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The 22 Best Korean Horror Movies

Ever since the Asian horror remake boom of the 2000s, which saw American remakes of homegrown movies like A Tale of Two Sisters and Into the Mirror , Korea has leveraged the spotlight by releasing acclaimed takes on zombies ( Train to Busan ), vampires, ( Thirst ), eco-terrors ( The Host ) and more. We’ve gathered every Korean horror movie with a Tomatometer and ranked them in our guide to the best Korean horror movies. And for our most recent update, we’ve added  The Call ,  Monstrum ,  The Closet , Bedevilled , The Mimic , The Wrath , The Medium , The 8th Night , and Rampant !

The Wailing (2016) 99%

Train to Busan (2016) 95%

The Host (2006) 93%

Save the Green Planet! (2003) 90%

Three... Extremes (2005) 86%

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) 86%

I Saw the Devil (2010) 81%

Thirst (2009) 81%

Seoul Station (2016) 100%

The Call (2020) 100%

Monstrum (2018) 95%

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018) 91%

The Witch: Part 1 - The Subversion (2018) 89%

The Closet (2020) 89%

#Alive (2020) 88%

Bedevilled (2010) 88%

The Mimic (2017) 83%

The wrath (2018) 80%.

The Quiet Family (1998) 80%

The Medium (2021) 81%

The Witch 2: The Other One (2022) 78%

Hansel & Gretel (2007) 77%

The 8th Night (2021) 63%

Rampant (2018) 62%

Phone (2002) 56%

Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula (2020) 55%

The Divine Fury (2019) 44%

Metamorphosis (2019) 40%

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Just in case you didn't know, Asian horror puts American horror to shame, so it's time to broaden your horizons. South Korea, in particular, has emerged as a major force in the genre by practically inventing a new sub-genre of revenge-themed psychological thrillers.  Train to Busan , for example, broke records and became the country’s top-grossing films of all time (and an international hit as well).

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Considering that South Korea didn't start churning out stellar horror films until the late '90s, their genre domination is well-deserved and nothing short of remarkable. Here are 10 of the best Korean horror movies out there.

Updated on the 15th of April, 2020 by Anastasia Maillot: With summer fast approaching, one of the primary ways in South Korea to stay cool during hot days is to stay in and watch chillingly scary horror movies.

With such a strong horror genre, it's a shame not to share some of these incredible South Korean horror movies with the world. Here are five additional titles guaranteed to give you nightmares for the next few weeks.

15. Whispering Corridors (1998)

Although Whispering Corridors is over two decades old, it's one of the cornerstones of Korean horror genre. It came out during a time where free expression was brand new in the country, and not only serves as a chilling story, but also as social commentary.

Taking place in an all girls' school which is reportedly haunted by a ghost, staff and students start to disappear into thin air following the suicide of a teacher. This is the story that started it all in Korean horror, but whether it not its mystery is solved, is for the viewer to see.

14. Don't Click (2012)

A more recent title that became extremely popular due to its modern themes, Don't Click is the story of a strange video that circulates the Internet, labeled as the "forbidden video." After main character Jung-Mi has her sister's boyfriend download the file for her, strange things begin to happen in her life.

RELATED: 10 Asian Horror Movies To Watch If You Liked The Grudge

This is a classic tip of the hat to movies like The Ring or One Missed Call , addictive and terrifying all at the same time.

13. The Red Shoes (2005)

Who doesn't love a nice pair of heels, especially when they're available for free? After Sun-Jae discovers a pair of gorgeous red high heels on the subway, she takes them with herself back home, only to find out that they have a very, very dark secret.

Based on the old fairy tale from Hans Christian Andersen, it's a dark and twisted modern story about vanity and beauty, which turns into a classic haunting.

12. Cinderella (2006)

Plastic surgery is a major topic in many Korean movies, but in  Cinderella  it's treated as an aspect of horror. A successful plastic surgeon and her daughter soon begin to witness strange things when her patients commit suicide before her daughter.

Another tale on vanity and body image, for those afraid of body horror and gore, this might be a rough one but it's terrifying all the same.

11. The Quiet Family (1998)

There's nothing scarier than living in near-total isolation of the rest of the world, and the Kang family is about to discover just that. As the entire household moves to a remote mountain location for a business, they're elated to finally get their first customer.

RELATED: 10 Obscure (But Awesome) Horror Movies You Can Stream Today On Netflix

However, as their first visitor commits suicide, the family decides to bury him without a fuss to spare themselves from bad publicity. This, unfortunately, is just the beginning in The Quiet Family .

10. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

You might have never heard of it, but Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes , and I didn't even know that was possible! This intense and creepy "found footage" horror follows the crew of a horror web series as they travel to an abandoned asylum for a live broadcast.

As you can imagine, things get nightmarish real fast as they begin to experience unexpected terrors around every corner. If you're a fan of Paranormal Activity ,  you'll love every minute of it.

9. I Saw The Devil (2010)

I Saw The Devil   has one of the most brutal scenes of movie vengeance out there, so prepare yourself emotionally before you watch it on your own. The movie is about a secret service agent whose fiancée is brutally murdered and dismembered by a serial killer, and his decision to take his revenge through the relentless pursuit and torture of the killer.

It's dark and twisted and already has a remake in development by screenwriter Simon Barrett and director Adam Wingard, who have previously collaborated on horror films like You're Next and V/H/S .

8. Bedevilled (2010)

Bedevilled  is a brutal and beautiful psychological horror film about a woman who’s subjected to mental, physical, and sexual abuse on a remote island. The film is much more than a horror, however.

According to one film review, " The only relief from grief and suffering is bloodshed, which is exactly what we get. ‘Bedevilled’ is more than a story of a woman scorned, it’s about women’s constant struggle to find a place in the world and what happens when it is taken away from her. This is especially true for Asian cinema, as women are typically shown as more reserved and dainty, trying not to make a ripple in the ocean that is a man’s world. "

7. Phone (2002)

Phone is a South Korean horror film about ghost possession that did its rounds in international film festivals and was subsequently nominated in different categories, including Best New Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

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Although the movie title is basic enough, the plot is the complex story of an investigative journalist quite literally haunted by the constant ringing of the phone in the aftermath of an article she published. When the daughter of her friend one day answers the phone, things take a turn for the darker.

6. Death Bell (2008)

School is scary enough without high-achieving students disappearing at random and dying in grisly ways, but that's exactly what happens in Death Bell. 

As the only Korean horror film to be released in the summer of 2008, it did very well at the box office and was described by  Derek Elley of Variety  as having a " neat concept " with " enough shocks and gore to keep genre addicts contented. " This film also marks the acting debut of Nam Gyu-ri, a former singer with SeeYa.

5. The Silenced (2015)

There are a lot of underrated horror movies out there, and The Silenced is one of them. When a new girl transfers to a boarding school, several of her fellow students go missing, and her attempts to reveal the mystery behind the disappearances put her own life in danger.

A bonus: this movie is packed full of Korean history, as it's set in 1938 during the Japanese occupation. The movie has been described as "visually stunning" and "a quiet, eerie film, with all kinds of horrific twists made imaginable by its Japanese colonial period."

Despite being a solid horror film, Thirst   has been labeled as one of the sexiest horror movies of all time (for those who are into blending sexy times and gore).  

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The film, which follows a priest who is brought back to life as a vampire , won the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival back in 2009 and made the list for "best horror movie" during the  2010 Scream Award Nominations.   Thirst is a dark, sexy love story that will scare the hell out of even the most seasoned watchers.

3. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

A Tale of Two Sisters  isn't the newest Korean horror film, but it's certainly one of the best. The film follows two sisters who, after returning home from a mental institution, find themselves surrounded by a cruel stepmother, vengeful ghosts, and unexpected revelations about their family's dark past.

The movie became the highest-grossing Korean horror film of its time, even landing itself an American remake that was renamed The Uninvited,  starring Emily Browning  and Elizabeth Banks.

2. The Wailing (2016)

After raking in nearly $50 million at the box office, scoring a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, and appearing on many "best horror of 2016" lists, is it any wonder that Ridley Scott is chomping at the bit to do an English re-make of South Korean horror film,  The Wailing?  

RELATED:  10 Asian Horror Movies To Watch If You Liked The Grudge

For those who haven't seen it, residents of a South Korean mountain village get hit with a deadly and mysterious disease, and it's up to a local policeman to get to the bottom of it with the help of a powerful shaman. Given that the storyline is packed full of Korean culture, toe-curling terror, and unexpected comedic relief, it's unclear whether a remake could hold a candle to the original.

1. Train To Busan (2016)

Train to Busan   has been described as one of the most underrated horror movies that only the biggest movie buffs know about , and luckily for everyone, it's available to stream on Netflix right now. At first glance, it just seems like just another basic zombie movie: virus breaks out, people struggle to get away before they become lunchmeat.

Nothing special, right? WRONG. Unlike in other zombie flicks, the character development and the acting in the film is quality and the cinematography is top notch. There's a reason it's gone on to become the 8th highest grossing Korean film of all time.

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• Horror Movies

The Best Korean Horror Movies To Stream

From 'Train to Busan' to Bong Joon-ho's 'The Host,' these are the best Korean horror movies to stream.

Although Halloween is a Western holiday, that doesn't mean South Korea doesn't join in the spooky festivities. South Korea boasts a collection of adept, genre-blending horror movies that take their audience through love, laughter, and, most of all, fear. This is an astonishing accomplishment, especially considering that South Korea's Motion Picture Law didn't legally allow independent filmmakers until 1984 due to censorship. However, with the rise of South Korean arthouse cinema in the 90s, an array of impressive and unique films emerged.

From the moment South Korea entered the horror genre, they've produced some of the industry's finest, ranging from standout creature features to psychologically tormenting films.

Whether you choose to watch them dubbed in English, with subtitles, or decide to learn Korean, you'll be missing out if you don't watch the best Korean horror movies.

The Host (2006)

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona, Go Ah-sung

The Host is a monster feature from 2006 that was d irected by Bong Joon-ho , who went on to direct the Oscar-winning movie Parasite . His ability to expand genres of films into multiple layers that create a deep and authentic meaning is executed spectacularly in The Host . The story follows a family's struggle to rescue their daughter from a terrifying creature that emerges from the Han River. The visual effects of crowds running scared when the monster's first attacks were filmed in a voyeuristic style are brilliant and effective. Bong Joon-ho balances out the horror with dark comedy and slight undertones of environmental politics, creating one of the greatest South Korean horror flicks ever made.

Stream on Paramount+ with Showtime

Train To Busan (2016)

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Kim Su-an, Kim Eui-sung

Train To Busan captured the hearts of undead movie fans and the zombie averse alike. It presents incredible action scenes and touches on class division within South Korea when survivors on a train are forced to work together. The touching premise forces viewers to become very invested as a single father, played by Gong Yoo ( Squid Game ), sets off to deliver his daughter, portrayed by Kim Su-an ( The Battleship Island ), to her mother in Busan. Each character's development drives such a phenomenal story that viewers almost forget, until they are violently surprised, that killer zombies are on the loose.

Stream on Prime Video

Peninsula (2020)

Cast: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Re, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim Min-jae

For better or worse, Peninsula is an action-packed sequel to Train To Busan . In this version, the story focuses on the incredible action scenes used sparingly by the former film. Set four years after the tragic train ride, a team of former soldiers battles thousands of zombies in a post-apocalyptic South Korea. It shows an entirely different perspective from the original film, appealing to fans who prefer a more Mad Max -style horror movie.

