Asia has gained a reputation for our bone-shivering horror films, both because of our love for all things horror, but also inspired by our storied culture. With Hungry Ghost Month creeping up on us as we type this sentence out, we’ve curated a list of familiar and unexplored horror titles rooted in folklore, myths, and urban legends unique to this region.
Experience these legends and stories that make up our Asian culture – all from the comfort of your homes. If you need some help deciding what to watch, here’s a list of spooky cookie titles that are available on Netflix to get you oriented…
Taiwan:
“Incantation”
“Incantation” has clocked in some serious ratings, having maintained its place in Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English films for five consecutive weeks. Incantation’s immense popularity is for good reason, and missing out on it this month would be the true horror.
Combining the elements of mysterious esoteric religions and unsettling rituals of Taiwanese folklore, the movie adopts a found footage, mockumentary format that immerses the audience as it explores the complexities of taboos and curses.
Thailand:
“School Tales The Series” (New)
Directed by seasoned Thai directors, “School Tales The Series” brings eight horrifying stories, based on comics, to life. This anthology is built around the theme of school-bound horrors, passed down from class to class, bringing back chilling memories of local schoolyard stories and legends.
“The Whole Truth”
What would you do if you noticed a hole in your living room wall but those around you insist that you are lying? In “The Whole Truth”, two siblings stumble on a strange hole in the wall of their grandparents’ house, and horrifying incidents that follow reveal sinister secrets about their family. Their attempts to find the answer could lead to the truth no one wants to know.
Indonesia:
“May The Devil Take You”
In recent years, Indonesia has become the go-to for horror fans, producing a number of popular movies bound to shock and terrify – all while providing a unique Indonesian perspective.
Expect lots of blood, gore and brutal horror in “May The Devil Take You”, as the movie uncovers the consequences of satanic rituals and selling one’s soul to the devil in exchange for riches. Catch May The Devil Take You on Netflix if you are in for a wild, gruesome ride.
Vietnam:
“Vietnamese Horror Story” (New)
“Vietnamese Horror Story” interweaves three stories inspired by local folklore and urban legends – for instance, a 3 souls and 7 spirits (3 hồn 7 vía) Buddhist concept in the third story – following an actress seeking everlasting beauty; a magician who makes a deal with the devil; and a psychic seeking the remains of a deceased girl. Witness the integration of traditional cultures and beliefs with the element of horror this August to fully immerse in Ghost Month.
“The Guardian”
A revenge horror thriller that explores the darkness of the entertainment industry, “The Guardian” follows a backup singer who enlists the help of occult forces, black magic and a Kumanthong doll (a divine child spirit in a doll that is believed to bring luck and fortune to the owner) to achieve popularity.
Malaysia:
“Dendam Pontianak”
Take a peek into Malay culture’s most popular malevolent supernatural entity, the Pontianak, as it makes an appearance in “Dendam Pontianak” on Netflix this August. In Southeast Asian mythology, the pontianak refers to a vicious, long-haired female vampire who is normally out to seek revenge. The movie is a modern retelling of this popular mythology complete with forbidden love, betrayal, witchcraft and murder.
“Roh”
Beginning with a Quran passage about Satan, “Roh” is a disquieting rural Malaysian horror tale rooted in folklore and superstitions that explores the role of the devil in the context of a religious and spiritual society. The movie follows an isolated family living in a barren hut deep in the jungle who meet with a series of frightening supernatural incidents after taking in a little girl lost in the forest. Remain at the edge of your seats with this slow-burn plot.
“Munafik” and “Munafik 2”
Centering around a religious medical practitioner turned healer who struggles to come to terms with his wife’s untimely death, “Munafik” and “Munafik 2” are films that grapple with issues of faith and religion. Guaranteed to spook all horror junkies, these films are worth the watch this August, especially with “Munafik 2” being the highest grossing Malaysian film in 2019.
Philippines:
“Eerie”
When a student’s suicide rattles an all-girls Catholic school, a clairvoyant guidance counselor embarks on solving this mysterious death, and in turn uncovers the convent’s abusive past. A film on how modern beliefs and faith can clash, “Eerie” brings to the screen thought-provoking issues while incorporating the element of horror.
