Asian horror has long been known to be truly horrific due to its many distinct films that focus on curses and other supernatural events that seem grounded and it had seen a recent massive resurgence thanks to movies like The Wailing and Train to Busan. 

If you’re seeking for some genuinely terrifying movies to watch to keep you awake at night then you’ve come to the right place as we’ve compiled a list of the  Top 50 Best Asian Horror Movies.

50. Gonjiam Haunted Asylum (2018)

A crew of horror vloggers sets out to investigate an abandoned asylum that’s rumored to be haunted to gain traction but they soon discover that everything is not all fun and games.

Gonjiam is a highly entertaining take on the found footage sub-genre, a movie very similar to Grave Encounters. It’s a movie that provides thrills throughout its runtime.  While it may not have you rooting for its characters and isn’t particularly subtle with its scares, if you're looking for an enjoyable movie that has constant scares every minute or two then give this movie a shot.

49. Alone (2008)
 

Alone tells the story of Pim, who returns home and is being hunted by the spirit of her deceased conjoined twin sister.

It’s a movie with a surprisingly good premise and a slew of scares that will have you jumping out every minute or two. On top of that, it also has a surprising plot twist that you will not see coming!

48. One Missed Call (2003)

Released right after movies like Ju-On and Ringu had proven that creepy ghost lady in white might just be the future of Asian horror, Director Takashi Miike takes a different approach to the sub-genre by making its story revolve around a cursed voicemail that foreshadows its victim’s death in the future. 

This movie is a great starting point if you want to delve deep into what Asia has to offer when it comes to horror. It’s a film drenched with atmosphere and a compelling mystery, as well as some decent scares sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

And this is just one of the many movies directed by Takashi Miike on the list, so make sure to keep an eye out for those as well. 

47. Tag (2015)

A group of high school students is being forced to participate in a variety of disturbing events that often lead to carnage.

I’m sure you’ve all seen its infamous opening sequence by now but what you may not know is that it's only a small portion of an insane film that’s not afraid to depict brutal and bloody deaths. It also manages to tell a confusing tale that will keep you hooked.

46. White: The Melody of the Curse (2011)

When a Korean group band performs a music video that they discovered on an old VHS tape, they find themselves cursed by it.

If you're a fan of the K-Pop craze then why not try out this movie that was released ahead of its time. It took the simple idea of a popular K-Pop group trend and turned it into something more sinister. There's plenty of suspense, scares and a catchy soundtrack to boot. 

45. Death Bell (2008)

A group of teenage students is trapped in their school and is forced to participate in a deadly game in which they must solve a series of complex puzzles to survive.

Here’s an insane film that combines the traditional Asian supernatural horror that we’ve come to know and love and the chaos of the Saw franchise, and like it, the movie also features some unexpected twists and turns that will leave you speechless and saddened. Make sure to add this movie to your watch list!

44. Whispering Corridors (1998)

A spirit of a student who died at a South Korean all-girls high school begins tormenting the school starting by killing one of its teachers.

This Korean horror film that's forgotten by time is a slow burn exercise in terror. Due to its amazing atmosphere, there is a constant presence of dread throughout the film's runtime, leaving you wanting to know the answers to its many mysteries.

43. Shake Rattle & Roll XI (2009)

In this horror anthology from the Philippines, it presents three unique stories about a young girl possessed by a demon, a bridal gown set to kill anybody on its path, and a group of friends camping in the middle of the woods only to be attacked by horrific creatures.

This Filipino horror anthology is the country’s longest-running horror franchise, and yet it only took them several installments in to craft an entry with three equally good stories. And with each segment tackling a different sub-genre ranging from a simple possession story to a creature feature, you’ll be guaranteed one thrilling viewing experience. 

And you know what makes it even better? This movie and pretty much every entry in the franchise are all available to watch on youtube right now!

