Horror movies can be a hit or miss. In some cases, movies feel entirely unrealistic and can even fail to scare you at all. But every now and then, you’ll find ones that truly unsettle you. American classics like Insidious (2010), Sinister (2012), The Conjuring (2013), and Grave Encounters (2012) have delivered some of the best scares, keeping the audiences on edge.
But what about horror outside of Hollywood?
Asian horror movies are known for taking fear to another level. With their Rated R intensity and deeply unsettling stories, these films will have you looking over your shoulder long after they end.
However, be forewarned, as these movies aren’t for the faint-hearted or younger viewers, as they often include disturbing visuals and gore. These horror movies may tap into fears you didn’t even know you had.
One of my favorite types of horror movies deals with family curses. My two favorite films from this subgenre are Incantation from China and The Medium from Thailand. Both are deeply perturbing, blending terrifying visuals with haunting family stories.
Li Ronan is a mother tormented by a deadly curse after a visit to her boyfriend’s (Chen Li-tung) remote village with his cousin, Chen Chen-yuan. Tung and Yuan were ghostbusters trying to get creepy moments for their Youtube channel. In this village, the locals worship a mysterious deity known as Mother Buddha. What starts as a simple attempt to record rituals soon takes a terrifying turn, bringing chaos and fear into Ronan’s life.
Things quickly went wrong when Tung and Yuan entered a forbidden tunnel, leaving them to get an unfortunate curse, which was passed onto Ronan when she watched the footage. Disturbed by the evil spirit from the curse, Ronan was sent to the psychiatric hospital while her daughter, Dodo was sent to foster care, where a worker, Hsieh Chi-ming, who was a father-like figure took care of Dodo.
Six years later, having recovered from the trauma, Ronan reunites with Dodo, hoping to rebuild their lives. But the curse has not been forgotten. Dodo begins to suffer from terrifying and unexplainable events that threaten her life. Determined to protect her child, Ronan has to uncover the curse’s origins and confront the evil threatening her daughter.
The unease this movie left me with is undeniable. If a horror film doesn’t show that lingering discomfort, can it truly be considered a horror movie? From start to finish, the performances of the cast kept me on the edge of my seat, with each actor delivering a portrayal so raw and authentic that I could almost feel their emotions through the screen. As the story went to its climax, the reveal of the cursed entity was both disturbing and fascinating. There were moments when I wanted to look away, but the intrigue was too powerful — I couldn’t tear my eyes from the screen.
There are at times when the characters will test your patience. This curse could have totally been avoided if Chen Li-tung and Chen Chen-yuan had been respectful towards the villagers and their rules.
Overall, I would rate this movie a 8.5/10.
Duration: 1hr 51m
In a village in Thailand, Nim is known as a healer and shamaness who believes she is connected to the spirit, Ba Yan. When a documentary crew arrives to film her daily rituals, they aim to uncover the truth behind her spiritual practices and the mysterious forces that she channels. As they follow Nim’s life, her niece, Mink, starts showing unusual signs that she might be chosen to take on the role of the next medium for the spirit. But instead of a spiritual awakening, Mink’s health quickly declines, and strange, frightening events begin to occur. The villagers start to question whether Mink is truly meant to become the next medium, or if something far darker is taking control of her.
I don’t know about you, but Thai movies are the ones that really scare me. The Medium is a great movie with strong performances, especially from the actress, Narilya Gulmongkolpech, who played Mink. Her performance made me feel really empathetic. The cinematography, lighting, and color choices created an eerie atmosphere, particularly in scenes set in a deserted forest and an abandoned factory.
While the film has some intense and bloody moments that might be too much for those afraid of gore, the horror relies on more than just shock value. It is also about belief, ritual, and the supernatural. Some of the later scenes might not make perfect sense, but they help the story continue.
I felt like this movie dragged on for a little bit too long when it could have been shortened. Many viewers (and myself included) have found the ending to be both predictable and confusing. However, the film stays true to its genre and offers a chilling experience. The movie takes a different approach to possession, using a documentation-style narrative that adds depth. But, there are times when the camera would be trembling even when the camera was not moving.
Rate: 7/10
Duration: 2hr 11m
If these types of movies that involve family curses interest you, I would also recommend Metamorphosis (2020), Impetigore (2019), and The Wailing (2016).
The following films, including zombie movies, are some of my favorites because they offer not only scares, but action as well. While many horror films fail to keep you engaged, the ones I’ve mentioned will keep you glued to the screen, and you might even find yourself shedding a tear. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, as these movies bring a thrilling and heart-pounding experience that goes beyond just fear.
This movie is set in Japan and follows Hideo, an ordinary man with big dreams but little success. One day, while walking home from work, he witnesses a bizarre incident where a car crash victim with a broken neck and severe injuries walks away as if nothing happened. At first, he brushes it off, thinking it’s just a result of his exhaustion or one of the hallucinations that he occasionally experiences.
