Buzz
For years, enthusiasts of Japanese horror in English-speaking regions have recognized the genre's universal appeal. Horror films thrive on striking visuals, ensuring their effectiveness transcends language barriers. Additionally, terrifying stories rooted in specific cultures often introduce fears unfamiliar to global audiences. (Before The Grudge and The Ring reached American shores, I only associated long, black, wet hair with clogged drains. Now, however...)
Horror films highlight our shared humanity: no matter our language or origin, we are all red, squishy, and deeply vulnerable. To discover new forms of fear, you might need to venture beyond your cultural boundaries. Below is a selection of outstanding horror movies not filmed in English, each offering a unique regional twist to the genre, ready to bring global chills to your home.
Audition (1999)
Language: Japanese
Takashi Miike, renowned as one of the 21st century's leading horror filmmakers, showcases his unsettling and deeply disturbing style in Audition. The film follows Shigeharu (Ryo Ishii, who also starred in the first two American Grudge films), a widower who re-enters the dating scene by staging a fake movie audition to find a new partner. He connects with the reserved Asami, but their relationship takes a dark and disastrous turn.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental via Apple TV
Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)
Language: Spanish
Merging fantasy and horror, Mexican writer-director Issa López crafts a tale of children orphaned and displaced by the Mexican Drug War, presenting a narrative that is tragically plausible in a world where human greed often surpasses supernatural fears. Tenoch Huerta, who later portrayed Namor in Wakanda Forever, stars as a menacing crime lord.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
Language: Korean
A standout in the early 2000s wave of South Korean horror, Kim Jee-woon's visually stunning film weaves a somber, Shakespearean story. It follows a South Korean teenager who reunites with her sister after a stay in a mental hospital. Their father's new wife creates tension, but it pales in comparison to the bizarre and terrifying events haunting the family. Like the best horror films, it unravels dark family secrets that led to the sisters' separation.
Where to stream: AMC+
Good Madam (2021)
Language: Xhosa
Seeking shelter, Tsidi (Chumisa Cosa) moves into her estranged mother Mavis's (Nosipho Mtebe) Cape Town home, where Mavis has served as a domestic worker for years. The titular Good Madam, an elderly white woman, is now bedridden, yet Mavis remains fiercely loyal—a stark reminder to Tsidi of her childhood, overshadowed by Madam's family. As the house grows increasingly eerie, the film uses horror to explore themes of race and class in contemporary South Africa.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Eyes Without a Face (1960)
Language: French
Seeking to break into the horror genre while avoiding censorship issues, director Georges Franju was advised to tone down the graphic elements typically associated with such stories. This restraint proved beneficial. Eyes Without a Face adopts a subtle, haunting tone that contrasts sharply with its sensational premise: a plastic surgeon, driven by guilt after his daughter’s disfiguring accident, becomes obsessed with restoring her beauty through a face transplant. The challenge, of course, lies in sourcing the new face. What could have been a campy Bela Lugosi-style film is elevated by Franju’s poetic direction, earning it a place in the Criterion Collection as a cinematic masterpiece.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
Saloum (2021)
Languages: French and Wolof
Initially, Congolese filmmaker Jean Luc Herbulot appears to craft an action-packed narrative, with mercenaries escaping a coup in a style reminiscent of 1980s American military thrillers. However, the story quickly evolves into something unique, seamlessly merging genres as the group crash-lands in a mysterious and unsettling region of Senegal. The hunters soon find themselves hunted, while the film delves into deeper themes of power and the potential for redemption.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Suspiria (1977)
Language: Italian
Dario Argento’s giallo classics are a sensory feast, merging stylish cinematography with graphic violence, blurring the line between beauty and horror. Suspiria, arguably Argento’s magnum opus, follows Susie Bannion (Jessica Harper), a gifted dancer who enrolls in a renowned Berlin dance academy. Her success is overshadowed by chilling accusations of witchcraft. (The English remake, featuring Tilda Swinton, is also noteworthy, but best enjoyed after experiencing the original.)
Where to stream: Kanopy
Ring (1998)
Language: Japanese
Hideo Nakata’s Ring, based on Koji Suzuki’s novel, revitalized J-horror, spawning a global franchise with multiple films, TV series, remakes, and video games. While its impact has waned due to overexposure and parodies, Sadako’s iconic emergence from the well and TV screen remains unforgettable. The film is a clever, eerie supernatural mystery, punctuated by moments of sheer terror.
Where to stream: Kanopy
Funny Games (1997)
Language: German and French
Austrian and German filmmakers gained notoriety for their extreme horror films in the 1980s and 1990s (think Nekromantik or Violent Shit), a trend that perhaps reflects the cultural shifts in post-Iron Curtain Europe. In Funny Games, director Michael Haneke depicts a couple’s lakeside vacation turning into a nightmare as they are tormented by two psychotic young men. One of the assailants breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience and emphasizing our role as spectators of their cruelty rather than the idyllic getaway.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
The Dead Lands (2017)
Language: Māori
Packed with action, Toa Fraser’s film, set in pre-colonial New Zealand, follows a young Māori warrior seeking vengeance against the chief who annihilated his tribe. His quest leads him into the feared “dead lands,” a territory guarded by a mythical Taniwha, a creature said to kill all who enter.
