13 Terrifying Asian Shows That'll Leave You Feeling Uneasy Even After They're Over
It's okay, sleep is for the weak.
By Steffi Anthony — 12 Oct 2023, 11:58 AM
Whether it's straight-up hantu horror or psychological thrillers, we can agree that Asians do it best when it comes to terrifying viewers, right?
From movies to TV series, scary Asian shows incorporate a whole lot of cultural influences and significance, ranging from folklore to superstitions originating from the times of our ancestors. After all, Asian hantus are pretty terrifying, no? And even when no ghosts are involved, spooky Asian shows just have a way of sending chills down our spine.
Check out this list of Asian movies and TV shows that'll leave you feeling creeped out even after they're over:
1. The Wailing (Korea)
Type: Movie
A bone-chilling supernatural-mystery movie that is worth every minute of its 156-minute runtime, thanks to how masterfully constructed it is. Delve into the ominous atmosphere of a rural village where hysteria and brutal murders are linked to the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and a totally eerie and unforgettable experience!
Watch the trailer below:
2. ThirTEEN Terrors (Thailand)
Type: TV series
The common ground that links every episode of this series together is gruesome and macabre incidences revolving around a bunch of high school students. Combining urban legends with contemporary horror, each episode is a fresh new story with original plotlines and a talented young cast. If you're a fan of supernatural mysteries set in a school environment, this series will be sure to send shivers down your spine.
Watch the trailer below:
3. The Call (Korea)
Type: Movie
When two completely different people from two different timelines have their gap bridged through a single phone call, a brilliant, mind-bending movie is born. The originality of this gripping and intense thriller's plot will be sure to have you squirming in fright and leave you in suspense until the very end.
Watch the trailer below:
4. Girl from Nowhere (Thailand)
Type: TV series
We must admit that every country has its own set of societal problems which often go ignored. That is, until the emergence of a mysterious girl who decides to make life a living hell for some not-so-innocent high schoolers (and educators!). She unravels their darkest, most notorious scandals through ingenious, terrorising methods.
Girl from Nowhere currently runs for two seasons. It will definitely hit hard and leave you with a lingering sense of unease. Revenge is indeed a dish best served cold, loud, and clear.
Watch the trailer below:
5. Delete (Thailand)
Type: TV series
Imagine having the ability to not only make one super toxic person vanish from your life, but also from the face of the Earth, without leaving behind any discoverable evidence of the crime. Sounds like a far-fetched fantasy, right? Well, not in this series.
Delete introduces a threatening little device — a mysterious camera that is able to 'delete' any person or living being you take a picture of, banishing them completely without leaving any trace. Of course, such 'convenience' is not without eerie consequences.
Watch the trailer below:
6. School Tales The Series (Thailand)
Type: TV series
This series features an anthology of curses and hauntings set in the dreadfully atmospheric high schools of Thailand, featuring a fresh storyline in every episode. The show contains a good mix that ranges from revengeful hauntings to comedic perils revolving around both pupils and teachers.
Watch the trailer below:
7. Reside (Thailand)
Type: Movie
A common Asian taboo is to not bring home cursed objects or perform forbidden rituals in our homes. However, a lady and her disciples do just that by performing a forbidden rite on a dead body in an attempt to bring it back to life. This triggers a series of inexplicable spiritual events and hauntings that begin to influence each of the members, spurring them to carry out acts of unthinkable violence.
Watch the trailer below:
8. Ghost Lab (Thailand)
Type: Movie
Believing that he once saw his father's spirit when he was young, Dr Arj has been obsessed with the theory of life and death ever since. Meanwhile, Dr Wee pursued a career as a doctor in order to spend time with his ill mother. When these besties who work together collectively experience a haunting at their hospital, their dangerous obsession sets them on a scientific mission to prove that ghosts exist. Be prepared for one heck of a nail-biting and crazy ride.
Watch the trailer below:
9. Junji Ito Maniac (Japan)
Type: TV series
If you're a fan of surreal horror that plunges you into a chilling world of the grotesque and the bizarre, Junji Ito Maniac is a Netflix series that should be on your radar. This animated adaptation of Junji Ito's acclaimed manga serves as an anthology of horror stories that explores the deepest and darkest corners of the human psyche, and is sure to deliver a harrowing experience that will leave you with nightmares long after the credits roll.
Watch the trailer below:
10. Dendam Pontianak (Malaysia)
Type: Movie
This chilling film will take viewers on a hair-raising journey into the depths of Southeast Asian folklore, revolving around the exploration of a vengeful pontianak, a female ghost with a thirst for revenge.
Set in a small Malaysian village, the film is steeped in local mythology, and delivers spine-tingling scares while offering a glimpse into the rich cultures of Malaysia. With a well-executed blend of traditional scares and modern horror elements, horror enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre should definitely give this movie a go.
Watch the trailer below:
11. Feng Shui (Philippines)
Type: Movie
This film cleverly incorporates feng shui elements into its terrifying plot. The ill-fated story begins when a mother unknowingly brings home a cursed bagua mirror that promises good fortune in exchange for harrowing consequences. The film's cultural richness and expertly crafted scares make it a must-watch for those seeking a unique and spine-tingling horror experience.
Watch the trailer below:
12. Vietnamese Horror Story (Vietnam)
Type: TV series
Set in Vietnam, this Netflix series weaves dark, morbid tales of supernatural events and eerie occurrences based on local folklore. The show offers an exotic perspective on horror, combining local elements with spine-tingling scares. This series is definitely worth a watch if you're a horror buff who's interested in the beliefs, customs, and habits of the Vietnamese people.
Watch the trailer below:
13. Roh (Malaysia)
Type: Movie
This haunting masterpiece is set in a remote village during a period of war, offering a unique storytelling experience that delves into the supernatural world of mysterious entities and ancient folklore. It revolves around a strange girl who visits a family with a frightening prediction of their fate. Building upon atmospheric tension, the film delivers a petrifying experience that will have you shivering throughout.
Watch the trailer below:
