Summary
- International horror movies offer a unique cultural perspective on fear and the supernatural, showcasing different beliefs and creatures that terrify people around the world.
- These films serve as mirrors reflecting the darkest corners of our lives and societies, delving deep into the psyche of characters and exploring fears and anxieties.
- International horror movies on Netflix, such as "Under the Shadow" and "Dabbe: The Possession," provide exceptional and unflinching examinations of the intersection between the supernatural and socio-political backdrops, inviting viewers to confront their own beliefs and fears.
Cinema is no longer confined to the boundaries of regions or nations; the international reach 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 of horror movies, 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 spooky Yūrei to the scary tales of Mexico's La Llorona, these movies explore the things that scare people in different parts of the world.
In this article, we will explore the 15 best international horror movies available on Netflix right now.
15 Under the Shadow (2016)
Under the Shadow
- Release Date
- September 30, 2016
- Director
- Babak Anvari
- Cast
- Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi
- Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 84min
- Main Genre
- Horror
Under the Shadow envelops 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 Shadow distinguishes 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.
14 Dabbe: The Possession (2013)
Dabbe: The Possession takes us into the realm of demonic possession within 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
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.
13 Eerie (2019)
Eerie unfolds 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
Eerie is 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.
12 Sabrina (2018)
Sabrina ventures 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
Sabrina plunges headlong into the murky waters of the psychological 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.
11 The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual
- Release Date
- October 11, 2017
- Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 94
- Main Genre
- Horror
- Genres
- Horror
The Ritual weaves 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 Makes It Terrifying
What makes The Ritual stand 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 Ritual is a haunting exploration of how fear can transform not only the external world but also our own perceptions and the relationships that bind us.
10 His House (2020)
His House
- Release Date
- January 27, 2020
- Director
- Remi Weekes
- Cast
- Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Malaika Wakoli-Abigaba, Matt Smith, Javier Botet, Yvonne Campbell
- Runtime
- 93
- Main Genre
- Horror
His House delves 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
This film is a masterclass in blending social commentary with supernatural 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 House is 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.
9 Veronica (2017)
Sony Pictures
In 1991 Madrid, a teenage girl conducts a seance with her friends, accidentally summoning a malevolent entity that terrorizes her family. Veronica is based 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
Veronica is 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.
8 Stree (2018)
d2r Films
An epic carnival of comedy, rumination, and revelation, Stree transports 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
Stree is 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.
Stree doesn'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.
7 Cargo (2017)
Cargo
- Release Date
- October 6, 2017
- Director
- Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
- Cast
- Martin Freeman, Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter, Caren Pistorius, Kris McQuade, Natasha Wanganeen
- Runtime
- 105
- Main Genre
- Drama
Cargo envisions 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
This film is a haunting meditation on the human condition and the afterlife, transcending the boundaries of traditional horror. Cargo explores themes of profound loneliness and the delicate transition from life to death, all against the backdrop of a desolate 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.
6 Bulbbul (2020)
Bulbbul is 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.
What Makes It Terrifying
Bulbbul is 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 a vehicle for social commentary, drawing viewers into a mesmerizing and thought-provoking exploration of injustice and retribution. Adding to the film's exceptional storytelling, Bulbbul offers a dreamy, astonishing and ruby-esque visual spectacle reminiscent of Guillermo Del Toro's gothic romance Crimson Peak.
5 Virupaksha (2023)
Perceiving the mysterious death of a native in the inner sanctum of a temple as a desecration of the goddess, the villagers of Rudravanam seal the borders according to the temple’s sacred edict. For the next eight days, none is to transgress the seal. If transgressed, the wrath of the goddess shall descend upon the village, thus ensuing obliteration.
What Makes It Terrifying
Written and directed by Karthik Dandu, Virupaksha soars in its atmospheric, M Night Shyamalan-esque mysticism, where elements like superstitions, love, faith, and dark magic breathe life into customary Telugu cinema. The film shines through many facets, including laudable cinematography, an astonishing yet bloodcurdling soundtrack, and an engaging screenplay.