42. Shake Rattle & Roll 8 (2006)

Three new stories are told in this eighth installment of the long-running Filipino anthology franchise, focusing on a party on a haunted floor, a young boy who believes his nanny is a  monster, and passengers of public transportation being attacked by an unknown creature who hunts them down one by one.

The three segments here are all highly entertaining and once again provide unique viewing experiences, with one even being a comedy with barely any horror elements but still manages to be an interesting watch. But it's the segment called "LRT" that really elevates this movie from the rest, as it features a slew of characters getting killed off one by one by a well-designed creature, and it also brought back fan-favorite scream queen Manilyn Reynes.

While it may be a bit dated by today's standards, while being only a few years old, it is still a highly entertaining movie that you should check out.

41. Feng Shui (2004)

Feng Shui centers around a Bagua mirror that haunts a family after acquiring it and kills them one by one.

Another movie from the Philippines makes the list due to it being an effective film that combines the terror of the Philippine culture with the horror of the Chinese. While it can be a bit cheesy at times, it is nevertheless a classic that will never be forgotten.

40. Macabre (2009)

In this bloody Indonesian horror flick, we follow a group of friends who are terrorized by a murderous family after being led to their house. They must now try to fight back if they are to survive the ordeal. 

A movie that features every unpleasant thing that you can think of, combining the grittiness of the texas chainsaw massacre with the unforgiving gore of Hostel. And with a large cast of characters, you can expect one bloody viewing that by the end, all you're going to see on the screen is pure blood red. 

And while it may not be the most original film out there, with it blatantly ripping off the aforementioned Texas Chainsaw Massacre as well as the extreme French film Inside (2007) from the bathroom scene to the police scene, it is still a vile and bloody Southeast Asia film that's deserving of your time. 

39. Ju-On: The Curse 2 (2000)

If you’re up for a genuinely terrifying movie then check out this forgotten predecessor of a popular Japanese horror franchise, Ju-On: The Curse 2. A direct continuation of the first Curse, as Sadako’s rage affects Kyoko Suzuki’s family.

While the first half of the film is merely recycled footage from the first, what follows is a highly disturbing movie that’s set to have you scarred for life due to its scene after scene of shocking moments that will have you cowering in fear with a light on. 

It’s basically more of the same as the first Curse movie but is that really a bad thing?

38. Ju-On: The Curse (2000)

The first installment in the iconic Japanese franchise tells the story of the victims of the cursed Saeki House where Kayako and Toshio were murdered by Takeo Saeki.

The Ju-On: The Grudge movies and its remake were known for providing a truly terrifying movie experience with its clever use of jumpscares; however, unlike them, this forgotten installment relies heavily on slow, unsettling horror that wants to crawl under your skin, with many unforgettable scenes sure to leave you traumatized. It even has some unexpected shocking moments like the phone booth scene.

37. Reincarnation (2006)

Nagisa Sugiura, a Japanese actress, has been plagued by strange visions since landing a role in a film about a real-life murder spree that occurred in the same location where they’re filming.

Expect another terrifying tale that will have you shaken to your core, as it is directed by the same director who brought us the terrifying Ju-On franchise. And on top of that not only does it have some truly scary imageries but many zombie action sequences as well sure to keep you entertained. 

36. Bloody Reunion (2006)

A group of former students reunites with a dying teacher, only to find themselves being pursued by a masked killer one by one.

What makes a good slasher film is a compelling mystery and a plethora of gruesome kills, and this movie surely delivers on both counts. It is an engrossing film that will have you guessing with its many mysteries and will be rooting for its many likable characters.

35. Detention (2019)

Detention is a live-action adaptation of the game of the same name, set in 1962 Taiwan, in which two students find themselves trapped inside a hell version of their school filled with monsters.

It’s rare for a game movie adaptation to be good let alone be decent, but this one actually turns out to be great.  Its horror is not just about creeping monsters lurking in the shadows but is actually about the real horrors of the country’s past.

