7 Terrifying World Cinema Horror Films You Need to Watch
Acclaimed Parasite filmmaker Bong Joon Ho summarised it beautifully when he said;
“Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.“
As an advocate of Subs over Dubs, I believe that world cinema’s rich universe of stories is often more inventive and evocative than their American contemporaries. Horror knows no borders. Some of the best, most spine-chilling scares come from beyond Hollywood’s, where different cultures tap into their unique fears and folktales, bringing fresh nightmares to life for horror fans all over the world.
In the last ten years alone, some truly groundbreaking horror films have been unleashed upon to film fans worldwide. If you think you’re tough enough to handle it, here are seven of the best horror films from around the globe that’ll make you want to sleep with the lights on.
- “The Wailing” (2016) – South Korea – Director: Na Hong-jin
South Korean horror films have a reputation for being dark, moody, and emotionally intense—and The Wailing is no exception. In a small rural village, a mysterious illness spreads, and the townspeople are quick to blame a stranger living in the nearby mountains. What starts as a thriller about a viral outbreak morphs into a full-blown supernatural horror, involving shamans, possession, and demonic forces. Just when you think you have it figured out, The Wailing will make sure you don’t sleep for days.
This one’s a slow-burn descent into chaos—prepare for sheer dread!
- “Raw” (2016) – France/Belgium – Director: Julia Ducournau
Who knew veganism could be so horrifying? Raw tells the story of Justine, a young woman who enters veterinary school and, during a hazing ritual, eats meat for the first time. What follows is a disturbing metamorphosis as her body (and mind) craves more than just raw steak. A coming-of-age cannibal film? Yes, and it’s as bizarre and grotesque as it sounds—yet strangely beautiful, too.
This one will turn your stomach. Don’t watch on a full stomach… or an empty one. A light snack or slice of toast is likely a good idea.
- “Tigers Are Not Afraid” (2017) – Mexico – Director: Issa López
Mixing fairy tale elements with the horrors of real-life violence, Tigers Are Not Afraid follows a group of orphaned children navigating the dangerous streets of Mexico, where gangs and ghosts alike haunt them. Issa López blends magical realism with gritty terror in this deeply emotional story about childhood in the face of violence. Think Pan’s Labyrinth meets The Devil’s Backbone, but with a poignant twist on modern-day nightmares.
It’s less about jump scares and more about the emotional punch—though the ghostly apparitions are terrifying enough!
- “His House” (2020) – UK/Sudan – Director: Remi Weekes
A refugee couple from South Sudan struggles to adjust to life in their new English home, only to discover that they’ve brought a terrifying supernatural force with them. His House blends the horrors of displacement and trauma with a classic haunted house tale, delivering powerful scares while addressing real-world issues of immigration and cultural identity. The spirits in their house are not just ghosts—they are a chilling reflection of past traumas.
It’ll make you jump, but it’s the emotional depth that’ll linger long after the credits roll.
- “The Medium” (2021) – Thailand – Directors: Banjong Pisanthanakun, Na Hong-jin
This Thai-South Korean collaboration tells the story of a documentary crew filming a local shaman in Thailand’s Isan region, only to stumble upon something far more sinister than they ever anticipated. What starts as a documentary-style look at possession and local rituals turns into a harrowing ride of ancient spirits and curses. The tension slowly creeps up on you until you’re overwhelmed by sheer terror.
It’s relentless. Once the horror kicks in, you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat (or hiding under it).
- “The Innocents” (2021) – Norway- Director: Eskil Vogt
In this chilling Norwegian film, a group of children discover they have supernatural abilities while playing in their apartment complex during summer vacation. But things take a dark and deadly turn as their newfound powers are used for sinister purposes. The Innocents is an eerie exploration of childhood innocence and cruelty, filled with moments of dread as the children’s actions spiral out of control.
The creep factor is high—it’s disturbing to watch kids do such horrific things!
- “Sputnik” (2020) – Russia – Directors: Egor Abramenko
Ever wondered what happens when you bring back something extra from space? In Sputnik, set during the Cold War, a Soviet cosmonaut returns from a mission with an unexpected passenger—a parasitic alien creature that lives inside him. Think of it as Alien, but with a Soviet twist. As the scientists try to figure out what the creature is, tension builds, leading to shocking revelations and gruesome body horror.
Creepy alien parasite and body horror? Check. You’ll never want to look at space the same way again.
If you’re a horror fan tired of the same old jump scares and slasher films, these international gems are here to shake things up. Whether it’s supernatural folklore from Thailand or the psychological terror of France, world cinema has plenty to offer in terms of fresh and terrifying stories. So grab your popcorn (maybe skip the meat for Raw), turn off the lights, and let these films transport you to a world of nightmares
Which one will you dare to watch first?
