In the realm of horror cinema, the pulse-quickening tales extend far beyond Hollywood’s borders. Foreign horror movies, with their distinctive cultural flavors and unique storytelling techniques, have carved a niche in the hearts of avid horror enthusiasts. As we journey into the shadows of terror, we uncover the best foreign horror movies that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

Foreign horror movies offer a captivating departure from the familiar tropes of Hollywood, introducing audiences to a rich tapestry of cultural superstitions, folklore, and psychological nuances. These films not only deliver spine-chilling scares but also provide a glimpse into the diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of fear.

Foreign Horror Films on Angelika Anywhere

“Deerskin” (2019) – France

Deemed by Variety as “a loopy, entertaining WTF lark,” this black comedy of middle-aged masculinity gone awry, Academy Award winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist) is a recent divorcee who becomes obsessed with a vintage fringed deerskin jacket that begins to exert an uncanny hold on him. Set in a sleepy French alpine village, he falls into the guise of an independent filmmaker and befriends a trusting bartender and aspiring editor (Adèle Haenel, Portrait of a Lady on Fire) who becomes his collaborator on a movie that will document a surprising new goal he sets himself. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/deerskin/

“The Wailing” (2016) – South Korea

In this unbelievably tense supernatural thriller, a foreigner’s mysterious appearance in a quiet, rural village causes suspicion among the locals – suspicion which quickly turns to hysteria as the townspeople begin killing each other in brutal outbursts for seemingly no reason. Over six years in the making, director Na Hong-jin’s meticulously crafted follow-up to the globally acclaimed THE YELLOW SEA and THE CHASER, his third to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, smashed box office records upon its debut in South Korea, where fans were quick to visit the theater more than once to catch new clues and debate the film that became one of 2016’s most talked-about. Rated a near-perfect 99% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, The Playlist called THE WAILING “deliciously entertaining. You’ll be left breathless.” Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-wailing/

“Train to Busan” (2016) – South Korea

When a mysterious virus breaks out across South Korea, the infected transform into the murderous undead in wildly successful 2016 thriller TRAIN TO BUSAN, an official New York Times Critic’s Pick, rated 94% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, that Slant Magazine credits with scare tactics “among the most distinctive the zombie canon has ever seen.” While a zombie outbreak explodes in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan. Variety raves, “TRAIN TO BUSAN pulses with relentless locomotive momentum.” TRAIN TO BUSAN has become a modern classic of the zombie subgenre. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/train-to-busan/

“Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula” (2020) – South Korea

Four years after South Korea’s total decimation in TRAIN TO BUSAN, the zombie thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho brings us PENINSULA, the next nail-biting chapter in his post-apocalyptic world. Jung-seok, a soldier who previously escaped the diseased wasteland, relives the horror when assigned to a covert operation with two simple objectives: retrieve and survive. When his team unexpectedly stumbles upon survivors, their lives will depend on whether the best—or worst—of human nature prevails in the direst of circumstances. “After the gunfire dies down, terror at times gives way to a melancholy that can be quite affecting even if the message remains familiar: We have met the zombie, and it is us” (New York Times). Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/train-to-busan-presents-peninsula/

“Breaking Surface” (2020) – Sweden

“A non-stop, intense survival thriller” (Bloody Disgusting). Director/Writer Joachim Hedén gives audiences an on-the-edge-of-your-seat ride that follows two sisters on a winter dive, which quickly morphs into a desperate race against time when one of them becomes trapped at the bottom of the ocean by falling rocks. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/breaking-surface/

“Spoor” (2017) – Poland

From filmmakers Agnieszka Holland and Kasia Adamik, SPOOR is “one part revenge thriller, one part eco-reverie, tied together with sumptuous visual brio,” raves Indiewire, “the JOHN WICK / SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER… AND SPRING mash-up you never knew you always wanted.” This Berlin Film Festival award winner centers on a retired woman who gets mixed up in a mystery when avid hunters in her mountain village begin turning up dead, and there are deer tracks next to their bodies. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/spoor/