However, things take a terrifying turn as news spreads about a mysterious disease called ZQN. This infection causes people to transform into violent, zombie-like maniacs with superhuman strength and an insatiable hunger. As society quickly descends into chaos, Hideo is forced to face this horrifying new reality. Armed with his prized possession, his shotgun, which he always dreamed of using for something meaningful, Hideo embarks on a journey of survival. Along the way, he encounters others struggling to stay alive, navigating the dangers together.
Hideo starts as an ordinary, timid manga artist dreaming of being a hero, but he gradually grows in confidence as the story unfolds. I Am a Hero is one of my top zombie movie picks, offering a realistic and unique take on an apocalypse. The ZQN zombies are incredibly unsettling, with their human-like appearances and eerie movements, far more disturbing than typical zombies. The dancer zombie scene, in particular, is unforgettable as you will see why when you watch the movie.
While the pacing is slow at times, with some scenes feeling stretched, the last 30 minutes are intense and well worth the wait. Director Shinsuke Sato delivers impressive cinematics and a great cast, though the female characters, like Hiromi, could have had more action-focused roles. Despite this, the film excels in storytelling, character growth, and creating genuinely terrifying zombies, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Rate: 7.5/10
Duration: 2hr 6m
Nothing can top Train to Busan, a very popular zombie movie. And there is a reason why.
The movie begins with Sok-woo, a busy and divorced father, reluctantly agreeing to take his daughter, Soo-ahn, on a train ride from Seoul to Busan so she can visit her mother for her birthday. As they board the KTX high-speed train, life seems normal, until a visibly unwell person sneaks onto the train just before departure.
What starts as an ordinary trip quickly turns messy as a deadly infection spreads, turning passengers into violent, fast-moving zombies. Sok-woo and Soo-ahn find themselves fighting for survival alongside a diverse group of passengers, including Sang-hwa, a tough yet kindhearted man; his pregnant wife, Seong-kyeong; Yon-suk, a selfish and arrogant businessman; Yong-guk, a high school baseball player, and his girlfriend, Jin-hee; two elderly sisters, In-gil and Jong-gil; and a homeless man. As the outbreak intensifies, the group must work together to navigate their way through the train, facing many challenges and making difficult choices to stay alive.
The acting in Train to Busan is phenomenal, with every character bringing depth and emotion to the story. Gong Yoo, an actor who is also known for popular shows like Squid Game and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, portrays a father who transforms from self-centered and rigid to selfless and empathetic, making his journey relatable and heartfelt. The zombies are incredibly well-done, with detailed makeup and special effects that make them disturbingly lifelike, from their eerie eyes to their jerky movements.
The film’s unique setting on a high-speed train adds a fresh twist to the zombie genre, creating claustrophobic tension that keeps viewers on edge. The pacing is perfect, balancing high-stakes action with quiet, emotional moments that allow the audience to connect with the characters. The story stands out for its emotional resonance, exploring themes of sacrifice, selfishness, and humanity in the face of disaster. The relationships between characters are beautifully portrayed, with each person bringing something unique to the narrative. The ending ties everything together in a gut-wrenching and unforgettable way, leaving viewers in tears while reflecting on the power of love and sacrifice.
Rate: 10/10
Duration: 1hr 58m
If you enjoy these types of movies that entail zombie apocalypse, I would recommend Peninsula (2020) and Alive (2020).
If you are more interested in the psychological part of horror movies, then this next movie is perfect for you. The Call has many twists and turns that will put you in an emotional rollercoaster.
This movie is a gripping South Korean thriller that follows Seo-yeon, a young woman who discovers an old cordless phone in her childhood home. When the phone rings, she unexpectedly connects with Young-sook, a woman living in the same house… except 20 years in the past. As the two develop an unusual bond, they realize they can influence each other’s lives across time. However, their connection takes a dark turn when dangerous secrets and unforeseen consequences unravel.
The Call is a gripping thriller with standout performances from Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo. Park plays Seo-yeon, a woman who receives strange phone calls from the past, while Jeon steals the show as Yeong-sook, a chilling antagonist who manipulates fate. The film explores time travel, building suspense as the plot twists and turns. The tension is amplified by the director’s skillful use of cinematography, creating an eerie atmosphere as the characters’ lives collide across two different time periods.
Although this film creates a lot of suspense, there are times where I was confused as to what was happening, as there were many missing holes. Additionally, the ending was very predictable.
Rate: 8/10
Duration: 1hr 34m
If you enjoy the psychological side of horror, I would recommend I Saw the Devil (2010).
I am a big horror fan; the feeling of shivers going down my spine makes me feel a ton of mixed emotions like getting excited yet scared. I highly recommend all of these movies as they will make you feel uneasy as it sure did for me. Make sure to grab a buddy or if you’re feeling bold by yourself. Either way, I hope you enjoy these movies!
Asian horror movies are known for taking fear to another level. With their Rated R intensity and deeply unsettling stories, these films will have you looking over your shoulder long after they end.