The Scariest Asian Horror Movies on Netflix

by

Horror movies look different around the world, and Asian cinema is especially well-known for its unique take on the genre. From classic Japanese horror to Korean films that combine scares with social commentary, Asian filmmakers have consistently created truly memorable movies.

Netflix has a fantastic selection of Asian horror films. This curated list features both new releases and hidden treasures, all guaranteed to be scary and stay with you long after you’ve finished watching.

Get ready for a fright! Here’s a list of 10 of the scariest Asian horror movies currently available on Netflix – dim the lights, make some popcorn, and prepare to be scared!

‘The 8th Night’ (2021)

Driven by a mysterious spiritual world and building suspense, The 8th Night centers around Professor Kim Joon-Cheol, a once-renowned exorcist. A lifelong scholar of mythology and ghosts, he firmly believes in the existence of ancient Śarīra caskets that have held the powerful and malevolent Red Eye and Black Eye for over 2,500 years. After facing public scorn for his beliefs, he attempts to release these entities, but ultimately becomes possessed by the Red Eye.

A Disturbing Horror Masterpiece

Kim Tae-hyoung’s film delivers genuine scares and draws heavily on Korean folklore. Rather than relying on jump scares, it creates a creeping sense of dread through its beautiful visuals and carefully unveiled mysteries. The movie is anchored by a strong plot and a fantastic performance from Nam Da-reum, making it a truly compelling horror experience.

‘Eerie’ (2019)

This Filipino horror film, starring Bea Alonzo and Charo Santos-Concio, showcases the innovative potential of Asian horror and its knack for subtly addressing social issues. Eerie centers around the unexpected death of a student at an all-girls Catholic school. As the guidance counselor, Pat Consolacion, helps the students deal with the loss, she begins to investigate, uncovering a disturbing and potentially abusive history within the school’s walls.

Thrives On Atmospheric Chills

Eerie elevates psychological horror by cleverly weaving in relevant social issues into its already tense story. The film’s quiet moments are just as impactful as its scares, and both are powerfully enhanced by its sharp, direct visuals. Director Mikhail Red masterfully creates a feeling of dread from the start, and it stays with you long after the credits roll. Bea Alonzo delivers a delicate performance that perfectly complements the film’s unsettling atmosphere, resulting in a truly captivating experience.

‘Svaha: The Sixth Finger’ (2019)

Pastor Park, an investigator of cults and conspiracies, takes on the case of Dongbanggyo, a mysterious group linked to strange occurrences in a forest and unusual animal behavior. Simultaneously, a police captain suspects the cult may be connected to a murder investigation, believing the killer could be among its members.

Terrifying Folklore Comes To Life

Featuring Lee Jung-jae, Park Jeong-min, and Lee Jae-in, the movie creates a deeply unsettling mood by blending Korean myths and legends into its story. The plot unfolds slowly and disturbingly, revealing secrets, betrayals, and sinister forces at unexpected moments. Every detail, from the haunting music to the realistic special effects, contributes to a beautifully macabre and unnerving experience.

‘The Third Eye’ (2017)

Directed and co-written by Rocky Soraya, the Indonesian horror film The Third Eye tells the story of two sisters, Alia and Abel, who are successful adults despite a difficult childhood. When their parents unexpectedly pass away, they must return to their childhood home – a place where Abel witnessed strange occurrences as a child, but was never believed. Now, twelve years later, Abel possesses a ‘third eye’ that allows her to perceive the supernatural.

Disorienting and Scary

As a film lover, I was completely drawn into The Third Eye. It really gets under your skin, putting you right inside the mind of a woman who’s falling apart. Bianca Hello and Jessica Mila give such subtle, powerful performances – they truly elevate the movie. And the way it’s filmed! The camera work is so smooth and unsettling, it perfectly captures the feeling of being lost in frightening visions. What really stood out to me was how vividly it portrayed both the real world and the spirit world – it was a truly immersive experience.

‘May the Devil Take You’ (2018)

The movie May the Devil Take You is a descent into demonic horror. It centers around Alfie, a woman deeply concerned about her father’s strange illness. As she investigates what happened to him by returning to his old villa, she accidentally awakens an ancient evil – a devil demanding retribution.