The film explores the most frowned-upon and forbidding practices, such as dark magic, and delves into the uncharted chapters of the Atharvana Veda, all while ensuring the cinematic experience of the film remains intact. Virupaksha is a treat for fans who have a palette of mysticism and folklore and a sumptuous invitation for global cinephiles to embark on a Telugu cinema voyage.
4 Blood Red Sky (2021)
Blood Red Sky
A woman with a mysterious illness is forced into action when a group of terrorists attempt to hijack a transatlantic overnight flight.
- Release Date
- July 23, 2021
- Director
- Peter Thorwarth
- Cast
- Graham McTavish, Dominic Purcell, Peri Baumeister, Roland Møller, Alexander Scheer, Chidi Ajufo
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Runtime
- 2hr 1min
- Main Genre
- Horror
Blood Red Sky takes us aboard a transatlantic flight that becomes the battleground for survival when a group of hijackers encounters an unexpected passenger: a woman with a deadly secret. The film brilliantly fuses vampire lore with a high-stakes action thriller, creating a unique and gripping narrative.
What Makes It Terrifying
This film breathes new life into the vampire subgenre, combining it with a pulse-pounding tale of survival and sacrifice. Blood Red Sky is a thrilling exploration of the human condition, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones, even when confronted by a monstrous threat.
The film unveils the profound darkness that resides within us all and how far one will go to defy it. In retrospect, Blood Red Sky is an action-stuffed tribute to every mother's love for their child and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
3 RAW (2016)
Directed by Julia Ducournau, Raw chronicles the life of Justine, a young vegetarian who enters veterinary school, following her family's legacy. Her journey takes an unsettling turn during a hazing ritual, where she's compelled to consume raw meat. This macabre initiation sparks a horrifying transformation within her as she grapples with newfound cannibalistic cravings.
What Makes It Terrifying
Raw distinguishes itself through its fearless fusion of body horror and coming-of-age narrative. Ducournau's deft direction and Garance Marillier's mesmerizing portrayal plunge us into a surreal world, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and societal conformity against the backdrop of a veterinary school.
The film's visceral, thought-provoking imagery compels viewers to confront their primal instincts and societal norms. It defies genre conventions, daringly delving into the complexities of human nature. Raw is a standout in contemporary horror cinema, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impact.
2 Incantation (2022)
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Incantation is a psychological horror film that unfolds within the confines of a remote village. A priest is summoned to perform an exorcism, but the boundaries between the supernatural and the psychological blur as he confronts his own inner demons. The film masterfully navigates the thin line between the perceived and the real, taking viewers on a psychological roller-coaster.
What Makes It Terrifying
This film's strength lies in its exploration of the fragility of human sanity and the ambiguity of supernatural phenomena. Incantation is a thought-provoking examination of belief and the power of suggestion in a tightly wound psychological thriller. It leads the audience on a mind-bending journey, where the distinction between what's truly supernatural and what's a manifestation of the mind becomes increasingly unclear, leaving viewers in a state of eerie uncertainty.
1 Andhaghaaram (2020)
Andhaghaaram is a labyrinthine narrative that intricately weaves the stories of three disparate individuals: a blind former cricketer, a psychiatrist, and a visually impaired librarian. Their fates intertwine as they grapple with supernatural occurrences that challenge their understanding of reality. The film takes us on a haunting journey through their intersecting lives, where the line between the tangible and the paranormal blurs into a tapestry of intrigue.
What Makes It Terrifying
Adorned by an auteur standard of incisive writing, V. Vignarajan’s psychological masterpiece is a complex and multi-layered exploration of the human psyche and the intricate interplay of perception and reality. It immerses the viewers in a mesmerizing and cryptic tale that not only tests the limits of the characters' sanity but also our own.
The film delves into the depths of storytelling, showcasing the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of the world. It serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of the human mind, leaving viewers in a state of contemplation long after the credits roll. An achievement in the realm of Tamil cinema.
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