, only to find herself caught up in a terrifying haunting fueled by jealousy and dark secrets.
Why you should check: This film is a harrowing exploration of family drama and the destructive power of obsession.

“Chaos»
2017 American horror action film directed by Joe Lynch and starring Stephen Yun and Samara weaving.

What it is about: A virus that breaks all inhibitions is unleashed in an office building, leading to a chaotic and violent outbreak. Two aggrieved employees use the opportunity to take revenge on their superiors.
Why you should check: Pogrom is a darkly comedic and gory horror action thriller that delivers a cathartic thrill.

“Let the devil take you»
2018 supernatural horror film from Indonesia, directed by Timo Tjahanto, starring Chelsea Aylan.

What it is about: A young woman investigates her father’s mysterious, alienating illness, which leads her to a dark family history and a terrifying demonic presence.
Why you should check: Let the Devil Take You offers intense scares and a gripping story with stunning visuals.

“Pee Mack»
2013 romantic comedy-horror from Thailand, directed by Banjong Pisantanakoon, starring Mario Maurer and Davika Horne.

What it is about: A soldier returns home from war to his wife and newborn child, unaware that his beloved has died and become a ghost.
Why check it out: “Pi Mak” is a unique and interesting combination of horror, comedy and romance with a Thai folklore touch.

“pizza»
2012 Indian horror thriller film directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring Vijay Sethupathi and Remiya Nambisan.

What it is about: A pizza delivery boy’s life takes a terrible turn when he encounters a series of supernatural events while delivering pizzas to a mysterious customer.
Why you should check: “Pizza” is a creepy and unpredictable horror story with unexpected twists.

“Search»
2018 Mystery Thriller from USA, directed by Aneesh Chaganti, starring John Cho and Debra Messing.

What it is about: A father uses his daughter’s laptop and social media to search for her after she goes missing, uncovering a trail of mysteries along the way.
Why you should check: The Search is a unique and suspenseful thriller told entirely on computer screens and offers a modern take on the mystery genre.

“Stri»
2018 Indian horror comedy film directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor.

What it is about: A small town is terrorized by a female spirit that kidnaps men at night, leading a group of friends to investigate and try to stop her.
Why you should check: “Stree” offers a unique blend of humor and horror with social commentary.

“echo»
2004 supernatural horror film from the Philippines, directed by Yam Laranas, starring Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin.

What it is about: A man moves to a new apartment, but he is tormented by the sounds of domestic violence from the apartment next door. He soon discovers a dark secret that unleashes a series of terrifying apparitions.
Why you should check: “Echo” masterfully creates suspense and truly scares with its chilling atmosphere and plot that combines the horrors of the supernatural with the all-too-real horrors of domestic violence.

“Reaper of souls»
2023 Vietnamese horror film directed by Tran Huu Thanh.

What it is about: Set in a village shrouded in superstition, this film explores the dark implications of a satanic ritual and the horrific consequences that unfold.
Why check it out: Reaper of Souls offers a fresh take on horror films with a fascinating exploration of Vietnamese folklore.

“Ummah»
Supernatural horror of 2022 from the USA with elements of Korean culture, directed by Iris K. Shim, the main role Sandra O and Fyvel Stewart.

What it is about: A Korean-American woman living on a secluded farm with her daughter begins to be haunted by the ghost of her estranged mother, forcing her to confront her past trauma and cultural identity.
Why you should check: Umma presents a harrowing tale of family and cultural heritage with a wonderful performance by Sandra Oh.

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