And it also incorporates scenes from the games without feeling so forced and disjointed from the story, making it a fantastic film that’s essential for both horror game fans and moviegoers.

34. Imprint (2006)

Imprint takes place in the 1800s and follows an American who returns to the love of his life only to discover the horrific things that befell her before her death. It was originally an episode of the underrated horror series Masters of Horror before being released as a standalone movie.

This movie will take you to a hypnotizing world full of symbolism and disturbing imagery, created once again by the true master of Asian horror Takashi Miike. It’s a movie that manages to capture the true feeling of dread and hell as it forces you to watch a truly painful story.

33. Infection (2004)

Following a cover-up of a patient’s death, a mysterious illness spreads and infects the people inside a hospital. 

Here’s an enthralling film that will keep you hooked due to its creepy atmosphere along with many striking imageries that will undoubtedly shock you. If you’re looking for a bizarre film with a great concept then make sure to try this one out!

32. 4Bia (2008)​

4Bia also known as Phobia is a Thai horror anthology with four horror stories that revolve around a young girl who was in an accident, a group of friends on a trip, a flight attendant trapped with a corpse, and a group of bullies hunted by a vengeful curse.

It’s an anthology that features stories directed by many of the great directors who would later direct some movies which made it onto the list, so expect a highly engrossing film that’s full of constant feelings of dread and scares, and maybe even a few laughs.

31. Phobia 2 (2009)

A sequel to the equally fantastic Thai horror anthology features five frightening tales involving a cursed child, a man terrorized by a comatose body, two tourists who hitchhiked, a secondhand car salesman, and a movie crew haunted by an actor. 

There are a lot of great stories here to keep you invested and they all provide an entertaining experience, with the “Backpackers” segment in particular personally standing out. It’s a shame that this short-lived great anthology series was never given a third entry, which it rightfully deserves.

30. Shutter (2004)

In this terrifying movie from Thailand, a couple runs over a mysterious lady and the two then suspect that they are being hunted by her spirit. 

A movie that features genuinely terrifying scares with a riveting mystery, along with a shocking plot twist, this is one movie that every horror fan should watch. There’s a lot to love (and scream at in terror) in this highly acclaimed film.

29. Battle Royale (2000)

Battle Royale is based on a novel of the same name, and it pits forty-nine 9th graders sent on an island and is forced to participate in a killing game. 

Here’s a movie that will surely have you to tears, not only because of its unique premise which the novel and movie Hunger Games will soon replicate but also because of its characters which are full of depth, making every single gruesome kill such a heartbreaking watch.

Despite not being your standard horror movie, Battle Royale is still one of the best in the genre.

28. Evil Dead Trap (1988)

Evil Dead Trap follows a TV crew led by Nami Tsuchiya as they investigate a dilapidated factory after receiving a graphic snuff film, only to find themselves being killed one by one in a grisly fashion.

Being one of the only few slasher films on the list already makes it stand out; however, this movie is more than just hacking and slashing as behind those graphic kills lies a mind-boggling film that will sure to leave you speechless. 

It has one of the most surprising and creative plot twists to ever grace on-screen which turns the movie into a complete 180, so make sure to have this insane movie on your watch list right now!

27. Evil Dead Trap 2 (1992)

This sequel-by-name-only movie centers around a female projectionist caught up in a bizarre situation involving horrible killings and haunting imagery of a child.

While it may not be as crazy as its predecessor, it more than makes up for it by being an effective film that will hypnotize you with its alluring visuals and extreme violence and sex. It’s a movie that holds no punches. 

26. Three Extremes (2004)

Three Extremes features well, three different stories revolving around a former actress who longs to stay youthful, a director who's been kidnapped, and a novelist with a mysterious past. This anthology represents horrors from different parts of Asia.