Stream on Shudder

I Saw The Devil (2010)

Director: Kim Jee-woon

Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan, Chun Ho-jin, Oh San-ha

After the horrifying dismemberment and murder of Kim Soo-hyun’s ( Lee Byung-hun ) wife, he sets off on a path for vengeance against the sadistic serial killer, Jang Kyung-chul ( Choi Min-sik ). Utilizing the National Intelligence Service suspect leads, Agent Soo-hyun tracks down the alleged perpetrators in an unrelenting quest for retribution.

Midnight (2021)

Director: Oh Seung-uk

Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Jin Ki-joo, Park Hoon, Kim Hye-yoon, Gil Hae-yeon

When a deaf woman, played by Jin Ki-joo ( Little Forest ), witnesses a stabbing, she becomes the target of a terrifying killer. The suspenseful silence in Midnight sets up the audience for intense jump scares and creates a unique perspective for a woman stuck in a seemingly impossible-to-win chase.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Cast: Im Soo-jung, Moon Geun-young, Yum Jung-ah, Kim Kap-soo, Lee Seung-bi

The psychological horror A Tale of Two Sisters is about two sisters who return home to their dysfunctional family after the older sister, Bae Su-mi ( Im Soo-jung ), is released from a mental institution. As the sisters uncover a haunting past, the eerie home slowly becomes a nightmare.

Stream on Kanopy

The Wailing (2016)

Director: Na Hong-jin

Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimura, Kim Hwan-hee

The Wailing is a horror-mystery film that follows a policeman, Jong-goo ( Kwak Do-won ), in a village who begins to investigate an illness that is taking the lives of citizens all around him. With the ever-present threat to his daughter Hyo-jin ( Kim Hwan-hee ), Jong-goo must protect her and uncover the folklore behind a supernatural killer.

Thirst (2009)

Director: Park Chan-wook

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Kim Hae-sook, Park In-hwan

When devout priest Sang-hyun ( Song Kang-ho ) takes an experimental vaccine, he becomes a vampire. Torn by faith and morals, Sang-hyun must take on an internal battle between his fate and the unquenchable Thirst for blood .

Stream on Peacock

The Medium (2021)

Director: Banjong Pisanthanakun

Cast: Napat Chokejindachai, Sawanee Utoomma, Sirani Yankittikan, Thanatorn Oudsahakul, Jidarat Maknanta

The Medium is a supernatural-horror film that's a blend of Thai and South Korean production. Filmed in mockumentary style, the film follows a group who travels to Isan to uncover the folklore around a possessed shaman who, in turn, wreaks havoc on a rural family.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Director: Jung Bum-shik

Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun, Moon Ye-won, Park Sung-hoon, Yoo Je-yoon

In this found-footage-style film, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum , a group explores an abandoned mental health facility only to discover paranormal activity. As they explore deeper into the haunted incidents rumored to occur at the location, they are pulled into the nightmares of each cursed room.

Stream on Freevee

#Alive (2020)

Director: Cho Il-hyung

Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye, Jeon Bae-soo, Lee Hyun-wook, Oh Hye-won

Another South Korean zombie film, this story centers on a young man, Oh Joon-woo ( Yoo Ah-in ), who struggles for survival during a sudden zombie outbreak. As a gamer, he becomes trapped in his apartment and must find a way to stay alive and make contact with the outside world.

Stream on Netflix

The Call (2020)

Director: Lee Chung-hyun

Cast: Park Shin-hye, Jun Jong-seo, Kim Sung-ryoung, Lee El, Park Ho-san

When a woman discovers a phone that connects her to other women on different timelines, they must work together to prevent tragic events in the past from occurring. However, the seemingly heroic acts lead to the saving of a young girl who becomes a serial killer, and they must fight to correct their new reality after The Call .

Office (2015)

Director: Hong Won-chan

Cast: Ko Ah-sung, Park Sung-woong, Bae Seong-woo, Kim Eui-sung, Ryu Hyun-kyung

In the slasher film Office , a man who murders his family begins to target his co-workers. As an investigation ensues, the employees grow wary that a murderer is in the building. However, in an attempt to stifle the commotion, the company blocks the investigators, resulting in chaos throughout the building.

The Divine Fury

Director: Kim Joo-hwan

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Ahn Sung-ki, Woo Do-hwan, Choi Woo-shik, Park Ji-hyun

When martial arts champion Yong-hoo ( Park Seo-joon ) gains new superpowers, he must join forces with an exorcist priest to defeat demons. However, Yong-hoo is conflicted as his faith is shattered after the death of his family. With The Divine Fury , will he have what it takes to save South Korea?

Director: Kong Su-chang

Cast: Kam Woo-sung, Son Byong-ho, Oh Tae-kyung, Park Won-sang, Lee Sun-kyun

R-Point revolves around a team of South Korean soldiers dispatched to a desolate island outpost tasked with unraveling a series of eerie incidents. As they investigate further, they stumble upon paranormal phenomena and terrifying encounters that defy explanation.

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The Best Korean Horror Films

Pushing the boundaries of conventional horror, Korean horror movies have earned widespread acclaim for their innovative storytelling and unforgettable scares. Among these, the best Korean horror movies stand out for their unique and disturbing stories, unforgettable performances, and innovative filmmaking techniques. These films masterfully balance terror with social commentary, giving viewers a taste of Korea's distinctive brand of horror. 

The best Korean horror films possess a unique charm that draws audiences into their spellbinding worlds of suspense, psychological intrigue, and supernatural phenomena. These Korean horror movies leave a mark on viewers as they delve into themes like family, revenge, and supernatural forces that challenge perception. The exceptional characterization and gripping narratives set these films apart from their counterparts in global cinema. 

Films like Train to Busan, The Wailing, and I Saw the Devil stand as prime examples of the best Korean horror movies. Train to Busan is lauded for its intense portrayal of a zombie outbreak within the confined space of a train, while The Wailing captivates viewers with its intricate tale of a small town plagued by a mysterious disease. I Saw the Devil is a chilling story about a relentless quest for revenge, showcasing the duality of good and evil. 

These masterpieces are prime examples of the best Korean horror movies' ability to captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. With their distinctive approach to horror and thought-provoking themes, the best Korean horror movies have captivated audiences across the globe. 

Train to Busan

Train to Busan stands as a modern classic in the realm of Korean horror cinema, skillfully blending relentless zombie action with poignant human drama. The film's gripping story follows a group of passengers aboard a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan, who must band together when an infectious virus turns their fellow travelers into bloodthirsty zombies. Bolstered by stellar performances, particularly from lead actor Gong Yoo and child actress Kim Su-an, the film delivers both heart-stopping suspense and emotional resonance. With its masterful pacing and expertly choreographed action sequences, Train to Busan has earned its place as a must-watch entry in the annals of horror cinema.

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I Saw the Devil

I Saw the Devil is a visceral exploration of vengeance that pushes the boundaries of what constitutes horror cinema. Directed by Kim Jee-woon, this brutal thriller follows NIS agent Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) on his quest for revenge against Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik), a psychopathic serial killer responsible for the murder of his fiancée. As Soo-hyun's pursuit grows increasingly ruthless and sadistic, he risks becoming a monster just as terrifying as the man he seeks to destroy. Featuring powerhouse performances from its leads and unflinching depictions of violence, I Saw the Devil is a harrowing descent into darkness that leaves viewers questioning notions of justice and morality.

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The Wailing

The Wailing is an atmospheric chiller that combines elements of supernatural horror, psychological thriller, and dark folklore to weave an intricate tapestry of dread and suspense. Set in a remote village plagued by mysterious deaths and inexplicable occurrences, the story revolves around a bumbling police officer tasked with investigating the sinister happenings. Directed by Na Hong-jin, this hair-raising tale unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing its chilling atmosphere and rich thematic content to seep into viewers' consciousness like an insidious curse. Aided by haunting cinematography and mesmerizing performances from Kwak Do-won and Jun Kunimura, The Wailing lingers long after the credits roll.

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A Tale of Two Sisters

A Tale of Two Sisters is an atmospheric psychological horror film directed by Kim Jee-woon, based on the Korean folktale Janghwa Hongryeon jeon . The film centers on two sisters, Soo-mi and Soo-yeon, who return home after an extended stay in a mental institution to find their family life fraught with tension and secrets. As their relationships with their cold stepmother and distant father deteriorate further, disturbing supernatural phenomena begin to manifest within the house. Boasting richly textured visuals, haunting sound design, and powerful performances from Im Soo-jung and Moon Geun-young as the titular siblings, this eerie tale blurs the lines between reality and nightmare in ways that are both unsettling and unforgettable.

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Death Bell is a sinister twist on the high school horror genre that combines elements of mystery, thriller, and slasher films into one nerve-shredding package. Set in an elite South Korean high school where academic pressure reaches fever pitch, this chilling story follows a group of students trapped inside their school with a sadistic killer who forces them to solve deadly puzzles or face grisly consequences. Brimming with tense moments, unexpected twists, and brutal violence, director Chang's debut feature keeps viewers guessing until its shocking conclusion. With strong performances from Lee Beom-soo and Yoon Jung-hee as educators caught up in the carnage alongside their students, Death Bell raises the stakes for horror aficionados seeking cerebral chills.

Director Bong Joon-ho's The Host is an inventive genre-blending masterpiece that deftly combines creature feature thrills, biting social commentary, and a healthy dose of black humor. The film's premise centers on a dysfunctional family who must band together to rescue their youngest member when she is captured by a mutant monster that emerges from the polluted Han River. With its seamless blend of tension, humor, and heartbreak, The Host transcends traditional horror conventions to deliver a uniquely Korean take on the monster movie formula. Bolstered by memorable performances from Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, and Park Hae-il, this instant classic holds firm as an essential entry in any list of top Korean horror films.

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Wishing Stairs

Wishing Stairs is the third installment in the popular Whispering Corridors  series of South Korean horror films set in all-girls high schools. Centered around a mysterious flight of stairs rumored to grant wishes if one walks up its 29 steps while counting aloud, this chilling tale explores themes of friendship, jealousy, ambition, and betrayal as it unfolds with increasing menace. Directed by Yun Jae-yeon and featuring strong performances from Song Ji-hyo and Park Han-byul as two friends caught up in the supernatural intrigue surrounding their school's enchanted staircase, Wishing Stairs crafts an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Bedevilled is a harrowing tale of vengeance exploring themes like isolation and oppressive societal norms with stunningly raw intensity. Set on an isolated island populated primarily by elderly women whose husbands work on the mainland or have passed away, this bleak story follows city dweller Hae-won (Seo Young-hee) as she returns to her childhood home only to find her old friend Bok-nam (Jeong Seong-won) mired in brutal abuse at the hands of their cruel neighbors. As tensions mount and horrors escalate beyond endurance, a reckoning draws near that will leave no one unscathed. Directed by Jang Cheol-soo and anchored by powerhouse performances from its leads, Bedevilled is a haunting exploration of human cruelty and the limits of retribution.

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Phone is an early entry in the South Korean horror scene that melds elements of ghost stories and technological fears into a chilling story surrounding an investigative journalist named Ji-won (Ha Ji-won). After publishing an exposé on sex traffickers, Ji-won starts receiving threatening phone calls and soon discovers her new cell phone number may be cursed, with previous owners having met gruesome fates. What follows is a tense exploration of unrequited love, jealousy, revenge, and paranormal mayhem as Ji-won delves deeper into the dark secrets associated with her cursed phone line. With atmospheric pacing and deft direction from Ahn Byeong-ki, Phone establishes itself as an eerie addition to the pantheon of Korean horror cinema.

