Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now subscribe cover image
The Established profile imageThe EstablishedPublished on

Ready for a fright? Check out our must-watch list of scary movies from across the globe. From South Korea to India, these horror films are sure to haunt you.

The ultimate guide to the best scary movies of all time

The best scary movies to watch if you’re up for a spook-fest

Some weekends, all you need to do is curl up in bed and watch a film that keeps you hooked. Yes, we are talking about a good scary movie, and here are our top scary movies from Asia. Tuck in and hold on!

AuditionA  haunting psychological thriller from Japan, the story of this film unfolds as a widower orchestrates an audition to find a new partner, cloaking his intentions by posing it as a casting call. What follows is a disturbing tale of deception, obsession, and psychological torment. Renowned for its cinematography and unsettling soundtrack, the film escalates into heart-wrenching drama and gripping horror, marking it as one of the scariest cinematic experiences in the horror genre.Released in: March 2000Starring: Eihi Shiina, Ryo Ishibashi, Tetsu Sawaki, Jun KunimuraWhere to Watch:  Amazon Prime VideoRotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%Image: IMDB

Audition

A  haunting psychological thriller from Japan, the story of this film unfolds as a widower orchestrates an audition to find a new partner, cloaking his intentions by posing it as a casting call. What follows is a disturbing tale of deception, obsession, and psychological torment. Renowned for its cinematography and unsettling soundtrack, the film escalates into heart-wrenching drama and gripping horror, marking it as one of the scariest cinematic experiences in the horror genre.

Released in: March 2000

Starring: Eihi Shiina, Ryo Ishibashi, Tetsu Sawaki, Jun Kunimura

Where to Watch:  Amazon Prime Video

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%

Image: IMDB

The WailingA South Korean classic, this movie has everything to scare anyone: a little village, a mysterious sickness, and some bizarre murders. Directed by Na Hong-jin, this movie does not have the typical jump-scares, but it will leave you conflicted, confused, and disgusted, all at once. It also features an exorcism scene that will send chills down your spine.Released in: May 2016Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimara, Kim Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, JioCinemaRotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%Image: IMDB

The Wailing

A South Korean classic, this movie has everything to scare anyone: a little village, a mysterious sickness, and some bizarre murders. Directed by Na Hong-jin, this movie does not have the typical jump-scares, but it will leave you conflicted, confused, and disgusted, all at once. It also features an exorcism scene that will send chills down your spine.

Released in: May 2016

Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimara, Kim 

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%

Image: IMDB

The Medium Directed by Bajong Pisanthanakun, The Medium is not for the faint of heart. It follows the possession of a shaman as she starts behaving weirdly, exhibiting multiple personalities, has nightmares, and experiences excruciating pain. It is a perfect Halloween film for when you don't mind watching something gory and gruesome.Released in: July 2021Starring: Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, Sirani Yankittikan, Yasaka ChaisornWhere to Watch: Amazon Prime VideoRotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%Image: IMDB

The Medium 

Directed by Bajong Pisanthanakun, The Medium is not for the faint of heart. It follows the possession of a shaman as she starts behaving weirdly, exhibiting multiple personalities, has nightmares, and experiences excruciating pain. It is a perfect Halloween film for when you don't mind watching something gory and gruesome.

Released in: July 2021

Starring: Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, Sirani Yankittikan, Yasaka Chaisorn

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%

Image: IMDB

IncantationThis Taiwanese horror film explores the chilling aftermath of a cursed ritual. The story follows Ronan, a mother desperate to protect her daughter from a sinister curse they encountered six years ago. The narrative is uniquely presented through found footage, intensifying the sense of dread and immediacy. As they confront unsettling supernatural events, the film combines psychological horror with deeply emotional stakes, making it a disturbing yet gripping watch.Released in: March 2022Starring: Hsuan-yen Tsai, Sean Lin, Ching-Yu WenWhere to Watch: NetflixRotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%Image: IMDB

Incantation

This Taiwanese horror film explores the chilling aftermath of a cursed ritual. The story follows Ronan, a mother desperate to protect her daughter from a sinister curse they encountered six years ago. The narrative is uniquely presented through found footage, intensifying the sense of dread and immediacy. As they confront unsettling supernatural events, the film combines psychological horror with deeply emotional stakes, making it a disturbing yet gripping watch.

