By Andrés Muñoz
For the past few days now, I’ve indulged in a very specific set of thrills by exploring the chilling world of Asian horror cinema. Maybe it’s just me, but as I have yet to explore that region of the world, there’s an extra unknown element that sparks interest. You might read all you want about the mythology and storytelling behind the creatures that these works are inspired by, but the sheer emotions that these films can make you feel are truly something else!
From the early 2000s to today, the five films below have captured my imagination and kept me on the edge of my seat. All of them are available on classic streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Netflix but check with your streamer first, as the distribution rights for each film might vary per location. Let’s dive in…
Ringu (1998)
An absolute classic, Ringu paved the way for Japanese horror to stroll into the 21st Century. Directed by Hideo Nakata, the film tells the story of a cursed videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it within seven days. This film’s eerie atmosphere and its black-haired ghost named Sadako have spawned many remakes and adaptations over the past 20+ years. One of the most iconic remakes was The Ring (2002), with Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, and Brian Cox.
I remember watching it as a teenager with friends from school. As soon as we left the cinema, we’d text the words “seven days” to prank ourselves and others who saw it with us!
Ju-on: The Grudge (2002)
From the mind of Takashi Shimizu comes a J-horror masterpiece, “Ju-on: The Grudge.” This was the first theatrical release of the series, with two short and two direct-to-video films having previously been released. With the success of Ringu a few years prior, Shimizu took the “vengeful spirit” trope that Hideo Nakata had executed and created a cinematic franchise out of it.
This film shows the curse of a house where all sorts of horrors have taken place, and its fragmented storytelling style will leave you feeling haunted long after the credits roll. It also spawned a 2004 American version, “The Grudge”, produced by Spiderman director Sam Raimi and starring the vampire slayer herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Shutter (2004)
Japan isn’t the only exporter of Asian chills, though! Thailand’s “Shutter,” directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, is a supernatural flick that delves into the consequences of your past. When a photographer starts seeing strange shadows in his pictures after having a roadside accident, he embarks on a chilling journey to uncover a secret that might be closer to him than he realised.
At first, you don’t really understand the scene with Tun at the doctor, but when it dawns on you, it dawns on you! As a photography undergrad, this one was an especially fascinating watch.
Train to Busan (2016) Netflix
Premiering at the Midnight Screenings section of the Cannes Film Festival in 2016 and directed by Yeon Sang-ho, “Train to Busan” offers a modern twist on the zombie genre.
One of the things I liked the most was how humans engage their rawness in this film. Invocative of the loss of humanity in the American zombie TV series The Walking Dead, “Train to Busan” is a South Korean instant classic that skillfully combines intense action scenes and emotional depth.
As a train speeds towards Busan, the passengers must band together to overcome not only a relentless horde of zombies but also their own fears, prejudices, and personal demons. The tight spaces of the train also reminded me of the airplane scene in the film World War Z: a closed space you can’t escape and hungry zombies creeping up on you from all sides…
It’s a fascinating watch, as it explores how people can do both deranged and heroic things in the middle of the chaos.
The Wailing (2016) Amazon Prime
Korean director Na Hong-jin’s “The Wailing” is a horror-mystery film that takes us into the folklore and superstitions of a small village. When a series of mysterious deaths affect the small community, a police officer becomes entangled in dark magic and ancient curses surrounding the village.
A little over 2 hours long, the scary scenes are well worth the film’s running time, and it is interesting to see how it masterfully combines so many horror tropes.
And so, there you have it—a good combination of early-aughts classics and some 2010s titles that have entered the genre skillfully and powerfully. With cultural nuances, superstitions, and unique storytelling, no wonder Asian horror films have Hollywood making their own (usually watered down) remake a few years after the original one’s release. Don’t restrict yourself to the American versions; check out the real deals!
What other Asian horror films should we add to the list? Share them with us in the comments section below!