As technology continues to infiltrate every aspect of modern life, #Alive  embraces this new reality with its fresh take on apocalyptic horror. Centered around Oh Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in), a young man trapped in his family's apartment during a sudden zombie outbreak, this tense thriller explores themes of isolation, survival instincts, and human connection within its gripping story framework. When Joon-woo discovers that he is not as alone as he once thought – thanks to social media platforms and other electronic lifelines – his fight for survival gains renewed urgency and purpose. Directed by Cho Il-hyung with innovative visuals and pulse-pounding suspense at every turn, #Alive  breathes new life into the zombie subgenre while offering an unsettling reflection upon today's interconnected society.

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White: The Melody of the Curse

White: The Melody of the Curse is an unnerving blend of supernatural horror and K-pop culture commentary that takes viewers on a suspenseful ride through fame, ambition, and madness. When struggling girl group "Pink Dolls" stumbles upon a mysterious music video featuring a ghostly singer performing an infectiously catchy tune called "White," they decide to cover the song in hopes of boosting their waning popularity. However, as they begin to enjoy newfound success, sinister events start unfolding around them – all seemingly linked to the enigmatic melody at their journey's heart. Helmed by Kim Gok and Kim Sun with pulsating visuals and skin-crawling atmosphere aplenty, this spine-chilling tale keeps audiences guessing until its final note.

Voice is yet another entry in the renowned Whispering Corridors  series – this time focusing on the haunting and ethereal world of music. The film centers around Young-eon (Kim Ok-bin), a talented singer at an all-girls high school who meets her untimely demise under mysterious circumstances. However, her spirit remains tethered to the school, only able to communicate with her friend Sun-min (Seo Ji-hye) through disembodied voices. As they struggle to uncover the truth behind Young-eon's death and find a way for her spirit to move on, they are drawn deeper into a web of secrets and supernatural occurrences that threaten their very lives. Directed by Choi Ik-hwan with lyrical visuals and a haunting soundtrack, Voice adds another chilling chapter to the storied legacy of the Whispering Corridors  films.

Whispering Corridors

The first installment in the famed Whispering Corridors  film series set within all-girls high schools across South Korea; this atmospheric chiller launched a wave of similar horror movies exploring themes like friendship, jealousy, bullying, academic pressure, and supernatural phenomena in these seemingly innocent settings. In this initial chapter, former student-turned-teacher Eun-young (Lee Mi-yeon) returns to her alma mater, only to be confronted by a vengeful spirit that begins picking off faculty members one by one. As she delves deeper into the school's dark past and uncovers long-buried secrets, a terrifying truth emerges that will change her life forever. Directed by Park Ki-hyung with haunting visuals and unnerving tension building throughout, Whispering Corridors serves as an influential and chilling introduction to the iconic series.

The Red Shoes

The Red Shoes is an eerie and stylish horror film inspired by both Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale and the 1948 British film of the same name. When a woman named Sun-jae (Kim Hye-soo) discovers a pair of red ballet shoes in a subway station, she finds herself drawn into a web of jealousy, obsession, betrayal, and supernatural terror as those around her begin to suffer gruesome fates at the hands (or feet) of these cursed objects. With its striking visual palette and atmospheric sound design, director Kim Yong-gyun crafts a sinister cautionary tale exploring themes like ambition, desire, and the destructive power of beauty – all wrapped up in an engrossing supernatural mystery story.

Cinderella offers an unsettling new spin on the classic fairy tale within its inventive horror framework. When her stepmother Hyo-sun (Do Ji-won), a renowned plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive surgery for young women from wealthy families seeking physical perfection through cosmetic procedures, becomes haunted by strange visions involving their teenage daughter Su-kyoung (Shin Se-kyung). The story explores themes like vanity, self-image, familial bonds as it delves deeper into their increasingly twisted relationship amidst mounting supernatural occurrences surrounding them all behavior escalates from bizarre to downright malevolent. Directed by Bong Man-dae with atmospheric tension and a keen eye for the macabre, Cinderella is an unconventional horror tale that keeps viewers guessing until its shocking conclusion.

Three... Extremes

Three... Extremes is an ambitious anthology film featuring three distinct tales of terror helmed by renowned directors from South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, each offering their unique take on horror cinema. The Korean segment – titled Cut  and directed by Park Chan-wook – follows a successful filmmaker who finds himself at the mercy of a vengeful extra with a twisted sense of justice. With its masterful blend of suspense, psychological turmoil, and visceral gore, this sinister trilogy serves up chills aplenty for genre aficionados seeking something beyond standard fright fare.

• # 11 of 26 on The 26 Scariest Asian Horror Films Of All Time
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• # 34 of 42 on The Scariest Horror Movies With Twins

Memento Mori

Memento Mori is the second installment in the iconic Whispering Corridors  series that explores themes like friendship, unrequited love, jealousy, bullying within all-girls high schools across South Korea while weaving atmospheric ghost stories around these universal experiences. In this chapter – directed by Kim Tae-yong and Min Kyu-dong – two students named Min-ah (Kim Min-sun) and Shi-eun (Park Ye-jin) uncover a diary belonging to their classmates Hyo-shin (Lee Young-jin) and Shi-eun (Bae Doo-na), revealing an intense bond between the girls that may have transcended life itself. As they delve deeper into their tragic story, supernatural forces begin to manifest around them, threatening to claim more innocent lives in the process. With its emotionally resonant story and moody visual style, Memento Mori remains a standout entry in the storied Whispering Corridors  film series.

4 Horror Tales: Roommates

As part of the 4 Horror Tales  series of films produced in South Korea throughout 2006, Roommates  delivers its own brand of chilling supernatural thrills set within the confines of a dormitory at an all-girls high school. When new student Eun-soo (Song Eun-chae) moves into her boarding house room following the sudden death of its previous occupant Yi-seul (Jo An), she soon finds herself stalked by nightmarish visions and eerie occurrences hinting at dark secrets lurking beneath her surroundings' surface. Directed by Kim Eun-kyeong with haunting visuals and spine-tingling suspense building throughout, Roommates stands as another memorable addition to South Korea's rich tradition of high school horror films.

The Doll Master

In Jeong Yong-ki's chilling tale of supernatural horror, a group of strangers is invited to a secluded doll museum under mysterious circumstances, only to find themselves trapped within its confines as malevolent spirits possess the eerie lifelike creations that line its walls. As tensions mount and secrets are revealed amidst escalating paranormal occurrences, it becomes clear that some sins refuse to stay buried for long – no matter how deeply they lie hidden within dusty porcelain exteriors. Featuring striking cinematography, unsettling atmosphere, and haunting performances from its ensemble cast led by Lim Eun-kyoung as Ji-hyun – a young woman with her own dark past tied to these cursed figurines – The Doll Master dolls out one fright after another for horror aficionados seeking something beyond standard genre fare.

The Quiet Family

Before making his mark on global cinema with films like Oldboy  or The Handmaiden , Park Chan-wook first captivated audiences with this blackly comic horror gem from 1998 known as The Quiet Family . When the Kang family moves into an isolated lodge nestled deep within South Korea's picturesque countryside mountains, they expect peace and tranquility far away from bustling cityscapes; instead, they find themselves plagued by a seemingly endless string of suspicious deaths among their guests. As bodies pile up and paranoia reaches fever pitch, the clan resorts to increasingly desperate measures in an attempt to keep their morbid situation under wraps – even as stranger forces begin to make their presence known within these cursed walls. With its deft blend of horror, humor, and family drama anchored by standout performances from the likes of Song Kang-ho and Choi Min-sik, The Quiet Family stands as an enduring testament to Park Chan-wook's unique cinematic vision.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel is a visually stunning reinterpretation of the Grimm Brothers' classic fairy tale with a distinctly Korean twist – transforming its source material into a darkly fantastical journey through themes like childhood innocence, trauma, love, and loss. When stranded traveler Eun-soo (Chun Jung-myung) stumbles upon a seemingly idyllic house deep within the woods populated by three children living without any parental supervision, he soon finds himself drawn into their enchanted world full of sinister secrets, supernatural occurrences, and ultimately heart-wrenching revelations that will change his life forever. Directed by Yim Pil-sung with atmospheric visuals evoking both beauty and terror in equal measure alongside powerful performances from its young cast members Shim Eun-kyoung (as Young-hee), Jin Ji-hee (Man-bok), Eun Won-jae (Jung-soon), Hansel and Gretel casts an eerie spell over viewers that lingers long after credits roll.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum

Inspired by real-life accounts surrounding South Korea's infamous Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital – which was abandoned decades ago following rumors of mysterious patient deaths and staff disappearances – this modern found-footage horror thriller directed by Jeong Beom-sik follows a group of internet ghost hunters as they explore the dilapidated facility live-streaming their chilling experiences to a rapt online audience. As they venture deeper into its decaying halls and uncover long-buried secrets lurking within these haunted walls, the line between reality and nightmare blurs until death itself seems indiscriminate in its relentless pursuit. With its innovative storytelling approach, claustrophobic atmosphere, and genuinely terrifying moments, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum breathes new life into a well-worn subgenre while offering spine-chilling thrills for fans of fright.

R-Point is a unique blend of war film and supernatural horror set during the height of the Vietnam conflict in 1972. A group of South Korean soldiers led by Lieutenant Choi Tae-in (Kam Woo-sung) is sent deep into enemy territory on a search-and-rescue mission for missing comrades when they stumble upon an eerie abandoned mansion known as "R-Point." As paranoia mounts amidst escalating violence and spectral manifestations around them, it becomes clear that something malevolent haunts these blood-soaked grounds – leaving no one safe from its wrathful reach. Directed by Kong Su-chang with atmospheric tension building throughout alongside harrowing depictions of wartime brutality, R-Point offers viewers an unsettling cinematic experience that lingers long after credits roll.

Tell Me Something

Tell Me Something is a grisly psychological thriller blending elements of police procedural dramas, gruesome slasher films, and moody neo-noir aesthetics within its twisted story web – all while keeping viewers guessing at every turn. When detective Cho (Han Suk-kyu) is called in to investigate a series of brutal murders involving dismembered body parts scattered across Seoul's rain-soaked streets, he finds himself embroiled in an increasingly tangled mystery surrounding beautiful yet enigmatic suspect Chae Soo-young (Shim Eun-ha) – whose past may hold the key to unlocking this bloodstained puzzle. Directed by Chang Yoon-hyun with a keen eye for suspense and expert pacing keeping audiences on their toes, Tell Me Something offers a chilling cinematic experience that defies expectations.

Unborn but Forgotten

Unborn but Forgotten is an eerie techno-horror film that taps into contemporary fears surrounding the intersection of technology and supernatural phenomena within its chilling story. When television reporter Han Soo-hyun (Lee Eun-ju) investigates a series of mysterious deaths linked to a strange website, she discovers that each victim has died exactly fifteen days after viewing its contents – with her own life now hanging in the balance as well. As the clock ticks down towards her impending doom, Soo-hyun must unravel this digital enigma before it's too late for them all. Directed by Im Chang-jae with atmospheric visuals and haunting sound design, Unborn but Forgotten adds another unnerving entry into South Korea's rich tradition of horror cinema.

