We all have our favorite horror movies, but maybe you would like to see something new for a change. Well, if you don’t mind subtitles or even some dubbing, you should introduce yourself to the world of international horror. As director Bong Joon Ho once said: “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” Asia in particular has had some of the most creative, spooky, and fun films when it comes to horror. Here are 5 Asian horror movies you should definitely check out.
1. A Tale of Two Sisters (South Korea)
Two sisters are raised by their abusive stepmother after their birth mother passes away. When one of them returns home from a mental institution, they begin to wonder if their house is haunted.
This is a fantastic horror film. The story is tense and atmospheric. It doesn’t rely on jump scares but focuses on telling a great story. Filled with twists and turns, this one is definitely not to be missed.
A Tale of Two Sisters is now streaming on Shudder.
2. Train to Busan (South Korea)
A group of passengers is trapped on a train when a zombie virus outbreak occurs.
This is easily my favorite zombie movie of all time. It is filled with insanely tense situations and tons of gore, but this movie also offers so much more for its audience. On top of being terrifying, the movie is also so well written, giving each character enough depth and screen time throughout. It has some of the most emotional moments put to film. If you are a horror fan and haven’t seen this one yet, you really owe it to yourself.
Train to Busan is now streaming on Peacock.
3. One Cut of the Dead (Japan)
An ambitious director, Higurashi, and his crew are shooting a low-budget, live-broadcast zombie movie in one continuous 37-minute take at an abandoned WWII-era Japanese facility.
This one is definitely the most fun movie on the list. This is a horror movie for people who love movies. In Act 1, we get a one-cut zombie film. Act 2 shows all the people who are making it and how the idea came to be, and Act 3 shows the behind-the-scenes magic of how it was accomplished. It is spectacular from beginning to end.
4. The Queen of Black Magic (Indonesia)
Three childhood friends return to their isolated orphanage for a final farewell, only to find the building haunted by a vengeful spirit born from their own.
This movie is creepy and disturbing. It is filled with relentless tension and has some of the best practical effects that I have seen.
The Queen of Black Magic is now streaming on Shudder.
5. Audition (Japan)
A widower has his film producer friend organize a fake audition as a means of helping him find a new girlfriend, but the woman he selects is not who she appears to be.
This movie is terrifying and heartbreaking. It starts as almost a romantic, sentimental film about a dad trying to find love again, only to be tormented by a psychopath. It is arguably one of the best Asian horror films of all time.
Audition is now streaming on Kanopy.