Where to stream: Tubi, Crackle, digital rental
The Lure (2015)
Language: Polish
Agnieszka Smoczyńska helms this eccentric and captivating rock opera, where two mermaids leave their aquatic home to work at a Warsaw nightclub. For those unimpressed by Disney’s reimagined Little Mermaid, this gory, sensual take offers a stark and thrilling alternative.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
Stranger by the Lake (2013)
Language: French
A serial killer tale reminiscent of classic erotic thrillers, Stranger features Pierre Deladonchamps as Franck, a frequent visitor to a nude beach and nearby woods, both known as cruising spots. Franck embarks on a steamy affair (complete with explicit encounters in the woods) with Michel (Christophe Paou), only to later witness Michel drowning someone in the lake. Franck’s infatuation with Michel complicates his decision to report the crime to the police, especially as more murders unfold.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Wailing (2016)
Languages: Korean and Japanese
At its core, The Wailing explores an alien-induced plague that wreaks havoc on a secluded village, causing zombie-like symptoms. While the premise may seem familiar, director Na Hong-jin masterfully blends shifting tones, transforming the film from a quirky police procedural into a haunting and deeply unsettling experience.
Where to stream: Netflix, Tubi, Peacock
Baskin (2015)
Language: Turkish
Drawing inspiration from classic Italian giallo films, Turkish filmmaker Can Evrenol crafts a surreal and gruesome climax after a slow-burning, atmospheric start. A squad of police officers is lured to a remote town, where locals attempt to dissuade them from entering a mysterious building. The film’s gradual tonal shift is so seamless that viewers barely notice they’ve been ensnared in a horrifying, blood-soaked nightmare.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Ravenous (2017)
Language: French
This Canadian gem revitalizes the zombie genre with a touch of George Romero-esque social critique. Director Robin Aubert tells the story of a Quebec town under attack, where the zombies develop their own society and culture. The film delves into regional history and cross-cultural tensions, offering a fresh take on the survival thriller genre.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Verónica (2017)
Language: Spanish
Inspired by allegedly true events, this Spanish import delivers eerie ambiance and classic scares. It follows a young woman who unwittingly summons malevolent spirits after dabbling with a Ouija board. While it doesn’t break new ground, the film excels in delivering spine-chilling moments and well-executed frights.
Where to stream: Netflix
Rec (2017)
Language: Spanish
A standout in the found footage genre, Rec tracks a reporter accompanying a Barcelona fire crew on a routine call that leads them to an apartment building plagued by strange occurrences. Blending zombie tropes with demonic possession, the film’s strength lies in its immersive camerawork and meticulous sense of setting, making viewers feel as trapped and terrified as the characters.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental
Noroi: The Curse (2005)
Language: Japanese
Presented as a faux-documentary, Noroi: The Curse follows a paranormal investigator exploring a series of supernatural events across Japan. The film meticulously builds a web of curses, ghosts, and demons, rivaling The X-Files in complexity. By the climax, it becomes clear that the narrative has ensnared viewers in an inescapable, chilling trap.
Where to stream: Hoopla
Kuroneko (1968)
Language: Japanese
A chilling tale unfolds as a mother and daughter-in-law, victims of a brutal samurai attack, are resurrected by a black cat to seek vengeance on any samurai lured by their allure. When a young warrior is tasked with ending their reign of terror, he discovers a tragic connection—he is the son and husband of the vengeful spirits.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Martyrs (2008)
Language: French
Is it a gruesome torture spectacle or a profound exploration of trauma and abuse? Films from the New French Extremity movement, like High Tension, often blur these lines. In Martyrs, a woman, once tortured by a seemingly ordinary family, seeks vengeance as an adult. Her friend Anna uncovers the family’s horrifying experiments to uncover the afterlife’s secrets. A harrowing yet iconic example of extreme cinema, it’s not for the weak-hearted.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental via Apple TV
Train to Busan (2016)
Language: Korean
Yeon Sang-ho’s South Korean thriller about zombies on a speeding train balances relentless action with heartfelt emotion. At its core is the story of a divorced workaholic father and his daughter striving to rebuild their relationship while surviving a zombie outbreak. While the film’s intense action could stand alone, its emotional depth elevates it to a horror-action masterpiece.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, digital rental
Let the Right One In (2008)
Language: Swedish
This Swedish film, adapted from John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel, became an instant classic upon its 2006 release, proving that vampire stories still have fresh tales to tell. It follows Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a bullied boy who befriends his mysterious neighbor Eli (Lina Leandersson), whose link to a series of local murders soon becomes apparent. Both unsettling and surprisingly touching, the film redefines vampire lore.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock, Tubi, digital rental
Under the Shadow (2016)
Language: Persian
Set during the Iran-Iraq War, a woman separated from her husband must shield her child from supernatural entities as bombs rain down. Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow uses the concept of jinn to explore the horrors of war, political unrest, and the struggles of women in oppressive societies. The film masterfully blends a haunting narrative with the real-life terrors faced by women and civilians in conflict zones.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
When Evil Lurks (2023)
Language: Spanish
Demián Rugna’s Argentinian horror film When Evil Lurks unfolds in a world plagued by demonic possession, a condition both widespread and highly infectious. The film excels in its visceral practical effects and deeply humanizes its characters, ensuring that its shocking moments hit with devastating impact. Not recommended for the faint of heart.