Nightmare is a suspenseful psychological thriller exploring themes like dreams, reality memory within its twisting story framework surrounding group therapy sessions attended by several college friends plagued by recurring nightmares involving tragic events from their shared past. As tensions mount between them amidst escalating violent incidents seemingly connected these haunting visions, it becomes clear something sinister lurks beneath surface just waiting emerge once more – leaving no one safe in wake. Directed by Ahn Byeong-ki with atmospheric visuals harrowing performances from lead actors Ha Ji-won (as Kyung-ah), Kim Gyu-ri (Hye-jin), Yukie Lee (Yoo-jin), Nightmare serves up chilling thrills psychological turmoil aplenty for fans fright-seeking cinema.

Face is a suspenseful supernatural thriller centered around a skilled facial reconstruction surgeon named Lee Hyun-min (Shin Hyeon-joon) who becomes entangled in a web of mystery, murder, and madness involving a beautiful yet enigmatic young woman named Sujin (Song Yun-ah). As he delves deeper into her past while attempting to restore her disfigured face following an accident that left her scarred both physically and emotionally, it becomes clear that sinister forces are at work – with deadly consequences for all involved. Directed by Yoo Sang-gon with atmospheric visuals and unsettling sound design, Face offers viewers an engrossing cinematic experience that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare in spine-tingling fashion.

Red Eye takes viewers on an eerie journey aboard a night train bound for tragedy in this atmospheric horror-thriller directed by Kim Dong-bin. When train attendant So-hee (Jang Shin-young) discovers an abandoned diary belonging to one of her passengers who died under mysterious circumstances years ago, she becomes entangled in a supernatural investigation that brings her face-to-face with ghostly manifestations and shocking revelations from her past. With its claustrophobic setting, creeping suspense, and haunting visuals, Red Eye offers a unique twist on the haunted house genre – keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they hurtle towards an unforgettable final destination.

The Ring Virus

The Ring Virus is a South Korean adaptation of the iconic Japanese horror film Ringu , which spawned an entire subgenre of cursed video-inspired chillers worldwide. When journalist Sun-joo (Bae Doo-na) investigates the mysterious death of her niece – who had apparently watched a cursed videotape just one week prior – she finds herself drawn into a deadly race against time to uncover this enigmatic phenomenon's source and break its lethal spell once and for all. Directed by Kim Dong-bin with atmospheric visuals and bone-chilling suspense building throughout, The Ring Virus offers viewers familiar with its predecessor an intriguing new interpretation while still delivering plenty of scares to satisfy seasoned horror fans.

Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater

Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater is an unconventional horror film that melds elements of musical comedy, supernatural romance, and eerie ghost story into an entertainingly offbeat package. When struggling singer Se-young (Kim Kkot-bi) discovers a long-abandoned theater populated by the spirits of deceased performers who can only find peace through completing their final show, she finds herself drawn into their spectral world and embarks on a journey full of laughter, tears, love, loss – all set to an infectiously catchy soundtrack. Directed by Jeon Gye-soo with a unique visual style blending live-action footage alongside animated sequences and whimsical set pieces, Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater stands as a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that leaves viewers with lingering melodies in both heart and mind.

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22 of the Best Korean Horror Movies to Watch Right Now

Did you know that a lot of American horror films are actually remakes of Korean movies? Before "The Uninvited," for instance, there was "A Tale of Two Sisters," and before "Mirrors," there was "Into the Mirror." "Train to Busan" will join the list — it's reportedly getting an American adaptation called "Last Train to New York," which is scheduled to be released sometime in 2023. While remakes often change a few details from the original films to better connect with a different audience, they mostly retain the plot and overarching themes.

From death and betrayal to revenge and lust, Korean horror films deal with some pretty intense themes. You have films like "The Wrath" and "Monstrum," which focus on gore , while other movies like "The Handmaiden" and "Oldboy" have psychological twists that send you spiraling . Some horror flicks center around creatures like zombies and vampires, while others take inspiration from terrifying urban legends, such as the man-eating Jangsan Tiger.

With such a diversity of films, there's something for every fan of the genre. Bong Joon-ho, who directed the 2006 monster film "The Host" and the 2019 thriller "Parasite," shared some wise words at the 2020 Academy Awards on this subject. While accepting the award for best foreign language film, Bong told the audience, " Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles , you will be introduced to so many more amazing films." If you're interested in exploring a different subgenre of horror films, these 22 movies from Korea will give you instant chills.

"Train to Busan"

If you love a good zombie movie, "Train to Busan" should be at the top of your watchlist. The film stars Gong Yoo ("The Silent Sea") as Seok-woo, a divorced father who buries himself in his work. He and his daughter take a trip to Busan to go see his ex-wife, and we meet a diverse cast of characters on the train, including a man named Sang-hwa and his pregnant wife Seong-kyeong, high-school basketball player Min Yong-guk and his cheerleader girlfriend Kim Jin-hee, business executive Yon-suk, and more. One of the passengers is a sick woman who turns into a zombie and bites one of the other passengers. The infection spreads like wildfire, causing complete chaos on the train.

"A Tale of Two Sisters"

"A Tale of Two Sisters" is a psychological horror film based on a Korean folktale about two sisters who are mistreated by their stepmother . The film begins with a teenage girl named Su-mi being released from a mental institution and returning to her family's home in the countryside. She reunites with her younger sister Su-yeon and her widowed father, who has gotten remarried to a woman named Eun-joo.

The sisters try their best to put up with Eun-joo for their father's sake, but just when things seem to be going back to normal, strange and inexplicable events start happening in the family's home. You won't see the film's end coming.

"The Wailing"

Soon after a stranger arrives in the village of Gokseong, a mysterious disease that causes people to become violent and kill their families begins to spread. The police initially believe this change in behavior is caused by wild mushrooms, but Officer Jong-goo begins to suspect that the newcomer could be responsible for the chaos after a woman accuses him of being a ghost. After Jong-goo's daughter gets sick, the cop goes directly to the stranger's home in the mountains to investigate. "The Wailing" has ghosts, exorcisms, and demons, making it a must-see film for horror lovers.

"The Host"

Fans of Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" should watch his 2006 monster film, "The Host." According to the LA Times , Bong based his movie around a real-life scandal from 2000, when a U.S. military mortician ordered his employees to formaldehyde down the drain — which eventually ended up in the Han River.

The beginning of "The Host" depicts a similar incident, with Bong putting his own twist on the story: the chemicals in the river cause an amphibious creature to mutate, become violent, and kidnap a girl. The creature is also the host of a deadly virus, causing anyone who comes into contact with it to instantly fall ill.

"Monstrum"

"Monstrum" is a period film set in 1527 during the reign of King Jungjong. In the film, rumors of Monstrum, a bloodthirsty creature lurking in the mountains, run rampant. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, King Jungjong asks general Yun-kyum to form a team of hunters — including his daughter Myung, a skilled archer; his friend Sung-han; the King's messenger, Hur; and a number of other soldiers — to find out whether the beast is real. Yun-kyum soon realizes that the rumors were true, leading to a bloody confrontation with the creature.

"The Handmaiden"

Based on the 2002 novel "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters, "The Handmaiden" is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s. The film tells the story of a con man named Count Fujiwara, who is determined to marry a wealthy Japanese woman named Izumi Hideko to obtain her fortune. His plan involves hiring pickpocket Nam Sook-hee to become Hideko's handmaiden and encourage Hideko to marry him. If his plan succeeds, Fujiwara will send Hideko to a psychiatric hospital so he can get her money. However, his plan proves to be more difficult than anticipated.

"Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum"

If you're a fan of found-footage films, you'll love "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum." The movie centers around a crew filming a web series at an abandoned psychiatric hospital rumored to be the location where a number of patients were killed by the hospital director. The crew initially fakes scary scenarios to get more views for their livestream, but the deeper they get into the building, the more disturbing and inexplicable occurrences start happening. According to a report from Movie Flicks , the haunted asylum is based on a real-life hospital where a director experimented on her patients.

"Alive"

Another zombie-apocalypse film, "Alive" centers on a video-game streamer named Oh Joon-woo who is forced to remain inside his apartment after a mysterious infection starts turning everyone into zombies. He tries to find help, but when he loses phone and internet access — and runs out of food and running water — Joon-woo's hope for survival dwindle. However, things change when he notices another survivor living in the apartment building across the street. The two meet up and cook up a plan to survive the apocalypse together.

"Killer Toon"

"Killer Toon"'s Kang Ji-yoon is a popular artist who creates horror webtoons. Shortly after she sends her latest draft to her editor, Seo Mi-sook, Ji-yoon discovers Mi-sook dead on the floor — with her face slashed in a way that looks eerily like the gruesome images in Ji-yoon's latest comic. Detectives suspect Ji-yoon as the murderer, and things get worse when another series of murders are traced back to Ji-yoon. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they get closer to the truth behind the mysterious killings.

"Warning: Do Not Play"

"Warning: Do Not Play" is about an up-and-coming horror-movie director named Park Mi-jung (starring Seo Ye-ji from "Lawless Lawyer") who is set on finding her next big movie idea. When Mi-jung learns about a cursed student film that was banned eight years ago, she is determined to find it, hoping it will lend her some much-needed inspiration. Her search leads her to the film's director, Kim Jae-hyun, who tells Mi-jung that she doesn't know what she's getting herself into. Mi-jung ignores his warning, of course, and finds the haunting footage.

"The Call"

In "The Call," we meet a woman named Seo-yeon who moves back into her childhood home to look after her sick mother, Eun-ae. The two don't have the best relationship, since Seo-yeon blames Eun-ae for causing the fire that killed her father years ago. While at her mother's house, Seo-yeon starts receiving calls from a woman named Young-sook, who says that she's being tortured by her adoptive mother. Seo-yeon goes to visit Young-sook's house and, upon discovering that the woman is actually living in the past, asks Young-sook to save her father from the fire. Young-sook does so — but Seo-yeon soon realizes that there's a price to pay for changing the past.

"Svaha: The Sixth Finger"

If you loved Lee Jung-jae's performance in "Squid Game," check out "Svaha: The Sixth Finger." The actor plays Pastor Park, a man who runs an organization that exposes religious cults for money. One day, his character is hired to look into a group called Dear Mount, which causes him to cross paths with Police Captain Hwang. Hwang is investigating a murder whose prime suspect is a member the cult, and the two gradually unravel the secrets behind Dear Mount.

"Oldboy"

Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, "Oldboy" stars "I Saw The Devil" actor Choi Min-sik as a man named Oh Dae-su who gets arrested for public drunkenness. His friend picks him up from the station, but as soon as he's out, Dae-su is kidnapped and imprisoned inside a hotel room. While watching TV, he learns that his wife was murdered — and that he's the prime suspect. Dae-su is kept in isolation for 15 years until he's released one day. His captor calls him and challenges him to find out the reason for his imprisonment, leading Dae-su on a wild chase to discover the identity of the mysterious figure.

"The Piper"

Set in the 1950s after the Korean War, "The Piper" centers around an injured piper named Woo-ryoung and his ill son, Young-nam. The duo are making their way to Seoul to find a doctor for Young-nam when they stumble upon a remote village, where they decided to spend the night. They realize that the village is infested with rats, and Woo-ryoung volunteers to get rid of them using his pipe in exchange for money for his son's medical fees. The deal falls through, and Woo-ryoung goes on a path of revenge.