An Indonesian Slow-Burn

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, this Indonesian horror movie blends traditional Asian folklore with intense family conflict. It also delivers the kind of graphic gore that Western horror fans enjoy. Beautifully filmed, the slow-building story ultimately offers a thoughtful exploration of sin and the consequences that follow.

‘Secrets in the Hot Spring’ (2018)

“Secrets in the Hot Spring” offers a fresh take on the classic haunted hotel story, steadily increasing the suspense and terror. Xiao Gin, a bit of a rebel, convinces his friends, Little Princess and Lu Qun, to spend their winter break at a remote hotel built by his grandfather. They quickly discover the hotel is dilapidated and haunted. As the atmosphere becomes more intense and sinister forces appear, the friends must uncover the mystery surrounding the hot springs.

Plays With the Haunted Location Trope

I was really surprised by Secrets in the Hot Spring! It’s definitely creepy, but it uses dark humor so well that it kept me on the edge of my seat rather than actually scaring me. The characters are fascinating, and their histories – plus how they interact – actually gave me some laughs, even with all the unsettling stuff happening. It’s not overly gory, but it’s super atmospheric and genuinely funny at times. Director Kuan-Hui Lin has made a horror movie that I think even people who don’t usually like the genre will enjoy.

‘#Alive’ (2020)

No horror movie list is complete without a few post-apocalyptic thrillers, and #Alive delivers just that. The film centers on Oh Joon-woo, a dedicated gamer who mostly stays home. When a strange virus breaks out in Seoul, the city shuts down and people quickly turn into zombies. Joon-woo is left to survive by hiding in his apartment, but eventually, he has to leave and find a way to stay safe in this dangerous new world.

Makes Piercing Social Commentary

Directed by Cho Il-hyung, the film Alive isn’t so much a zombie movie as it is an exploration of modern loneliness and how comfortable young people have become with staying home. The film’s claustrophobic setting and beautiful visuals create a truly suspenseful experience. It also delves into how people’s values can change when they’re under intense pressure. With Yoo Ah-in delivering a captivating performance as the sole protagonist, Alive is a thrilling and action-packed horror film you won’t want to miss.

‘Train to Busan’ (2016)

In the movie Train to Busan, a father who works too much takes his daughter on a high-speed train to visit her mother for her birthday. During the trip from Seoul to Busan, a zombie outbreak begins, and the train quickly becomes a dangerous battle for survival when an infected person boards. The passengers, initially strangers and often distrustful of each other, must band together to fight off the zombies and find a way to escape.

A Korean Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Though Yeon Sang-ho was already a well-respected director in Korea, he gained international recognition with the 2016 film Train to Busan. The movie is notable for its thrilling action sequences and deeply human portrayal of its characters. Featuring realistic performances from actors like Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, and Ma Dong-seok, the film depicts passengers forced to make desperate choices while trying to survive a zombie outbreak. Beyond the action, Train to Busan also offers a subtle commentary on societal and environmental issues. Almost ten years after its release, it remains a highly enjoyable and worthwhile film to watch.

‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ (2024)

After several urban explorers died at the abandoned Xinglin General Hospital in Taiwan, supposedly due to supernatural events, a team from the Philippines – including actors and online personalities – decided to investigate live on camera. Soon after arriving, the crew began experiencing frightening encounters with a hostile presence, potentially linked to dark magic.

Spend the Night in a Haunted Hospital

This hidden horror film quietly appeared on Netflix, but fans quickly discovered it and praised its blend of genres and similarities to Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. While clearly inspired by that film, it carves out its own identity with original lore and genuinely creepy scenes. If you enjoy a good jump scare, Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital delivers, building tension with an unsettling atmosphere before unleashing shocking moments.

‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ (2023)

Akira Tendo, a bored office worker, feels stuck in a rut. When a zombie outbreak occurs, he doesn’t see it as a disaster, but as an opportunity to finally pursue his own goals. He creates a list of 100 things he wants to do with his life and sets out to accomplish them, teaming up with two fellow survivors as they battle the undead along the way.

Looking for Stuff To Do at the World’s End

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a fun and energetic horror comedy that playfully critiques today’s stressful work culture and the burnout it causes. Unlike some darker zombie films, this one is bright and lively, making it a great choice for those who prefer lighter entertainment, or want something to watch with someone who isn’t a fan of intense horror. If you enjoy anime, Netflix also offers the series based on the same story, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Read More

2025-10-21 03:36