While it may not be the type of horror that will constantly make you jump out of your seat, it is an anthology that features different kinds of unsettling horror, from the unnerving yet depressing story of Dumplings, to the stylized black humor of Cut and the moody yet surrealness of Box, makes for one of the most highly engaging Asian films ever made. And the fact that it tells three stories from three different countries makes the movie ever more fitting to the list.

If you’re looking for a bizarre experience that will have you questioning what you just saw then look no further than Three Extremes.

25. Dumplings (2004)

An extended feature-length version of Three Extremes’ stories, it follows Mrs. Li, a former actress desperate to retain her youth to please her husband by eating dumplings made of unborn children.

If Dumplings of Three Extremes piqued your interest and made you uncomfortable then why not try out this extended version. It’s an edited version that expands the short segment by adding many subplots and an alternate ending that will creep under your skin.

24. I am a Hero (2015)

A struggling manga artist finds himself in a very unlucky situation after his work is rejected and the world falls apart shortly after, once a virus spreads throughout Japan, turning everyone into a flesh-eating monster with superhuman strength. 

Here’s an insane movie with likable characters and full of high-octane zombie action. It’s based on a manga of the same name, but even if I haven’t read it yet, the movie works well as a standalone film and is surprisingly good.

23. As the Gods Will (2014)

As the Gods Will is based on the manga series of the same name and revolves around Shun Takahata, a high school student who has his ordinary life turned around after being forced to participate in a deadly game along with his classmates.

If you enjoy films that don’t take themselves way too seriously, then check out this underrated gem by Takashi Miike. It’s a movie that features grandiose sequences in the shape of silly games but drenched in blood. 

This is one of my personal favorite movies of all time and you’ll understand why once you watch this balls to the walls insane film.

22. Lesson of the Evil (2012)

Lesson of the Evil is a highly disturbing movie that centers around Seiji Hasumi, a beloved teacher at a prestigious high school who hides a sinister secret that soon leads to a bloodbath.

In true Takashi Miike fashion, the movie is batshit crazy and holds no barriers as it pushes the envelope. Featuring a large cast of likable characters only to then get killed in the most shocking third act ever in a horror movie which will cover your entire screen with blood.

While its disturbing premise may not appeal to everyone, those who tune in will have an insane viewing that will leave you stunned by your seat.

21. V/H/S/2 (2013)

V/H/S/2 is a sequel to the highly promising anthology film V/H/S and features an all-new story that will leave you cowering behind your sheets.

Although not all segments may not be from Asia, there’s one particular segment that stands out from the bunch named Safe Haven, from the same creators of Macabre (2009). And like that movie, it’s chock full of disturbing scenes and incredibly gory deaths sure to keep you awake at night.

And not only is this particular segment fantastic in and of itself but every other segment in it is equally great as well.

20. Occult (2009)

Occult is a found footage horror movie in the same vein as Noroi: The Curse. We watch as a crew observes a survivor of a mysterious killing in a resort who plans to repeat the same crime for a sacrifice.

This unnerving movie from the same person who brought us Noroi is a mind-bending study of an ill man, and like its predecessor, it's also a movie that is not content with one mystery. While it may appear to be a straightforward ghost story at first, it is actually more than that. And it even features a totally messed up ending sure to have you startled.

19. The Eye (2002)

A blind girl receives a transplant that allows her to see again, however, it also gave her the ability to see unwanted visitors.

The Eye is not your ordinary ghost story thanks to its excellent use of slow-paced yet atmospheric storytelling. It’s one psychological film that will have you cowering in fear because of its many tension-filled scenes.

18. Thirst (2009)

After a failed medical experiment, Sang-hyun, a priest, is turned into a vampire and forced to renounce his ascetic habits.

It’s a movie that reinvents the vampire sub-genre, creating a fascinating, bloody, and erotic film. Not only is it incredibly stylized but also thought-provoking as well, making for a perfect film to watch for a sleepless night.

17. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Kim Soo-hyeon, an agent exacts revenge on a serial killer after killing his fiancé by pursuing him and breaking him little by little.