The film is based on the "Pied Piper of Hamelin" legend, in which a man is hired to lure rats away from a small town with his pipe. When the townspeople refuse to pay him, he lures their children away as revenge.

"The Ring Virus"

Based on the Japanese novel "Ring" by Koji Suzuki, "The Ring Virus" is a heart-pounding story about a journalist named Hong Sun-joo ("Kingdom" star Bae Doona), who comes across a mysterious videotape after investigating the sudden death of her cousin. The tape contains a curse that causes anyone who watches the video to die within a week unless they fulfill certain tasks. Before Sun-joo can find out what she has to do in order to survive, the tape cuts off — leading Sun-joo on a dangerous journey to unravel the mystery behind the curse. Will she survive? You'll have to watch "The Ring Virus" to find out.

"The Wrath"

A remake of the 1986 Korean horror film "Woman's Wail," "The Wrath" portrays an orphaned young woman named Ok-bun (Apink's Son Na-eun) who is sold to a rich and powerful family to become a wife. The household is run by Lee Gyeong-jin, a high-ranking officer of the Joseon Kingdom. After two of Gyeong-jin's sons mysteriously die, Ok-bun discovers that the family is cursed. The third son impregnates Ok-bun in hopes of breaking the curse, but his plan fails. Ok-bun is forced to navigate the haunted house while dealing with her evil mother-in-law, Lady Shin. Warning: "The Wrath" gets really gruesome, so it's not for the faint of heart.

"Thirst"

Fans of director Park Chan-wook's "The Handmaiden" and "Oldboy" will likely also enjoy his horror film "Thirst." The movie centers on a respected priest named Sang-hyun, who volunteers to participate in an experiment in order to find a cure for a deadly virus. The experiment goes wrong, and Sang-hyun catches the disease and dies. He's miraculously brought back to life after undergoing a blood transfusion — but the procedure turns him into a vampire. Sang-hyun questions his faith as he deals with his newfound bloodlust as well as his attraction to a woman named Tae-ju (who also happens to be his friend's wife).

"Bedevilled"

"Bedevilled" follows a woman named Hae-won, who decides to travel to the island of Mudu in order to visit her childhood friend Bok-nam. We learn that Bok-nam is living in an abusive household, and that the only thing that keeps her going is her love for her daughter, Yeon-hee. When Bok-nam begins to suspect that her husband, Man-jong, is sexually abusing Yeon-hee, she begs Hae-won for help. Hae-won refuses to get involved, forcing Bok-nam to try to escape on her own with Yeon-hee.

Bok-nam gets caught by her husband, who tries to punish her. Yeon-hee intervene and is accidentally killed by Man-jong, who pins Yeon-hee's death on his wife. Bok-nam snaps and sets out to kill everyone on the island — including Hae-won, whom she blames for Yeon-hee's death.

"Into the Mirror"

"Into the Mirror" is one of the most chilling Korean horror films you'll come across. It centers around a former policeman named Woo Young-Min, who quits his job after inadvertently causing the death of his partner during a hostage situation. He begins working for his uncle as the head of security at a shopping mall. Things take a turn, however, when a number of the mall's employees are found dead. The police suspect a serial killer, but Young-Min discovers that the deaths may be linked to a parallel word inside mirrors.

"The Mimic"

"The Mimic" is based on the Korean urban legend of the Jangsan Tiger , a man-eating creature with sharp teeth and white fur that lives near the mountain of Jangsan. The creature lures people to their deaths by making a sound that resembles a woman's scream.

In the film, people begin disappearing in the woods after hearing the voices of their dead loved ones. The movie follows a woman named Hee-yeon; her husband, Min-ho; and their daughter, Joon-hee. The couple's son, Jun-seo, mysteriously disappeared five years ago. Still traumatized by their loss, Hee-yeon sees Jun-seo walking alone at night — but it turns out to be a mysterious girl, whose name is also Joon-hee and who sounds just like Hee-yeon's daughter.

"I Saw the Devil"

"I Saw the Devil" is a 2010 thriller starring "Oldboy"'s Choi Min-sik. Choi plays a bus driver named Kyung-chul, who is secretly a serial killer. One night, he offers to help fix a pregnant woman's flat tire after she's stranded on the road and ends up beating her, decapitating her, and throwing her remains into a river. After her head is found, the woman's fiancé, an agent for the National Intelligence Service, is determined to find her killer and make him pay.

"The Red Shoes"

Based on the classic fairytale of the same name, "The Red Shoes" follows a divorced mother named Sun-jae, who moves into an apartment with her daughter, Tae-su. While riding the subway one day, Sun-jae finds a pair of bright-pink heels and decides to take them home. What she doesn't realize is that the shoes are cursed and cause those around it to become greedy. Sun-jae's best friend, Kim Mi-hee, becomes affected by the shoes and steals them, only to die shortly afterward. Sun-jae tries to get rid of the shoes, but she soon discovers that they follow her wherever she goes.

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Lingering aka Hotel Lake (Shudder) review – sumptuous atmosphere, rather than bloody revenge

If I start off by saying Lingering (known as Hotel Lake in most countries) is a South Korean horror, this is either going to excite you or put you off. This isn’t to say such films are all of a similar type – far from it – but it’s almost like cuisine: if I say I really enjoy Indian or Mexican food, that doesn’t mean I’m not aware of variation, or I don’t have preferred styles or restaurants. Similarly, just as some people are wary of Indian food (for example) because the first curry they tried was too strong for them, there are those who don’t watch Korean films because their first exposure was too intense or bloody.

Lingering , written and directed by Yoon Een-Kyoung, is not one of those “extreme” films. Rather, it is atmospheric and gorgeous to look at, while dealing with family angst and secret fears. There certainly is some intensity about the people and their history, but it is a subtle, slow-burning one (until it is not).

The central character is Yoo-mi (Se-yeong Lee) a young woman who needs a job but instead finds herself lumbered with a young sister, Yoon Ji-yoo (So-yi Park). The poor kid has never quite settled into foster care since their mother killed herself a few years earlier, and so it’s big sister’s turn to step up. Acknowledging that this isn’t exactly going to be viable until she has work, Yoo-mi takes the child to Gyeong-seon (Ji-Young Park), who the girls call “Auntie”, a friend of their late mother’s who runs a hotel, despite an ominous incident on the journey. Weird occurrences in the virtually empty hotel and nearby make Yoo-mi very uneasy, not to mention the ramblings of the tipsy maid Ye-rin (Park Hyo-joo), and she starts to look into places she shouldn’t.

Lingering is beautifully put together, but as it’s largely populated by highly-strung women and standard horror tropes, that might not be enough to keep you watching to the end… but you’ll need to if you want to see any blood.

Article by Alix Turner

Alix joined Ready Steady Cut back in 2017, bringing their love for horror movies and nasty gory films. Unsurprisingly, they are Rotten Tomatoes Approved, bringing vast experience in film critiquing. You will likely see Alix enjoying a bloody horror movie or attending a genre festival.

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Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, the wailing.

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When you watch or read a detective or a horror story, there's always an invisible line of stupidity that the protagonist/detective/meat puppet cannot cross before you stop wanting to suspend your disbelief. South Korean horror-mystery hybrid "The Wailing" crosses that line several times, but somehow remains effectively atmospheric. This sounds like an impossible task given how oafish Sergeant Jong-gu (Do Won Kwak) is throughout his investigation of a mysterious series of infections/deaths that plagues the mountainous village of Gokseong. In his search for answers, Jong-gu does many things that will make you tear your hair out. 

The same is thankfully not true of writer/director Hong-jin Na ("The Yellow Sea," " The Chaser ") and his tendency of overdoing everything. There are no small melodramatic plot developments in "The Wailing," only a steady stream of major ones. For example: it's always raining in this film (usually thunderstorms, too), and victims are almost always covered in mud, dirt, blood and sweat. Na ruthlessly works viewers over with these shock-and-awe tactics, but he does it so well that I can't really complain given his film's cacophonous, but satisfyingly ambiguous ending. Still, and I repeat this for good measure: "The Wailing" can be very, very dumb.

A series of gore-drenched slayings hits home for Jong-gu, a slow-witted cop in a small town, when he discovers that his daughter Hyo-jin (Hwan-hee Kim) has become afflicted by, well, whatever is killing his fellow townsfolk. Jong-gu is, as the first hour or so suggests, completely out of his depth. At this point in the film, Na mines his story for black humor, and wins viewers over by making Jong-gu look like a lovable screw-up. He's confronted with a mountain of bodies, an evil foreigner with a cabin-full of creepy photos, and plague-like omens that manifest in the form of dead ravens, a rock-chucking mute and portentous dreams. 

This portion of the film is full of implausible plot twists, one of the least interesting things to write about when it comes to horror/mystery movies. After all, so many of the best genre films cannot be held accountable to a strict, literal relationship with reality. Still, there are a lot of things about Jong-gu's investigation that not only make him look rock-stupid, but also make the rest of the film's events look braindead by association. 

To be fair: there is a supernatural element to the film, and viewers are ultimately left wondering if characters are genuinely being afflicted by something beyond the realm of rational thought. But within the detective/mystery portion of "The Wailing," there are a lot of unanswered questions. For example, Jong-gu is a cop, but he doesn't arrest the above-mentioned Japanese stranger ( Jun Kunimura ) even after he discovers photographs, and creepy ritual totems littering the stranger's Unabomber-style forest cabin. Nobody oversees Jong-gu's investigation, so nobody tells him how to fact-find or gather evidence. Instead, there's just a bunch of random events spurred on by Jong-gu's anger and curiosity. And it's not just Jong-gu whose actions are questionable. You have to wonder: Why didn't that other character say something? Where did that secondary character disappear to? What's she thinking when he says that? Who's in charge here?

That last question is, despite some ludicrous plot developments, the question of the film. It may be that much harder to accept that characters behave in an unbelievable way throughout "The Wailing," especially when faced with perils as dire as a seemingly possessed/heavily afflicted child, and a mountain of corpses. But once the film becomes a demonic-possession-type horror film, "The Wailing" makes a lot more sense. 

Unlike " The Exorcist ," Na's film periodically asks viewers to realize, or at least question, what they would do in the face of such oppressively overwhelming evidence. Jong-gu sees his daughter in pain, and hires a traditional Korean shaman (Jung-min Hwang) to help get rid of her affliction. The scene where the shaman tries to exorcise Hyo-jin is intense, and not just because it's appropriately loud. Na paces and visualizes events with a perceptive eye for detail. He films every scene as if it were a set piece, and makes every plot point feel climactic. You cannot help but feel as worn out as Jong-gu does. It may be impossible to turn off your brain while watching "The Wailing," but that makes the film's visceral charms that much more admirably vexing. 

Simon Abrams

Simon Abrams is a native New Yorker and freelance film critic whose work has been featured in  The New York Times ,  Vanity Fair ,  The Village Voice,  and elsewhere.

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The Wailing (2016)

156 minutes

Kwak Do Wan as Jong-gu

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Review: k-movie “the call” is a chilling and suspenseful murder mystery.

Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo star in Korean thriller “The Call,” which now streams on Netflix.

By Anthony Kao , 1 Dec 20 07:27 GMT

How do you stop a killing in the past? That’s the central challenge of The Call , Netflix’s latest Korean film acquisition. Featuring leading starlet Park Shin-hye and rising actress Jeon Jong-seo, this thriller depicts two women who become connected across time periods through a mysterious landline telephone. When the woman of the past starts on a serial killing spree, the woman of the present must take action before it’s too late.

