Cinema is no longer confined to the boundaries of regions or nations; theinternationalreach and the widespread consumption of movies worldwide have transformed cinema into a universal celebration of talent, story, and the art of filmmaking. Today, it’s more important than ever to open our minds to the unearthed narratives of scary movies and the fears that people from different places have.
Speaking of, the world ofhorrormovies, a treasured genre, often keeps people captivated around the globe. Its stories of fear and spooky moments effortlessly invoke chills and make audiences question what’s real. But while we usually think of scary movies coming from Hollywood, there’s a whole world of horror stories waiting to be discovered in movies from other countries.
What makes these international scary movies special is that they can take you to far-off places, showing you the rich gamut of different cultures, beliefs, and even creatures that make people afraid. From Japan’s spookyYūreito the scary tales of Mexico’sLa Llorona, these movies explore the things that scare people in different parts of the world.
In this article, we will explore the 15 best internationalhorror movies available on Netflixright now.
15Under the Shadow (2016)
Under the Shadow
Under the Shadowenvelops us in the haunting atmosphere of war-torn Tehran. Shideh, a once-promising medical student, confronts not only the horrors of the Iran-Iraq War, but also an insidious supernatural entity that preys on the fear and vulnerability of her family. The film carefully balances the eerie and the real, as Shideh’s struggle to protect her daughter becomes a powerful metaphor for the fear and oppression faced by women in a society under siege.
What Makes It Terrifying
Under the Shadowdistinguishes itself through its exceptional and unflinching examination of the intersection between the supernatural and the socio-political backdrop. As the narrative unfolds, it delves deep into the psyche of its characters, laying bare their fears and anxieties. This film is a testament to the capacity of horror to serve as a mirror reflecting the darkest corners of our lives, both real and imagined.
14Dabbe: The Possession (2013)
Dabbe: The Possessiontakes us into the realm of demonic possessionwithin a Turkish context. The film explores the unsettling experiences of a family tormented by malevolent forces beyond their comprehension. It immerses us in Islamic folklore, presenting an intimate portrayal of terror through a cultural lens.
Dabbe’s reputation precedes its factual viewership globally, with many fans citing the film as the most spine-chilling. At the outset, this film’s unique charm lies in its commitment to the supernatural genre. It dives headfirst into the mystical and the unexplained, creating a palpable sense of dread only to tread into a captivating exploration of the tussle between faith and the unknown, inviting viewers to confront their own beliefs and fears.
13Eerie (2019)
Eerieunfolds within a Catholic girls' school in the Philippines. A tenacious guidance counselor investigates a series of mysterious deaths, unveiling a chilling secret rooted in the school’s dark history. The film juxtaposes religious iconography with the horrors that hide behind closed doors.
Eerieis a masterclass in creating an atmosphere of foreboding. It juxtaposes the supposed sanctity of a religious institution with the macabre, casting a critical eye on the power structures within organized religion. This film is an unsettling exploration of the concealed horrors that can fester within the hallowed walls of seemingly sacred places.
Related:20 Most Mind-Blowing International Movies, Ranked
12Sabrina (2018)
Sabrinaventures into the abyss of grief and obsession. Following the loss of his wife, a man embarks on a perilous journey to bring her back from the dead, inadvertently setting in motion a series of terrifying and unintended consequences. His relentless pursuit of the unnatural becomes a chilling exploration of the boundaries of life and death.
Sabrinaplunges headlong into the murky waters of thepsychological horror genre, showcasing the depths of human desperation and the unintended consequences of tampering with the natural order. It’s a chilling commentary on the fragility of life and the price one pays for trying to traverse the sacred threshold between existence and the afterlife.
The film serves as a stark reminder that the human pursuit of the unnatural often leads to catastrophic and harrowing outcomes, challenging us to contemplate the moral and metaphysical implications of our actions.
11The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual
The Ritualweaves a tale of friendship and fear. Four friends set out on a hiking trip in the dense forests of Sweden, only to become lost in a sinister wilderness inhabited by an ancient evil. Their struggle for survival unravels as they are forced to confront their deepest fears, both external and internal.