If you want a thrilling movie that will have you on the edge of your seat then this is the one to watch. It’s a movie full of gripping and shocking moments sure to have you startled. Although it may not be for the faith of heart because of its brutal action, those who tune in will have a fantastic time.

16. Pulse (2001)

Pulse is a fantastic film about a group of people who discover that the spirits of the undead may be trying to invade the human world with the use of the internet.

Here’s an effectively moody film that will have you questioning what you’re watching. Although it may seem more like a depressing drama rather than a horror movie that’s filled with jumpscares, it still has a few memorable scenes, particularly the hallway scene, that will scar you for life.

It’s dreadful, depressing, and one great film that you should watch

15. One Cut of the Dead (2017)

One Cut of the Dead is a continuously-taken movie about a group of people as they are attacked by hordes of zombies in a remote building.

While its concept may sound way too simplistic for it to be ranked fifteenth on the list, the movie actually offers more than what I've described. If you’ve seen the film, you might think that I may be cheating a bit by including it. I still believe that every single horror fan deserves to see this highly entertaining movie that will make you laugh out loud.

14. Suicide Club (2001)

A team of detectives looks into a string of mysterious suicides, beginning with the death of fifty-four students who jumped off a railroad. What follows is a bizarre experience that will have you questioning everything that it presents you.

With a title like Suicide Club, expect a movie full of buckets of blood and many brutal death scenes, however, what makes the movie genuinely captivating is its mystery, which forces you to follow various characters trying to figure out the answer to the events.

It’s an effective surreal film that’s essential for every horror fan.

13. Confessions (2010)

Confessions tell the story of multiple people linked by the death of a child.

This movie is unlike any other on the list as it's one that will keep you hooked thanks to the non-linear storytelling that puts you in the minds of its characters as it leads you down a path full of twists and turns. And with its first twenty minutes alone keeping you on the edge of your seat due to its intriguing mystery and beautiful cinematography, you’ll have one incredibly engaging film.

Although it's more of a thriller, I strongly recommend it to every horror hound.

12. The Host (2006)

The Host is a touching tale of a man trying to save his daughter after she was abducted by an unknown creature who emerged from the water.

A movie that combines a moving story with a small dose of humor creating one of the most effective creature feature films to date. Every character is endearing and it was fascinating to follow their journey to save the young girl. There is simply nothing else like it.

It’s exhilarating, dramatic, hilarious, and best of all, it’s an entertaining flick.

11. Train To Busan (2016)

A businessman and his daughter along with other train passengers become trapped in the middle of a zombie apocalypse while on their way to Busan.

It’s a movie packed with bombastic zombie action set pieces sure to have you on the edge of your seat, however, it's not just a mindless zombie flick as it also has some emotional moments sprinkled throughout that will have you tearing up in no time.

It also has a large cast of characters that are fully fleshed out with their own sub-plots but are also fleshed out by zombies. There’s a reason why everyone keeps talking about this sure to be classic.

10. The Wailing (2016)

Jong-Goo, a police officer in the small village of Goksung, South Korea, investigates a series of bizarre murders caused by a mysterious disease brought by a stranger.

It’s a movie that takes its time to create a perfect gloomy atmosphere and a riveting mystery but those who manage to tune in were treated to one of the most highly impactful films to date. It is a devastating film that will leave you speechless.

9. House (1977)

Prepare for one of the wildest viewing experiences you’ll ever have in House. Following the story of seven young girls who traveled to a distant mansion to visit one of the girl’s aunt, only to be killed one by one.

This movie encompasses everything that makes a cult movie so endearing to begin with. It’s the most entertaining, funniest, weirdest, and mind-blowing movie you’ll ever see. Just throw every single positive word you can think of and it will undoubtedly describe this bizarre film.

On top of that, it also has a unique story and loveable characters to root for resulting in a highly entertaining movie.