Even if it doesn’t aspire to push filmmaking boundaries or provide philosophical musings, the movie is a solid piece of entertainment that doesn’t feel trite, even with the preponderance of time travel murder mysteries . Through effective world-building and acting, The Call creates a distinctively chilling and suspenseful vibe that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until its very last moments.

[ Read: The 13 Best Korean Horror Movies ]

Telephone Time Travel

The Call begins with a young woman named Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) getting dropped off at an ornate countryside house with creepy gothic vibes. After getting situated, Seo-yeon hears the rings of a clunky landline telephone. She picks it up, and hears the pleading cries of another young woman named Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who insists that her shaman mother is trying to kill her. Seo-yeon soon realizes that Oh Young-sook lived in the same house two decades ago, and the landline somehow allows the two women to connect across time.

In spite of Young-sook’s abusive shaman mother, Seo-yeon and Young-sook begin to form a bond. However, when a warning from Seo-yeon leads Young-sook to kill her mother and embark on a murder spree, Seo-yeon realizes that she may have opened a time-traversing Pandora’s Box with bloody—and personal—consequences.

[ Read: The 11 Best Korean Dramas on Netflix ]

Gothic Shamanistic Vibes

Time-travel murder mysteries aren’t exactly novel. The Call is actually adapted from a Puerto Rican-British film named The Caller ; Hollywood makes many instances of the subgenre. Superfans of Korean media might also feel that The Call evokes hit K-drama Signal , which featured a walkie talkie that allowed a detective in 1985 to communicate with a criminal profiler in 2015.

Despite this, The Call avoids feeling formulaic—especially for global audiences—by building a chilling world that blends reliable horror elements with Korean tradition. The house that much of the film takes place in looks a lot like your classic Western haunted house, with gothic architectural elements like hood moulds and a creepy basement to boot. As expected for a horror-tinged thriller, dark colors dominate the movie’s palette, and much of the action takes place using artificial lighting or in low light.

However, The Call goes beyond those standard horror expectations by bringing in a distinctive Korean flair. For example, one scene has Young-sook stuff a clump of tendrily seaweed into her mouth and gnaw like a deranged cthulhu . This chilling use of Korean cuisine certainly wouldn’t occur in a Hollywood horror film. Furthermore, Young-sook’s mother performs exorcisms that draw from traditional Korean shamanism—which has been enjoying a renaissance in the 21st century and influenced numerous Korean movies . Reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden , The Call blends “Western” visuals with distinctive Korean context to create a distinctively foreboding vibe.

[ Read: Korean Movie “The Shaman Sorceress” Explores Clashes Between Competing Faiths ]

Acting and Suspense

Beyond worldbuilding, The Call also features an outstanding performance from Jeon Jong-seo. This is particularly notable given Jeon’s only prior acting role was as Hae-mi, the female lead of Lee Chang-dong’s critically acclaimed film Burning .

Jeon plays Young-sook with a degree of intense unhingedness that not only contributes to The Call ’s chilling vibes, but keeps audiences guessing about what she might do next. Young-sook toggles seamlessly between victim and manipulator, crying to Seo-yeon on the phone in one moment and incapacitating victims with fire extinguisher blasts in the next. The fact that Young-sook is such a contrast from the rather carefree Hae-mi of Burning speaks positively to Jeon’s range as an actress.  Coupled with a well-crafted narrative that incorporates ample twists, Jeon’s acting gives The Call a constant current of electrifying suspense that lasts even into its post-credit scenes.

While The Call may not have the same philosophical aura as other Korean thrillers like I Saw the Devil , that probably wasn’t the film’s intent. When judged as a blockbuster, The Call is a solid piece of work. Its chilling visuals, suspenseful plot, and compelling acting should please anybody with a thirst for thrilling murder mysteries.

The Call (Korean: 콜) – South Korea. Dialog in Korean. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun. Running time 1hr 52min. First released November 27, 2020. Starring Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo. 

The Call is available for streaming on Netflix worldwide .

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Devils – Fantasia Review (4/5)

Posted by Nadja "HorrorDiva" Houmoller | Jul 26, 2023 | 3 minutes

DEVILS is a new thriller from South Korea with a character-driven story and a delicious twist. As always, none of the characters are entirely good or bad, which helps fuel the story. Read our full  Devils  movie review here!

DEVILS is a new South Korean crime thriller currently screening at Fantasia 2023, which is how we watched it. And, good lord, are we happy we did! Just as we’ve come to expect from these thrillers from South Korea, it manages to draw you in and deliver a few surprises along the way.

This particular movie reminded me of other great South Korean crime thrillers. Yes, even I Saw the Devil , though that one is in a league of its own for me. You’ll definitely want to check out this one when you get the chance.

Continue reading our Devils  movie review below. Currently screening at Fantasia 2023.

When the hero becomes the villain

Homicide detective Jae-hwan is entirely focused on taking down a serial killer named Jin-hyuk. He has murdered many victims, including Jae-hwan’s brother-in-law, who was also his partner. In that sense, this has become personal both on the job and in his private life.

Driven by blind anger and a desire for revenge, Jae-hwan is ready to do whatever is necessary. When he finally captures the serial killer, an accident leads to them both waking up in the hospital. That’s when things get really weird.

When Detective Jae-hwan wakes up in a hospital bed, he discovers that he looks and sounds like Jin-hyuk. Now his focus is both on finding a way to get back to his own body, ensure the safety of his family, and get the serial killer behind bars once and for all.

The two lead actors, Oh Dae-hwan ( Deliver Us from Evil ) and Jang Dong-yoon ( the wild Project Wolf Hunting ) are brilliant at portraying both their own characters  and convincing the viewers that their characters’ minds are then stuck in each other’s bodies.

The plot twist and ending of  Devils

Don’t worry, this review is spoiler-free and I have no intention of revealing the ending of  Devils here. This South Korean movie is one gorgeous enigma and you need to dive headfirst into this Pandora’s box for yourself.

Still, I have to mention that I love it when the big twist is revealed and we start to see the story from a different angle. If anything, the  Devils ending (and especially the main plot twist before the third act) show us just how skewed our perspective can be.

We relate to what we’re shown and told, but what if the truth is more complex than that? This  is how Devils  manages to surprise its audience.

Watch Devils on SCREAMBOX!

Devils is the feature debut of director Kim Jae-hoon which bodes very well for all future projects from the filmmaker. An intense body-swap thriller that is perfect for screening at Fantasia 2023. In fact, it would have been a damn shame if this movie hadn’t been part of the film festival’s 2023 line-up.

The suspense is non-stop and the action is exactly as brutal as we’ve come to expect from South Korean genre films.

This is just yet another example of why South Korean genre filmmaking is such a huge hit internationally. The stories are universal because the stories are character-driven and  all characters are flawed. You just know that everyone is capable of doing anything.

Devils (2023) is screening at Fantasia 2023. It will be available on SCREAMBOX from December 5, 2023.

Director: Kim Jae-hoon Writer: Kim Jae-hoon Cast: Oh Dae-hwan, Jang Dong-yoon

Having lost his colleague who was also his brother-in-law to a serial murderer two years ago, homicide detective Jae-hwan is unable to contain his hatred toward the murderer and dives headfirst into hunting the brutal killer. Jae-hwan finally comes face to face with the murderer Jin-hyeok but in the heat of the chase, they get into an accident. Waking up in a hospital, Jae-hwan realizes his body has been switched with that of the murderer. To protect his family and uncover the secret of this body switch, Jae-hwan, who’s trapped in the murderer’s body, begins a desperate chase.

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About The Author

Nadja "HorrorDiva" Houmoller

I usually keep up-to-date with all the horror news, and make sure Heaven of Horror share the best and latest trailers for upcoming horror movies. I love all kinds of horror. My love affair started when I watched 'Poltergeist' alone around the age of 10. I slept like a baby that night and I haven't stopped watching horror movies since. The crazy slasher stuff isn't really for me, but hey, to each their own. I guess I just like to be scared and get jump scares, more than being disgusted and laughing at the grotesque. Also, Korean and Spanish horror movies made within the past 10-15 years are among my absolute favorites.

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Where to watch

Directed by Han Dong-seok

We're all demons thanks to you

A group of actors and production staff, upon arriving at a rural abandoned school for filming, find themselves enveloped in a mysterious energy from the first day of filming itself. The situation takes a drastic turn after they encounter an entity that should not have been awakened. They now strive to escape from it.

Kim Yoon-hye Song Yi-jae Park Ji-hoon Lee Sang-ah

Director Director

Han Dong-seok

Producers Producers

O Jong-hwan Kim Kang-min

Writer Writer

Editor editor.

Han Eon-jae

Cinematography Cinematography

Moon Sang-won

Door E&M

Releases by Date

30 nov 2023, 29 mar 2024, 10 apr 2024, 03 apr 2024, 18 apr 2024, 25 apr 2024, 16 may 2024, releases by country.

• Premiere Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
• Premiere Torino Film Festival
• Theatrical NC16
• Premiere 15 Gwangjin, Seoul
• Theatrical 15
• Theatrical 12+

102 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Lee ★★½ 3

This is my first Korean horror film, and I think I made a good choice. It's incredibly bizarre but visually well done. I am thoroughly impressed.

Review by Adam Putra ★★★½

in the name of the father ( the cursed: dead man's prey ), the son ( the witch: the subversion ), and the holy spirit ( the sin )

Review by Milos 👹 ★★

Brugggore 2024 Film #22

The Sin starts off very promising, but becomes more confusing over time, then drags on and ultimately was just too boring for my taste. I have to commend the good approach and the really great effects, but the film as a whole didn't really click with me.

Review by pie ★★★½

i freaking hate and love this movie so much lemme tell you why

by part, the first part, the beginning of the movie the exposition part it was okay i gave it 3/5, it was quite slow for me but i can take it tho i think i might drop it there IF i watch it on streaming site but since i watched it on cinema i stayed till the end.

the second part the middle part the rising or whatever they call it, i LOVE LOVEEEE this part so much, the zombie. the blood. the jumpcare... actually moved me (literally) (but not overdone) to the point it was actually so satisfying. i gave it 5/5.

the third part the…

Review by MovieFans (Indonesia) ★★

Review by TheOperator ★

75 finali e 727 colpi di scena

Review by bettman_XXI ★★★

too much revealing twist end up confusing the details. "which why is this belongs to?".

horror, zombie, revenge gangster all in one.

good idea but too much sidetracking substories

#01 #105 #BETTreviews

Review by Niels ★★★½

The Sin  successfully combines multiple horror genres and it has more twists and turns than a complicated maze. That certainly keeps it interesting, but some of the twists are maybe a bit too much out of the blue. Nonetheless, director Dong Seok Han and his cowriter, who were both at the BIFFF screening, serve up something different, that’s also intriguing until the very end.

🎦 Watched at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) 2024 - Belgian Première

Review by cha___lk ★★★★

a scrambled egg with layers and layers of onions

3/4 of the movie was fucking confusing and random but the last 1/4 was worth the watch and the wait

those who rate this movie low probably didn't understand how the story unfolds. or they just like movies to go in one direction, not multidirectional from different perspectives.

i really think this is a gem--but one needs to let the meat simmer and let the chef cook!!!!

Review by sebuah ruang gila ★★★

Is it normal for Korean movies to be so insightful that I almost scream, "I don't think I need to know everyone's motive and background?" How can it be scary when I know and understand everything?

