No genre dials up heart rates – or hijacks your dreams – quite like horror. Here’s where the best scary movies steal the spotlight, serving up nightmares, nail-biters, and ghostly chills for every taste. Whether you crave eerie classics or fresh frights, this lineup guarantees a marathon of shivers and nights spent peeking between your fingers. Grab the popcorn and lock the doors: it’s time to meet the films that turn lights out into a dare.
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A Tale Of Two Sisters (2003)
A chilling cinematic interpretation of a Joseon-era folktale, this South Korean masterpiece weaves psychological horror with profound themes of family, trauma, and tragedy. After a stay in a mental institution, teenage Su-mi returns to her family’s countryside home, reuniting with her beloved younger sister, her father, and her stepmother. When Su-mi begins to witness mysterious incidents, unexplained phenomena, and ghostly visions, “A Tale of Two Sisters’ slowly reveals that nothing is as it seems. Upon its release, the film became the highest-grossing Korean horror in history and the first from the country to be screened in American theaters – later inspiring an English-language remake. While it draws you in with expertly executed horror conventions, ‘A Tale of Two Sisters’ ultimately chills to the bone by uncovering the deeply human, and far more sinister, roots at the heart of its terror.
The Eye (2002)
One of the most well-known pan-Asian entries in the Canto-horror sub-genre, ‘The Eye’ is a strikingly inventive supernatural thrill-ride from filmmaking duo the Pang Brothers. After a blind Hong Kong violinist receives a corneal transplant, her restored vision comes with an eerie cost: she begins to see shadowy figures foretelling tragedies – visible only to her. While the film inspired two direct sequels and several international remakes, we recommend starting with the original for maximum chills.
Alien (1979)
A pioneer of the ‘space-horror’ subgenre, Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic ‘Alien’ was unprecedented in its impact. The film follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo as they investigate a mysterious transmission from a distant planetoid. What begins as a routine mission quickly spirals into a nightmare when the titular alien explodes into their lives. With stunning practical effects, rich world-building, and incredible visuals, the film fully harnesses horror’s potential within science fiction. Grounded by Sigourney Weaver’s iconic performance as Ripley, ‘Alien’ transforms the vastness of space into a landscape of unbridled terror.
Shutter (2004)
Deeply unsettling and steeped in psychological dread, ‘Shutter’ stands as one of the most chilling supernatural horror films to emerge from Thailand. The story follows photographer Tun and his girlfriend Jane after they flee the scene of a hit-and-run accident. Soon, shadows begin appearing in Tun’s photographs – drawing them deeper into the dark secrets of his past. Through its clever use of photography as a supernatural lens, ‘Shutter’ builds a hair-raising experience that has inspired several international remakes. While layered with otherworldly twists, the film ultimately reminds us that the most gruesome terrors are often all too human.
Hereditary (2018)
A modern horror masterpiece, ‘Hereditary’ unspools the story of a grieving family descending into supernatural terror. After the death of her secretive mother and a freak accident that takes her daughter’s life, miniaturist Annie and her family find themselves besieged by increasingly ominous and unexplainable events – all centred around their inescapable grief and guilt. As secrets of the occult and demonic possession come to light, director Ari Aster ultimately leads viewers deeper into the family’s nightmare of malevolent forces beyond their control with harrowing precision. Standing out for its intense emotional weight and gut-wrenching performances – especially from Toni Collette – ‘Hereditary’ is an essential watch for those ready to face the darkest of family ties.
Dark Water (2002)
Weaving together psychological tension with a slow-burning, atmospheric dread, the Japanese supernatural horror film ‘Dark Water’ tells a haunting story of motherhood, loss, and restless spirits. When newly divorced Yoshimi moves into a dilapidated apartment with her young daughter Ikuko, the two begin to be plagued by a persistent water leak from the ceiling as well as puzzling recurrences. As Yoshimi unravels the tragic story behind the escalating ghostly incidents in their home, ‘Dark Water’ elevates itself beyond pure scares to become a blood-curdling film full of emotion and heart.
The Descent (2005)
A brutal and claustrophobic British thriller that elevated survival horror, ‘The Descent’ follows six women on a spelunking trip that quickly becomes a fight for their lives. One year after a tragic accident, Sarah joins her friends on an expedition deep in the Appalachians – only to discover they’ve entered an uncharted cave system and are now trapped. Ambushing viewers with the same suffocating tension and panic felt by the group, the psychological torment intensifies when they realise they are not alone. With visceral direction, relentless pacing, and the raw viciousness of both the humanoid predators and the women themselves, ‘The Descent’ remains a standout for fans of intense, female-led horror.
The Wailing (2016)
Fusing rural mysticism with chilling dread, ‘The Wailing’ unravels a gruesome mystery in a remote South Korean village shaken by a spate of brutal, inexplicable deaths. When a mysterious Japanese stranger arrives, sickness and violent madness begin to spread – ensnaring police officer Jong-goo’s young daughter. Desperate to save her, he delves into shamanic rituals, shadowy forces, and malevolent spirits. Merging suspense, folklore, and horror into a deeply unnerving narrative, ‘The Wailing’ interlaces tension and terror into a rattling, atmospheric nightmare.
The Invisible Man (2020)
A powerful thriller that flew largely under the radar, Leigh Whannell’s (co-creator of the ‘Saw’ franchise) ‘The Invisible Man’ took H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel and reimagined the seminal story through the lens of domestic violence, gaslighting, and psychological control. Starring a fantastic Elisabeth Moss, the film follows architect Cee as she finally escapes her abusive boyfriend’s high-security home – only to be relentlessly tormented by an invisible stalker. A fusion of classic sci-fi horror and the very real nightmare of abuse, this modern take not only delivers suspense but also viscerally visualises the invisible manipulation, trauma, and fear that domestic violence victims endure. Transforming the traditional monster myth, ‘The Invisible Man’ is a gut-wrenching experience that keeps you unnerved until the very end.
Dumplings (2004)
Expanding on the short segment conceived by legendary director Fruit Chan in the 2004 horror anthology ‘Three…Extremes,’ ‘Dumplings’ is a truly twisted Hong Kong horror-thriller that explores the dark extremes of the quest for youth. When former actress Mrs. Li longs for her unfaithful husband’s attention and her former beauty, she seeks the help of Aunt Mei, a mysterious chef known for her miraculously rejuvenating dumplings. The ‘special’ ingredient, however, is disturbingly grisly – aborted fetuses harvested through black-market abortions. Anchored by a remarkable performance from Bai Ling as Mei, ‘Dumplings’ offers an icy blend of body horror and social commentary that lingers long after the final bite.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
