While many of us are familiar with English language horror movies, it’s important to spread our wings every once and a while. There are hundreds of incredible horror movies made by talented artists from around the world and they’ve made a tremendous impact on film as a whole. Trust us, once you get over reading subtitles, it’s totally worth it to broaden your horizons. Take a look at 15 of our favorite international horror movies in the gallery below, then let us know your favorite film from this list in the comments section on social media.
“Parasite” (2019)
If you haven’t heard of this film, we’re not sure where you’ve been. “Parasite” follows a poor family in South Korea who scheme their way into working in the home of a wealthy family. However, they soon discover that there’s more to the family and the house than they could have ever imagined.
“Martyrs” (2008)
Regarded as one of the most disturbing and gory films of all time, “Martyrs” is not for the faint of heart. This French film follows a woman who seeks revenge on the people who abducted and tortured her as a child, only to discover something far more insidious.
“Let the Right One In” (2008)
This isn’t your average vampire movie. This Swedish film follows a 12-year-old boy, who after being bullied by his peers, befriends a strange and mysterious girl— a.k.a a young vampire.
“A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night” (2014)
We bet you’ve never seen an Iranian vampire Western before. This film depicts a ghost town through the lens of a lone vampire, known only as the Girl.
“A Tale of Two Sisters” (2003)
If you liked “Parasite,” you’re going to love “A Tale of Two Sisters.” This South Korean horror film follows a young girl who returns to her family’s home from a mental institute, only to experience disturbing events between her stepmother and the ghosts inhabiting the house.
“Audition” (1999)
Now that’s what I call a black widow. This Japanese horror film follows a widower who through an audition, meets his new wife. However, he soon realizes that this woman is just as deadly as she is beautiful.
“[REC]” (2007)
Before there was the American remake “Quarantine,” there was Spain’s “[REC].” This film is in the found footage style and centers on an apartment complex overrun by a dangerous and mysterious infection that puts the building under a strict quarantine.
“Ju-On: The Grudge” (2002)
You’ll never forget these ghosts. In this Japanese horror film, a curse is created after a mother and son are murdered in their home. Now, whoever moves into the house is not only haunted by their ghosts, but also eventually succumb to death.
“Ring” (1998)
You may already be familiar with the American version, 2002’s “The Ring,” but what about the OG? The Japanese film that started it all centers on a reporter investigating a mysterious video tape that kills the viewer exactly seven days after someone watches it.
“Suspiria” (1977)
If you love witches, then this film is a must watch. The Italian original follows an American ballerina who transfers to a prestigious dance school in Germany, only to discover that the school’s being run by malevolent supernatural forces.
“Train to Busan” (2016)
I can assure you, you’ve never seen a zombie movie quite like this. This South Korean horror movie follows a father and daughter aboard a zombie infested high speed train to Busan.
“The Orphanage” (2007)
Now this movie has an ending we never saw coming. This Spanish horror film follows a mother who returns to the orphanage she grew up with to turn it into a home for disabled children. However, after her own son goes missing, she realizes that there’s more to the house than meets the eye.
“Eyes Without a Face” (1960)
OK, this is straight up nightmare film. In this French horror film, a plastic surgeon works to create a successful face transplant for his daughter after she’s in an accident— by any means necessary.
“Funny Games” (1997)
This is a film you’ll have a hard time forgetting. In this Austrian film, a family is held hostage by two men and subjected to their funny games— which happen to be sadistic torture.
“The Host” (2006)
Before Bong Joon-ho directed the Oscar winning “Parasite,” he made “The Host.” This South Korean horror movie follows a man whose daughter is abducted by a monster in the Han River, leading him on a dangerous mission to rescue her.