“The Untamed” (2016) – Mexico

“Once it wraps its tentacles around you, THE UNTAMED doesn’t let go” (Indiewire). Director/Writer Amat Escalante’s (HELI) Venice Film Festival Silver Lion winner is a both fantastical and disturbing look at a couple who, in the midst of their troubled marriage, encounter a mysterious creature. Audiences won’t want to look away from this film. Movies. Death. calls “a sci-fi sexual drama that will blow your mind.” Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-untamed/

 “The Devil’s Backbone” (2001) – Mexico

An elegant gothic tale of a haunted orphanage and the dark secrets that lie within the walls, two-time Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro’s (PAN’S LABYRINTH, THE SHAPE OF WATER) iconic eerie beauty is ever-present in “The Devil’s Backbone”. With haunting performances from a young Fernando Tielve (PAN’S LABYRINTH, GOYA’S GHOSTS) and a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is sure to send chills down your spine. New York Times raves, “Mr. del Toro provokes your screams and shudders, but he also earns your tears.” Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-devils-backbone/

“Goodnight Mommy” (2014) – Austria

When their mother returns from a face-altering cosmetic surgery, twins Lukas and Elias notice that something might be very, very wrong… Described by the Daily Beast as “The most terrifying film of the year”, GOODNIGHT MOMMY is a beautifully disturbing experience in horror. Created by directorial team Severin and Veronika Franz (THE LODGE, THE FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL) and featuring a magnificent performance from Susanne West (PERFUME, SUNSET), as well as stunning debut performances brothers Lukas and Elias Schwarz. “Brahms’ ‘Cradle Song’ might play at the beginning, but that doesn’t mean anyone here has the slightest chance of sleeping” (New York Times). The film also has an English-language remake, but we recommend watching the original as well. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/goodnight-mommy/

Top Picks for the Best Foreign Horror Movies

“Ringu” (1998) – Japan

Hideo Nakata’s “Ringu” stands as a Japanese horror classic that introduced the world to the spine-tingling concept of a cursed videotape, featuring a young girl crawling out of a well – that will kill the viewer within a few days. The film weaves a tapestry of supernatural horror through a masterful blend of suspense and psychological terror, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

“The Orphanage” (2007) – Spain

Directed by J.A. Bayona, “The Orphanage” immerses audiences in a haunting exploration of grief and the supernatural. This Spanish horror gem intricately weaves a tale of paranormal occurrences within the walls of an old orphanage, delivering both heart-wrenching emotion and spine-tingling scares.

“Let the Right One In” (2008) – Sweden

Swedish director Tomas Alfredson redefines the vampire genre with “Let the Right One In.” Against the backdrop of a chilling winter, the film explores the bond between a young boy and a mysterious girl with a dark secret, infusing the narrative with poignant emotion and atmospheric cinematography.

“Ju-on: The Grudge” (2002) – Japan

Takashi Shimizu’s “Ju-on: The Grudge” is a relentless journey into supernatural horror, unleashing a vengeful curse upon those who dare enter a haunted house. The film’s fragmented narrative and spine-chilling ghostly encounters have solidified its place as a cornerstone of Japanese horror.

“The Others” (2001) – Spain/USA

Alejandro Amenábar’s atmospheric horror masterpiece, “The Others,” features an international cast led by Nicole Kidman. Originating from Spain, the film crafts an unsettling tale of a woman convinced that her old, darkened house is haunted, leading to a series of shocking revelations.

“A Tale of Two Sisters” (2003) – South Korea

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, this South Korean psychological horror film intricately weaves a complex narrative around family secrets, grief, and supernatural elements. “A Tale of Two Sisters” has become a benchmark for Asian horror with its atmospheric tension and unexpected twists.

“Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) – Mexico/Spain

Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy masterpiece, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” combines elements of horror with the enchantment of a fairy tale. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, the film’s captivating visuals and allegorical storytelling elevate it to a genre-defying experience.