What makesThe Ritualstand out is its exploration of primal fear and the darkness that resides within us all. The film is a mesmerizing descent into the depths of the human soul, using ancient folklore as a backdrop to manifest inner demons. It’s a story that reminds us that, sometimes, the most terrifying horrors are those that lurk within us.The Ritualis a haunting exploration of how fear can transform not only the external world but also our own perceptions and the relationships that bind us.
10His House (2020)
His Housedelves into the experiences of a Sudanese couple seeking asylum in the UK. They are given a dilapidated house that comes with haunting supernatural disturbances, forcing them to confront not only the malevolent spirits, but also their own traumatic past as survivors of a war-torn homeland.
This film is a masterclass in blending social commentary withsupernatural psychological horror. It powerfully explores the immigrant experience and the horrors of displacement, drawing poignant parallels between the terrors of the mundane and the otherworldly.
His Houseis a deeply emotional and culturally resonant horror film that takes viewers on a journey through trauma, loss, and the unrelenting specters of the past. It prompts us to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of both earthly and unearthly nightmares.
9Veronica (2017)
In 1991 Madrid, a teenage girl conducts a seance with her friends, accidentally summoning a malevolent entity that terrorizes her family.Veronicaisbased on a real-life case, and unfolds as a harrowing tale of possession and terror. As the entity’s grip tightens, Veronica’s struggle to protect her younger siblings and uncover the truth behind the haunting presence becomes a desperate battle against the supernatural.
Veronicais a relentless descent into the terrifying unknown, masterfully capitalizing on the fear of the unseen and the vulnerability of adolescence. The film’s documentary-style approach, reminiscent of chilling real-life accounts, lends it an eerie authenticity that sends shivers down the spine. It’s not merely a horror film; it’s a profound exploration of the sacrifices one must make in the face of malevolent forces. Veronica’s journey is a harrowing mirror reflecting the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit.
8Stree (2018)
An epic carnival of comedy, rumination, and revelation,Streetransports us to the Indian town of Chanderi, where a malevolent female spirit known as Stree abducts men during an annual festival. A group of friends embarks on a quest to unveil the spirit’s true identity, but the enigma deepens as they uncover the town’s buried secrets and the ominous history of Stree herself.
Streeis a fresh and audacious take on horror, effortlessly blending humor and social commentary with spine-tingling supernatural elements. The film boldly explores the dynamics of gender and patriarchy within a small Indian town, all while delivering a compelling horror narrative.
Streedoesn’t just scare you; it provokes thought, challenges societal norms, and provides an unsettling insight into the vulnerabilities that bind communities. It’s a film that leaves you both entertained and introspective, making you question not only the existence of spirits but also the deeply ingrained fears and biases in our own lives.
7Cargo (2017)
Cargoenvisions a post-apocalyptic world where a human courier transports the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. As he grapples with the isolation of his task, he discovers an abandoned girl who may hold the key to humanity’s salvation. Their perilous journey through the desolate wastelands is a test of both his humanity and the fragile hope for a better future.
This film is a haunting meditation on the human condition and the afterlife, transcending the boundaries of traditional horror.Cargoexplores themes of profound loneliness and the delicate transition from life to death, all against the backdrop of adesolate and dystopian future. It’s a visually striking and emotionally resonant horror film that delves into the depths of human resilience and our enduring quest for connection and redemption in a world on the brink of oblivion.
6Bulbbul (2020)
Bulbbulis a period horror film set in 19th-Century Bengal. It revolves around a child bride who grows up to be a formidable presence, seeking vengeance against the oppressors in her life. The film melds folk horror with a feminist narrative, as it unearths the horrors lurking in the shadows of a patriarchal society.
Bulbbulis a visually sumptuous and thematically rich horror film that challenges societal norms and expectations. It delves into the harrowing reality of gender-based violence and the reclamation of power, all within a Gothic and supernatural context.
The film also stands as a potent example of horror as avehicle for social commentary, drawing viewers into a mesmerizing and thought-provoking exploration of injustice and retribution. Adding to the film’s exceptional storytelling,Bulbbuloffers a dreamy, astonishing and ruby-esque visual spectacle reminiscent of Guillermo Del Toro’s gothic romanceCrimson Peak.