Review by dav ౨ৎ⋆ ˚ ⟡.• ★★★★½

the ending had me so confused

Review by tio ★★★★

Menonton “The Sin” ibarat menyatukan kepingan puzzle yang disebar dengan acak sejak awal. Lumayan capek karena dituntut memerhatikan semua petunjuk yang tidak merunut, ditambah banyaknya dialog di sepanjang durasi. Porsi horornya pun terhitung out of the box meski dengan pendekatan yang sebenarnya masih generik tapi tetap menarik. Walau masih sedikit mengernyitkan dahi pada beberapa hal yang kurang masuk akal, film Korea ini masih layak disimak terutama terkait isu tentang good vs evil yang surprisingly surprising.

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“Exhuma ” Reviews, Characters and Storyline

“Exhuma” (Korean: 파묘) is a 2024 South Korean supernatural horror movie crafted by writer and director Jang Jae-hyun. The stellar cast includes Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun. Infused with elements of mystery and the occult, the storyline delves into the unsettling excavation of a foreboding grave, triggering a cascade of terrifying consequences lurking beneath.

Premiering in the Forum section of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2024, Exhuma made its theatrical debut in South Korea on February 22, distributed by Showbox. The film swiftly ascended to the top spot at the South Korean box office upon release, amassing an impressive 336,114 admissions, marking the most successful opening for a Korean film in 2024 at that time. With a global box office earnings of US$95 million, Exhuma clinched the title of the highest-grossing film of 2024 in South Korea. Furthermore, it secured the 6th position on the List of highest-grossing films in South Korea based on domestic earnings, and the 16th spot based on domestic admissions, as per the Korean Film Council.”

• Choi Min-sik portrays Kim Sang-deok, a feng shui master.
• Kim Go-eun embodies Lee Hwa-rim, a shaman.
• Yoo Hae-jin takes on the role of Yeong-geun, an undertaker.
• Lee Do-hyun stars as Yoon Bong-gil, another shaman.
• Kim Jae-cheol appears as Park Ji-yong, one of Hwa-rim’s clients.
• Kim Sun-young plays Oh Gwang-shim, a shaman.
• Kim Ji-an features as Park Ja-hye, a junior shaman.

Esteemed Korean shaman Hwa-rim, portrayed by Kim Go-eun, and her apprentice, Bong-gil, played by Lee Do-hyun, are summoned by a wealthy Korean American family to diagnose the mysterious ailment afflicting their newborn. Hwa-rim identifies the affliction as a “Grave’s Call,” a malevolent ancestral spirit seeking revenge. The family patriarch, Park Ji-Yong, tasks them with relocating the grave to appease his grandfather’s restless spirit. To aid in the endeavor, Hwa-rim enlists the help of Feng shui master Kim Sang-deok, played by Choi Min-sik, and mortician Yeong-geun, portrayed by Yoo Hae-jin.

Despite Sang-deok’s reservations about the remote mountain location near the North Korean border and Ji-yong’s insistence on cremation, Hwa-rim persuades the group to proceed with the excavation while she performs protective rituals. However, tragedy strikes when a grave-digger accidentally severs the head of a human-headed snake, triggering ominous signs and rainfall. As they seek shelter, a local custodian, driven by rumors of treasure, unwittingly releases the vengeful spirit, leading to a series of fatal encounters targeting Ji-yong’s lineage. Sang-deok ultimately cremates the coffin, breaking the curse and sparing the newborn’s life.

Months later, a disturbed gravedigger’s revelation prompts another expedition to a double burial site, where they encounter a ghoul. Further investigation uncovers a Japanese military relic embedded within the creature, revealing a sinister history of Korean patriots attempting to thwart Japanese conquests. Employing their collective expertise, the group devises a plan to confront the samurai ghoul, culminating in Sang-deok’s strategic intervention using his feng-shui knowledge to vanquish the creature and restore peace.

10 of the Most Disturbing 2024 Horror Movies You (Probably) Haven’t Heard Of

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2024 horror has already been off to a remarkable start. We’ve had The First Omen , a prequel that defied expectations and is sure to be one of the year’s scariest releases. Love Lies Bleeding , A24’s first big genre-bending release, is destined to be a classic. Seriously, it’s so, so good . Out of Darkness came out of nowhere to wow audiences, and indie slasher Departing Seniors , while criminally underseen, remains criminally good. Oh, and Infested recently released on Shudder and I haven’t been okay since. I really, really hate spiders.

There’s been the entrancing Civil War , stylish Late Night With the Devil , gritty Arcadian , and poptastic Lisa Frankenstein . Luckily, the year isn’t over yet, and there are plenty more frightening, disturbing movies coming down the pipeline. Here, I’ll be highlighting ten of the most disturbing movies set to be released between now and the end of the year. These may not be the movies with the highest profiles, but these are the ones you’ll want to keep your eyes on.

Exhuma , dir. Jang Jae-hyun

This South Korean supernatural horror show has already been released in some territories, though it’s presently in the process of being rolled out in the West. Some regions are poised for May and June theatrical releases. In Exhuma , grave excavation unleashes unbridled terror. Anyone who has ever seen a South Korean occult horror movie knows the results won’t be pretty.

I Saw the TV Glow , dir. Jane Schoenbrun

While I Saw the TV Glow is poised to disturb, it’s just as likely to set your heart ablaze . It was my favorite watch out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and I cannot wait to see how everyone responds to Schoenbrun’s inimitable style and heart when I Saw the TV Glow releases wide on May 17.

In a Violent Nature , dir. Chris Nash

I remain bummed that I didn’t get a chance to catch In a Violent Nature at this year’s Sundance. Nash’s feature looks to subvert camp carnage expectations with a violent slasher told from the killer’s POV . I’ve heard the deaths here are relentless and I’ll definitely be there when this 2024 horror sensation hits theaters on May 31.

Longlegs , dir. Osgood Perkins

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been avoiding the pretty remarkable marketing push for Longlegs . I saw the teaser, though I’ve been hesitant to watch much more. I don’t want to know what’s going on, but from the little I’ve seen, I know I’m going to love it. Osgood Perkins’ serial killer tale arrives, with Nicolas Cage in tow, on July 12. Here’s hoping it’s this summer’s Cobweb .

Humane , dir. Caitlin Cronenberg

Caitlin Cronenberg—yes, of that Cronenberg lineage—is hitting the scene hard this year with their directorial debut, Humane . In the wake of an environmental disaster, the human race is tasked with volunteering for a forced euthanasia program. It looks moody, broody, and frightening all the same. Don’t miss this wild 2024 horror tale when it arrives on Shudder on July 26 (it’s also out on digital now).  

Cuckoo , dir. Tilman Singer

I’m cuckoo for Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo . It’s impossible to describe without giving its best, most absurd secrets away, but suffice to say, Hunter Schaefer steals the show as a 17-year-old forced to contend with weird goings-on at a remote resort. It’s weird, it’s violent, it’s fantastic. Neon is set to release Cuckoo theatrically on August 9.

Speak No Evil , dir. James Watkins

Speak No Evil was one of 2022’s scariest movies . It was unrelenting in its cold, calculating approach to blasé violent and politeness wielded as weakness. While a remake announcement was made at the time, news has been scare until Blumhouse dropped the trailer just a few weeks ago. Whether it can match the original’s cruel effect remains to be seen, though there is promise in taking such a culturally distinct conceit and applying an Americanized lens. Check out Speak No Evil when it releases September 13.

Never Let Go , dir. Alexandre Aja

Alexandre Aja’s name is all I needed to hear. Adding Halle Berry to the mix is just the icing on top. The broad synopsis right now suggests a family, haunted for years by an evil presence, contending with the idea that the evil might not have been real at all. Little is known beyond that, but we’ll know for certain when Aja’s first directorial outing since Netflix original Oxygen hits theaters September 27.

Oddity , dir. Damien McCarthy

While Oddity doesn’t yet have a release date, odds are good that this creepy mannequin shocker will arrive some time before the end of the year. Plot details are limited beyond those who have seen it, but our own Mary Beth McAndrews called Oddity a “very scary movie that cuts you to the bone with every new twist and turn” in her review out of this year’s SXSW Film Festival Keep your eyes on Dread Central where we’ll be certain to share a release date once we have one.

Presence , dir. Steven Soderbergh

Presence is going to shock a lot of people. It’s going to annoy just as many others. You can check out my review here for a mostly spoiler-free read but know that Presence is unlike any haunted house movie you’ve ever seen. It remains plenty scary and disturbing, just not in the way you’d expect. Neon acquired the distribution rights after its premiere, so the odds are solid we’ll see it hitting theaters before the year comes to a close.

What about you? Which 2024 horror release are you most looking forward to? Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins where I’m always down to chat about horror old and new (or perennially delayed… come on, Salem’s Lot ).

Categorized: Editorials Lists

The 20 Best Horror Movies Ever Made, According to Reddit

Letterboxd, IMDB, and Rotten Tomatoes all give a platform for horror fans and critics alike. Yet, Reddit offers some interesting choices as well.

Horror is arguably the most subjective genre in the film industry, as there are so many different sub-genres within the spectrum. The basis distinguishing a good horror movie from a great horror movie is different for everyone. Some fans love body horror, while others get the heebie-jeebies from a strong possession film. Today, unlike any other time in cinema, there is a divide between fans who like “elevated horror” and slasher gore. Elevated horror is a sub-genre that typically takes on an opinion or an overall message and masks it behind fear or whatever the film is portraying. These films differ wildly from slashers, and classics that came from the 1980s.

Outside the likes of IMDB and Letterboxd, online forums like Reddit are full of opinions and recommendations from casual viewers to cinephiles. Here are some of the best horror movies ever made, according to Reddit.

20 The Babadook

The Babadook is one of the most discussed horror movies of the 2010s. The film focuses on a mother and a son in the wake of great loss. This psychological horror success served as director Jennifer Kent's feature length debut and was based on a short film she created in 2005.

According to Far Out Magazine , The Babadook was inspired by a true story. Although the real events not nearly as terrifying as the plot of the film, Kent's inspiration is both endearing and creative. The film seeks to evoke both psychological trauma and terror, all while demonstrating a rather gory display of violence.

Related: The 1980s: Cinema's Golden Age of Horror

19 The Empty Man

Chances are, you haven't heard of The Empty Man , but Reddit has. The Empty Man was originally a comic book series, and the film adaptation saw a Halloween release in October 2020. The film was released by Walt Disney Studios under the 20th Century Fox brand with an R-rating. The plot follows an ex-cop looking for a missing girl, but what he finds is much more sinister than he ever could imagine. Despite the relatively low box office earnings, The Empty Man is a relatively popular horror suggestion among Reddit users.

18 Hell House LLC

Anyone who has ever gone to a haunted attraction during the Halloween season has most likely thought of the possibility that one of the actors may actually be real. In 2015, Hell House LLC took that exact idea and brought it to life. The film follows a group of documentary filmmakers investigating a haunted attraction where 15 people were killed only five years prior. Hell House LLC is one of the most underrated horror movies of the 2010s, and has the ability to capture the absolute horror of the Halloween season.

17 Silent Hill

The 2006 release of Silent Hill was based on a popular video game from 1999. However, the film didn't receive the same love as the game. It would be easy to argue that the supernatural horror-thriller would have fared better if it were released today, especially since so many video game adaptations are so widely successful. However, Reddit urges giving the film a second chance and like many films that were unpopular during the time of their release, Silent Hill deserves a re-watch.