“Dark Water” (2002) – Japan

Hideo Nakata explores supernatural horror with “Dark Water,” a thriller that delves into the eerie consequences of a mother and daughter moving into a dilapidated apartment. The film blends atmospheric horror with poignant storytelling, creating a sense of lingering dread.

“Thirst” (2009) – South Korea

Directed by Park Chan-wook, “Thirst” offers a unique take on the vampire genre, infusing it with elements of eroticism, moral dilemmas, and dark humor. The film explores the consequences of a failed medical experiment that turns a priest into a vampire, delving into themes of desire and redemption.

“The Host” (2006) – South Korea

Bong Joon-ho’s creature feature “The Host” blends horror, comedy, and social commentary. The film follows a family’s quest to rescue their daughter from a monstrous creature residing in the Han River, standing out as a thrilling and socially relevant cinematic experience.

“Noroi: The Curse” (2005) – Japan

Directed by Kōji Shiraishi, “Noroi: The Curse” takes the form of a found footage documentary, unraveling a tale of paranormal investigations and a mysterious curse. The film’s slow-building tension and eerie atmosphere contribute to its reputation as one of the most unsettling entries in Japanese horror.

“The Vanishing” (1988) – Netherlands/France

George Sluizer’s psychological thriller, “The Vanishing” (Spoorloos), explores the aftermath of a woman’s disappearance during a vacation. The film delves into

“REC” (2007) – Spain

Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, “REC” is a Spanish found footage horror film that unfolds within the confines of a quarantined apartment building. The film’s relentless pace and intense atmosphere make it a standout entry in the found footage subgenre.

“Raw” (2016) – France/Belgium

Directed by Julia Ducournau, “Raw” is a French-Belgian horror film that delves into the visceral and taboo. The narrative follows a vegetarian veterinary student who undergoes a transformative and carnal experience during her initiation into a veterinary school. 

“Cronos” (1993) – Mexico

Guillermo del Toro’s directorial debut, “Cronos,” is a Mexican horror film that weaves a tale of immortality and vampirism. The film’s unique take on the vampire mythos, coupled with del Toro’s signature visual style, marks the beginning of a distinguished career in horror.

“Parasite” (2019) – South Korea

Bong Joon-ho’s film “Parasite” transcends the traditional boundaries of horror, seamlessly blending genres to create a cinematic masterpiece. This South Korean sensation delves into social commentary, family dynamics, and the consequences of economic disparity. The film’s narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, leading to a climax that leaves audiences both shocked and contemplative. As the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, “Parasite” showcases the global impact of South Korean cinema and solidifies Bong Joon-ho’s reputation as a visionary director.

Foreign horror movies often stand out due to their incorporation of unique cultural elements, folklore, and local legends. These films delve into the supernatural beliefs and fears specific to their regions, offering audiences a fresh and sometimes unfamiliar perspective on horror.

Film critics and experts laud foreign horror movies for their ability to transcend cultural boundaries and evoke universal fears. These films often explore the human psyche and societal anxieties in ways that resonate globally. Critics appreciate the genre’s willingness to experiment with storytelling techniques, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and thought-provoking narratives.

Many foreign horror films have garnered critical acclaim and achieved widespread recognition, proving that fear knows no language barriers. The scintillating storytelling, coupled with masterful cinematography and outstanding performances, has elevated these films to iconic status within the horror genre.

As we venture into the eerie realms crafted by foreign horror movies, we discover a treasure trove of cinematic gems that transcend borders and terrify audiences worldwide. These films, enriched by cultural nuances and steeped in suspense, showcase the universal language of fear. From the cursed videotapes of Japan to the haunted orphanages of Spain, foreign horror invites us to confront the unknown and revel in the spine-chilling beauty of storytelling on an international scale. Embrace the terror, for the world of foreign horror movies awaits those brave enough to enter.