Asia has gained a reputation for our bone-shivering horror films, both because of our love for all things horror, but also inspired by our storied culture. With Hungry Ghost Month creeping up on us as we type this sentence out, we’ve curated a list of familiar and unexplored horror titles rooted in folklore, myths, and urban legends unique to this region. Experience these legends and stories that make up our Asian culture – all from the comfort of your homes.
Read on for the line-up of Asian Horror films that you should catch this Hungry Ghost Month.
1. MALAYSIA: DENDAM PONTIANAK
Take a peek into Malay culture’s most popular malevolent supernatural entity, the Pontianak, as it makes an appearance in Dendam Pontianak on Netflix this August. In Southeast Asian mythology, the pontianak refers to a vicious, long-haired female vampire who is normally out to seek revenge. The movie is a modern retelling of this popular mythology complete with forbidden love, betrayal, witchcraft and murder.
2. INDONESIA: MAY THE DEVIL TAKE YOU
Expect lots of blood, gore and brutal horror in May The Devil Take You, as the movie uncovers the consequences of satanic rituals and selling one’s soul to the devil in exchange for riches. Catch May The Devil Take You on Netflix if you are in for a wild, gruesome ride.
3. VIETNAM: VIETNAMESE HORROR STORY *NEW!*
Vietnamese Horror Story interweaves three stories inspired by local folklore and urban legends – for instance, a 3 souls and 7 spirits Buddhist concept in the third story – following an actress seeking everlasting beauty; a magician who makes a deal with the devil; and a psychic seeking the remains of a deceased girl. Witness the integration of traditional cultures and beliefs with the element of horror this August to fully immerse in Ghost Month.
4. THAILAND: SCHOOL TALES THE SERIES *NEW!*
Directed by seasoned Thai directors, School Tales The Series brings eight horrifying stories, based on comics, to life. This anthology is built around the theme of school-bound horrors, passed down from class to class, bringing back chilling memories of local schoolyard stories and legends.
5. PHILIPPINES: EERIE
When a student’s suicide rattles an all-girls Catholic school, a clairvoyant guidance counselor embarks on solving this mysterious death, and in turn uncovers the convent’s abusive past. A film on how modern beliefs and faith can clash, Eerie brings to the screen thought-provoking issues while incorporating the element of horror.
For more spooky cookie titles that are available on Netflix, click on this link here (we dare you to!). And to download the stills and assets, click here and here!
Happy, merry, no sleep nights!??