16 It Follows

It Follows is a film that has an overtly divided consensus when it comes to horror fans. You either love the film, or you absolutely hate it. Nevertheless, It Follows carries a heavy-weighted premise when considering plot and monster design. The simplicity in the lurking evil is what makes the film so magnetic, and certainly inspired the idea for 2023's Smile.

It Follows introduces a monster that is almost impossible to escape, and the only way to get it off your tail is by transferring it to someone else. The film comments on trust, security, selfishness and bundles into the perfect package to make it one of the scariest movies of the 2010s .

15 The Descent

The Descent is the perfect example of what it means to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sarah (played by Shauna Macdonald) is exploring caves in the Carolinas with a group of friends. However, this changes once they descend underground to find a group of flesh eating cave dwellers.

Early-2000s horror was extremely fascinated in the idea of people living barbarically off the grid, often as murderous flesh eating monsters. The Descent takes this premise and makes it entirely its own.

Related: 10 Killers Facts About The Descent

14 The Strangers

What set The Strangers apart from so many horror films of the 2000s? Home invasion is among the scariest in the genre , and this classic has become one of the subgenre's most popular films. The Strangers' simple premise and single location makes audiences feel just as isolated and trapped and the two main characters.

Yet, the film gives viewers a carrot that is often dangled, but never granted when it comes to horror films, a carrot that has been in discussion since 1996's Scream. Everyone wants a reason. A motivation. The Strangers deliver the most iconic answer to the question of why, and reveals that their violence on these two was merely just because they were home.

13 The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project was released in 1999 as a found footage horror film. Thanks to the successful marketing, rumors circulated that the fabricated plot may be true. The film is considered one of the scariest found footage features of all time, even by today's standards. The ending of The Blair Witch Project gets pretty hairy, being that the so-called "monster" or "witch" is never exactly shown in any full extremity.

12 Suspiria (2018)

Contrary to popular opinion, remakes take the win when it comes to Suspiria and Reddit. The original film came out in 1977 and boasts an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes . However, the 2018 remake gives the original a run for its money and stars newly acclaimed horror icon Mia Goth.

Suspiria has always been regarded for the vivid use of color and divisive plot techniques throughout the film, and the 2018 remake did what most remakes fail to do.

11 Sinister

It is almost impossible to talk modern horror without 2012's Sinister . The film received one sequel that was released three years later, but rarely ever sees the same praise as the first. Sinister has everything you could ever want in a possession horror film, and then some. However, it isn't just the main monster that makes the film so scary.

The movie's modern take on "the boogeyman" sets rules that serve as an explanation as to how the creature Bagul can move in and out of the mortal realm to claim child victims. Bagul can enter the realm of the living through pictures or videos of himself, which are briefly shown in the throughout the film. The sketchy Super 8 tracks are laced with gruesome murders and dark spirits.

10 The Witch

The Witch focuses heavily on a 1600s New England family who has recently separated from their Church and community. Destined to make a life on their own land, the family suffers a tragedy not long after settling when the youngest born is "taken" from the grounds.

Audiences are privy to the existence of what seems to be a witch. However, after the death of the eldest brother and the mysterious appearance of a black Billy goat, tensions rise as the families eldest daughter gets questioned on her soul's true allegiance. The Witch takes a great deal of attention to watch, but the ending scenes payoff makes it all worth it.

9 Re-Animator

Easily written off as one of the 1980s notorious B-movies, Re-Animator has risen to cult classic status today. The film follows a college student who finds himself with a new roommate, who happens to be hoarding a serum that can bring the dead back to life. However, each time a body is resurrected, they come back more violent and brutal. Re-Animator was adapted from author H.P. Lovecraft, and is one of the best writer's best film adaptations of all time.

8 Evil Dead (2013)

The Evil Dead franchise has always been one of the most successful in the genre, from film to television series. The 2013 remake sets the franchise in a direction that it never truly had turned before, and relies heavily on its darker premise.

Evil Dead holds a substantial place in fans' memories, boasting the imposition of upwards of 50 gallons of fake blood used for the infamous rain scene. The film holds some of the best deadites in the franchise , and greatly subverted expectations.

7 Insidious

Insidious marketed itself as one of the scariest films ever made, all with the use of instrumentals and sound effects. Known primarily for the film's "lipstick face" demon, the modern age horror classic takes haunting and possession to an entirely different level.

What truly sets the film's plot aside from any other film is the family's urgency to leave the house once they accept that it is indeed haunted. You can't help but cheer on this couple that does everything in their power to find refuge, only to find out that it is their son who is actually haunted.

Scream revitalized the horror genre in 1996, giving viewers something fresh for an otherwise played out slasher genre. Ghostface sits among the horror greats, like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. It is no surprise that Reddit users consider Scream among the best horror movies ever made because it simply just is. The ultra meta content, exploitation of common tropes, and one of horror's best final girls is enough to give any film the clout that Scream conjures.

For 1979, Alien packs an ambitious punch with stunning creature design and otherworldly gruesome effects. The film has received six installments over the last five decades, but the original is always considered top tier. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley unpacks more than just a stunning horror performance. Alien has become an iconic feminist horror film , which sees the main protagonist taking on themes of motherhood, leadership, and heroism throughout the franchise.

4 The Thing

There is no question that John Carpenter's The Thing would appear on almost any "best of" horror list. The film features some of the greatest special effects of the 80s and delivers one of the bleakest endings of all time. Isolation, paranoia, and the unstoppable loss of humanity are just a few themes explored throughout the film. The Thing stands among so many of Carpenter's other films that share social and political commentary while exploring themes of horror.

3 The Conjuring

James Wan struck gold with the release of 2013 release of The Conjuring , which roots itself among some of the classics on haunted houses. The film's popularity spawned an entire cinematic universe, featuring eight films and counting.

Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) lead the three Conjuring films, and shows the couple's paranormal endeavors. The Conjuring, especially the first installment, is sure to serve up some scares that last long after the film's ending credits.

2 The Exorcist

The Exorcist is top-tier horror. The film has long been considered the scariest film ever made, and one of the greatest horror classics of all time. Whether The Exorcist is still "scary" by today's standards, the 1973 feature has inspired horror directors for generations. The film has been parodied countless times by the Scary Movie franchise, The Simpsons, and even the latest season of Chucky. An Exorcist reboot titled The Exorcist: Believer, is set to hit theaters in October, just in time for the 2023 Halloween season.

1 Halloween (1978)

Michael Myers may very well be one of the most iconic slashers of all time, even according to Reddit. John Carpenter's cinematic masterpiece, and easily recognizable score have owned the title of Halloween staple for generations. Halloween gave horror a home on Halloween night, and unknowingly set a standard for survival rules as portrayed by Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis).

The franchise was rebooted in 2018 by David Gordon Green and despite some very major complaints, it's hard not to get excited about any film that features Michael Myers.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Horror movie with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score will chill you to your core

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Late Night With The Devil hit our screens in March and has already been lauded by some as one of the scariest films of the year.

Starring The Dark Knight and The Boogeyman actor David Dastmalchian, the Cameron and Colin Cairnes film had its world premiere at South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) almost a year ago, immediately dazzling and chilling viewers in equal measure.

With a cast rounded out by Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, and Georgina Haig, the found footage flick is now available to stream from the (dis)comfort of your own sofa on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video .

And it’s easy to get excited beforehand, with the film initially achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics hailing it ‘electrifying’, ‘effective’, and what I’m sure most horror fans look for, ‘terrifying.’

Master of horror Stephen King has also urged film fans to watch this ‘brilliant’ horror movie, saying he ‘couldn’t take his eyes off it.’

But just days before its release, the film received intense backlash after film fans and creatives aired their anger over the use of AI art within the fictional show’s title cards.

The Cairnes brothers addressed the scandal in a statement (per Variety ) which read: ‘In conjunction with our amazing graphics and production design team, all of whom worked tirelessly to give this film the 70s aesthetic we had always imagined, we experimented with AI for three still images which we edited further and ultimately appear as very brief interstitials in the film.’

It continued: ‘We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and passionate cast, crew and producing team go above and beyond to help bring this film to life. We can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves this weekend.”

Late Night With The Devil has been compared to the iconic BBC mockumentary Ghostwatch , which chilled a nation to its very core in 1992 when it aired on BBC1 on Halloween night, with its style leading many to believe the supernatural events that unfolded were actually real.

Many films have tried to emulate the same formula, and many have failed, so how does Late Night With The Devil fare?

The film follows late-night TV host Jack Delroy during a special broadcast of his talk show Night Owls on Halloween night. Following the death of Delroy’s wife Madeleine (Haig), the ratings for his beloved show have plummeted, with everything riding on this one 1977 episode.

Delroy interviews several interesting guests including medium Christou (Bazzi), former magician and sceptic Carmichael Haig (Bliss), parapsychologist Dr June Ross-Mitchell (Gordon) and the subject of her new book, 13-year-old Lilly (Torelli), the sole survivor of a Satanic church’s mass suicide.

The broadcast descends into chaos as an evil spirit plagues not only the host and his guests but also the studio audience and those at home with the recorded show and behind-the-scenes tapes serving as evidence of what happened on that fateful night.

Unfolding in real time, it captures the eerie atmosphere Ghostwatch mastered more than 30 years ago with the tension ramping up as minor hauntings soon explode into a fiery, psychedelic hellscape of spiritual energy.

The schlocky costumes of audience members, stilted mildly-humourous banter between the host and his co-star Gus (Auteri), and the gimmicky electronic spooky music immerse us straight into the seventies and enhance the realism which makes the scares all the more spine-chilling.

The cheesy and nostalgic style of a seventies talk show is the perfect vehicle to deliver the dark story within, exploring the vast world of the paranormal from a medium contacting the spirits beyond, to a full-blown exorcism broadcast to the masses.

Late Night With The Devil utilises charming practical effects and gore throughout, and, though it doesn’t quite reach the blood-curdling, terrifying heights of Ghostwatch, it delivers some solid scares as the tension builds and its depiction of possession and demonic entities is a sight to behold.

Leading us into hell itself is the magnetic Delroy, who hides his shady past with the secretive society The Grove and the pain of his wife’s death behind a bright smile and zinging one-liners. He is expertly brought to life by Dastmalchian in a performance that is sure to be career-defining.

The actor is no stranger to our screens, though he is best known for his supporting roles in the likes of The Flash, The Suicide Squad, and Prisoners rather than a leading man.

But it’s a position that suits the accomplished star, in a role that takes him out of his typecasting as a dark, brooding side character to an electric, warm host showcasing his impressive acting range.

Torrelli provides another standout performance among the ensemble cast as the deeply disturbed Lilly, who haunts every scene she graces with her thousand-yard stare and sinister smirk. She radiates danger, and you’ll want to look away in fear yet won’t be able to take your eyes off her.

Each star perfectly balances becoming a one-note caricature with portraying believable, fascinating characters who you genuinely care about and want to survive the onslaught of horror (apart from the snarky Carmichael Haig, possibly) making the surreal final act all the more shocking.

Late Night With The Devil proves once more that horror isn’t dead – and in fact, it never was, despite what you might read – as it showcases yet more innovative storytelling and captivating scares that continue to keep the genre exhilarating.

This clever TV satire has it all – haunting demons, killer performances, and a stylish approach to a horror trope that offers a fresh look at the classic possession story. It’s certainly not one to be missed – if you dare to tune in.

Late Night With The Devil is available to stream on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video.

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