8. Dark Water (2002)

Dark Water is a haunting tale of a single mother and her young daughter who moved to a new apartment only to become entangled in a mysterious supernatural event that will leave you and the characters unsettled.

It has everything that makes an Asian horror film so excellent in the first place, from creepy children to memorable horrific scenes that will surely have your jaw dropped. It's as frightening as it can get.

But it's the film's underlying theme of abandonment that truly makes the movie great. It is a terrific film that's deserving of your time. 

7. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)

A sequel to the two Ju-On: The Curse movies, this time we follow the story of a social worker and a family living inside the cursed walls of Saeki house.

If you think that horror movies no longer scare you then let me introduce you to this movie. It’s a film that will leave you traumatized thanks to the many effective scenes on display. And with an intriguing non-linear story you’ll not only be scared to death but also intrigued by the unraveling story. 

This is the movie that traumatized me so much when I was a kid that I didn’t want to close my eyes ever in a bathroom again and I never even saw the entire movie before just snippets of it!

6. Ju-On: The Grudge 2 (2003)

A sequel to one of the most terrifying Asian movies of all time revolves around a TV crew being hunted by the curse after stepping into the house.

This movie not only upped the scares and disturbing factor but also manages to include likable characters to root for in a hopeless situation. This is actually my personal favorite of the Ju-On movies as it took everything great about the first Grudge film and turned it into something far more terrifying, resulting in an underrated superior sequel.

5. Perfect Blue (1997)

Mima Kiigoe, a singer of a pop band leaves her group to pursue a career as an actor, only to be stalked by a mysterious man and haunted by strange visions that leave her questioning reality.

Although it may be an animated film, don't let it hamper your experience as it's actually one of the most surreal and disturbing movies on the list. It contains unsettling imagery as well as a plot twist that you won't see coming.

It is a dark and twisted tale that will sink its teeth into you.

4. Audition (1999)

The final movie made by Takashi Miike on the list sees Aoyama staging a fake production to find a future wife, and in the process, he meets the alluring Asami. And what follows is an absolutely bizarre film that will have you scarred.

Whenever this movie comes up, its disturbing imagery and finale are always brought up, and it’s because it is masterfully effective, however, it's not just a film about brutal torture and gore, as within the murky scenes lies a captivating story that will truly make you feel sympathetic to its two main characters.

3. Noroi: The Curse (2005)

In this terrifying found footage movie, a paranormal journalist named Kobashi goes missing after investigating a mysterious event that features not only supernatural entities but other more that you will never imagine. And the film then shows what he had left behind before his disappearance.

Noroi is no ordinary horror flick; it is a movie that goes all out to scare its audience thanks to the many disturbing scenes that it displays and a dark and realistic atmosphere sure to keep you immersed throughout its runtime.

Without giving away any spoilers, well, let’s just say its mystery will have you questioning whatever it is that you are seeing.

2. Ringu (1998)

You’re all probably familiar with the story of this terrifying classic by now, following Reiko Asakawa, a reporter investigating her niece’s death after watching a supposedly cursed tape that will kill you in seven days.

This is the movie that brought the Asian horror into the mainstream media and later spawned its own remake which in turn generated a swarm of imitators. It’s a terrifying tale that will put you on edge as you try to piece the mystery together with the main character. 

While the premise of a cursed vhs may be outdated by today's standards, the film’s shock and scares are still in full effect, making for a highly effective romp to Asian horror.

1. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

A Tale of Two Sisters is a fantastic drama about Su-mi and Su-Yeon returning home after being released from a mental institution only to be confronted by a cruel stepmother and a ghost within their walls. 

If you like a movie that has many layers then you will surely enjoy this one. A movie that will have you horrified thanks to a number of suspenseful scenes. It also features plot twist after plot twist without feeling forced, resulting in an effectively thrilling experience that you will never forget. 

If you only have one chance to see one Asian horror film then make sure it's this one.

 

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