Where to stream: Hulu, Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Kwaidan (1964)
Language: Japanese
A standout in the horror anthology genre, this film is a visually stunning and atmospheric masterpiece. Director Masaki Kobayashi uses color masterfully—whether it’s the stark contrast of blood on snow, the muted tones of a haunted tea house, or the ominous black hair that signals doom in Japanese folklore. Each tale is a feast for the senses.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
Language: Spanish
A precursor to Guillermo del Toro’s later masterpieces, this Spanish-Mexican collaboration explores the impact of war on childhood, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The film also serves as a gripping ghost story centered around an orphanage, blending historical tragedy with supernatural horror.
Where to stream: Peacock, digital rental
Diabolique (1955)
Language: French
Combining horror with Hitchcockian suspense (director Henri-Georges Clouzot drew inspiration from Hitchcock, who later made Psycho to rival this film), Diabolique follows a wife and her husband’s mistress as they plot his murder and attempt to cover it up. As the headmaster of a gossip-filled boarding school, his death sparks a web of intrigue, leading to a thrilling and twist-filled narrative.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
May the Devil Take You (2018)
Language: Indonesian
A chilling tale of demonic possession and the dangers of unchecked ambition, this film centers on a man who trades his soul for wealth, unleashing a malevolent force that terrorizes his family in horrifying ways. Fans of demons and body horror will find this particularly gripping. The 2020 sequel, May the Devil Take You Too, is equally compelling.
Where to stream: Netflix
Cure (1997)
Language: Japanese
Starting as a serial killer thriller reminiscent of Seven, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure evolves into a deeply unsettling and ambiguous tale. With its masterful direction and sharp screenplay, the film laid the groundwork for the J-horror movement that followed.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, digital rental
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)
Language: Korean
The found footage horror film Gonjiam became a massive hit in South Korea, and for good reason. While the format is well-trodden, the film stands out for its execution and craftsmanship. Director Jung Bum-shik and his team meticulously recreated the infamous Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital in Gwangju, widely regarded as one of Korea’s most haunted sites. This eerie setting sets the stage for the unraveling of a doomed web series crew, delivering spine-chilling scares.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, Shudder, Prime Video
Terrified (2017)
Language: Spanish
In an ordinary Buenos Aires suburb, bizarre and unsettling events begin to unfold. It starts with eerie noises from the sink but soon escalates into a full-blown invasion from a supernatural dimension. While the premise may sound familiar, Terrified combines a polished horror aesthetic with unrelenting intensity, creating a gripping and terrifying experience. Its skillful execution turned the film into a sensation, leaving audiences thoroughly spooked.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Viy (1967)
Language: Russian
A rare horror film from the Soviet Union, Viy is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending eerie quiet moments with surreal, nightmarish visuals and impressive practical effects. The story follows seminary students who, after a drunken escapade, accidentally kill a woman they believe to be a witch. Khoma, the perpetrator, is tasked with guarding her body from evil spirits for three nights, leading to a series of terrifying and disastrous events.
Where to stream: Tubi
Dream Home (2010)
Language: Cantonese
Hong Kong’s brutal housing market takes center stage in this darkly comedic horror film. Director Pang Ho-cheung tells the story of Lai-sheung (Josie Ho), a woman whose relentless pursuit of affordable housing is repeatedly thwarted. When stock market speculation drives prices even higher, she reaches her breaking point. Her descent into madness is both shocking and oddly relatable.
Where to stream: Digital rental via Apple TV
La Llorona (2019)
Language: Spanish
This Guatemalan film reimagines the legend of La Llorona within the context of a fictionalized dictator’s family, haunted by vengeful spirits as retribution for the Mayan genocide of the 1980s. Unlike the more conventional Curse of La Llorona, this version weaves historical tragedy with supernatural horror.
Where to stream: Shudder, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
M (1931)
Language: German
Fritz Lang’s M marked his first foray into sound films, and he embraced the medium fully. Unlike other early talkies that used sound sparingly, Lang’s bold approach pays off. The film is a cornerstone of police procedurals and serial killer dramas, but what sets it apart is Peter Lorre’s chilling performance as a killer whose ordinariness makes him even more terrifying.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