Released in: March 2022

Starring: Hsuan-yen Tsai, Sean Lin, Ching-Yu Wen

Where to Watch: Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 77%

Image: IMDB

May the Devil Take YouDiving into the world of dark rituals and haunted legacies, May the Devil Take You offers a thrilling blend of family drama and supernatural horror. Alfie and her half-siblings unravel terrifying secrets tied to their father's mysterious illness as they gather at his ominous estate. Confronted with the sinister aftermath of a demonic pact, their quest for answers turns into a chilling fight for survival, all set against a backdrop of relentless dread and suspense.Released in: August 2018Starring: Chelsea Islan, Pevita Pearce, Samo Rafael, Hadijah Shahab, Karina Suwandhi, Ray SahetapyWhere to Watch: NetflixRotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%Image: IMDB

May the Devil Take You

Diving into the world of dark rituals and haunted legacies, May the Devil Take You offers a thrilling blend of family drama and supernatural horror. Alfie and her half-siblings unravel terrifying secrets tied to their father's mysterious illness as they gather at his ominous estate. Confronted with the sinister aftermath of a demonic pact, their quest for answers turns into a chilling fight for survival, all set against a backdrop of relentless dread and suspense.

Released in: August 2018

Starring: Chelsea Islan, Pevita Pearce, Samo Rafael, Hadijah Shahab, Karina Suwandhi, Ray Sahetapy

Where to Watch: Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%

Image: IMDB

PariOne of the best scary movies in Bollywood, Pari does not rely completely on jump scares; it is not a typical ghost story either. After Arnab shelters Rukshana, he slowly realises that something is very wrong. As the plot uncovers, you slowly realise that the characters are not who you thought they were.Released in: March 2018Starring: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Rajat Kapoor, Ritabhari ChakrabortyWhere to Watch: Amazon Prime VideoRotten Tomatoes Rating: 53%Image: IMDB

Pari

One of the best scary movies in Bollywood, Pari does not rely completely on jump scares; it is not a typical ghost story either. After Arnab shelters Rukshana, he slowly realises that something is very wrong. As the plot uncovers, you slowly realise that the characters are not who you thought they were.

Released in: March 2018

Starring: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Rajat Kapoor, Ritabhari Chakraborty

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 53%

Image: IMDB

BulbbulAnother Bollywood new-age horror movie, Bulbbul, is visually a treat. A man returns home to his ancestral village to find his brother’s child-bride, grown up and abandoned, while the village is plagued with mysterious deaths. The movie also sheds light on a hard-hitting social issue. Instead of the typical gore, Bulbbul uses pain and agony to propel the narrative.Released in: June 2020Starring: Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Rahul Bose, Paoli DamWhere to Watch: NetflixRotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%Image: Netflix Media Centre

Bulbbul

Another Bollywood new-age horror movie, Bulbbul, is visually a treat. A man returns home to his ancestral village to find his brother’s child-bride, grown up and abandoned, while the village is plagued with mysterious deaths. The movie also sheds light on a hard-hitting social issue. Instead of the typical gore, Bulbbul uses pain and agony to propel the narrative.

Released in: June 2020

Starring: Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Rahul Bose, Paoli Dam

Where to Watch: Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%

Image: Netflix Media Centre

The House Next DoorThis is the perfect old-school Hollywood-style horror flick. A children's book illustrator prone to nightmares and her timid husband moves next door to an ex-marine bar owner's wife. When a gunshot and a backyard burial occur, the illustrator begins to suspect a murder. The mystery is under wraps until the end, leaving you even more intrigued. Released in: November 2017Starring: Siddharth, Andrea Jeremiah, Anisha Victor, Atul KulkarniWhere to Watch: YoutubeRotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%Image: OTTPlay

The House Next Door

This is the perfect old-school Hollywood-style horror flick. A children's book illustrator prone to nightmares and her timid husband moves next door to an ex-marine bar owner's wife. When a gunshot and a backyard burial occur, the illustrator begins to suspect a murder. The mystery is under wraps until the end, leaving you even more intrigued. 

Released in: November 2017

Starring: Siddharth, Andrea Jeremiah, Anisha Victor, Atul Kulkarni

Where to Watch: Youtube

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Image: OTTPlay

Also Read: The ultimate guide to the best scary movies of all time

Also Read: These 10 scary movies have stood the test of time

Also Read: The Bollywood horror genre is not relying on the spook factor alone

Read Next

Subscribe for More

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to access exclusive content and expert insights.

subscribe now
subscribe cover image