Asian horror is a unique genre in its own right, known for aesthetically pleasing visuals, creepy storylines, and gruesome deaths, and this includes the best Thai horror movies. Various supernatural folklore and a belief in ghosts and spirits have heavily influenced the Thai horror genre, with movies like Nang Nak and Inhuman Kiss drawing from Thai myths to create some truly memorable scares. Over the years, Thai horror movies have grown in popularity with international audiences who have a love for the horror genre as a whole but are looking for something just a little bit different.
Most are familiar with some of the best Asian horror movies like Ju-On or The Ring franchise, but the American remakes of these classic Asian tales never seem to correctly capture their elusively creepy atmosphere. Pee Mak, the most commercially successful Thai film of all time, is further proof that the horror genre is the most popular within Thai cinema. Leaning heavily into the concepts of both ghosts and gore, Thai horror movies are full of chills and thrills that are sure to delight even the most hardened of horror lovers. Here are 20 of the best Thai horror movies that are sure to please any horror aficionado.
Related 10 Best Asian Horror Movies On Shudder
Shudder is a streaming service for horror movies of all regions, including Asia. Here are the 10 best Asian horror movies on the service.
25 My Boo (2024)
A Horror Comedy That Blends The Supernatural With Romance
The Thai horror movie industry is still going strong in 2024, with films in the genre counting for some of the country’s most highly regarded feature-length entertainment. One of the most intriguing (and, unlike many scary movies from Thailand, heartwarming) recent releases is My Boo, from director Komgrit Triwimol. Released as Anong in Thailand, My Boo is a party horror, part comedy, part romance, focusing on a supernatural love story that sees a young man fall in love with a ghost from centuries ago.
My Boo has some very heavy emotional notes by its end, and is a perfect Thai horror movie for viewers seeking a supernaturally-flavored movie from Thailand that isn’t necessarily scary or full of gore. The story of My Boo focuses on a young man who falls for the ghost of one of his ancestors. The pair have to navigate many obstacles of their strange relationship, such as not being able to touch, and the final scenes stand as a perfect example of just how inventive and expectation-defying Thai horror cinema can be.
24 Buppah Rahtree (2003)
A Tragic And Scary Tale Of Abandonment And Revenge
There are many Thai horror movies that deal with heavy themes and feature some incredibly difficult-to-watch moments, but few can match 2003’s Buppah Rahtree when it comes to uncomfortable and harrowing moments. The movie by writer-director Yuthlert Sippapak first gained notoriety during screenings at the Toronto Film Festival the year following its release, and focuses on the vengeful spirit of an abandoned woman who died from complications due to an abortion.
The plot starts when the girl, the titular Buppah, is convinced to spend the night with a student at Bangkok University named Ake. Tragically and unbeknownst to Buppah, Ake only sought her affections due to a bet. Ake abandons Buppah once he learns she is pregnant, and it’s from here that the movie starts to take many strange and supernatural twists and turns, including a particularly stomach-churning scene involving leg amputation.
23 The Medium (2021)
A Stomach Churning Yet Satisfyingly Deep Mockumentary
Released in Thailand as Rang Song, the 2021 Thai horror movie The Medium is a mockumentary style folk horror from director Banjong Pisanthanakun. The film was praised for its innovative use of the rich tapestry of traditional folklore and culture Thailand has to offer, with the plot also being remarked on as satisfyingly deep for a horror film. Like many Thai horror movies, The Medium has some incredibly stomach-churning moments, including scenes of incest, animal cruelty, and cannibalism. However, it masterfully uses these to explore its premise.
The plot of The Medium focuses on a camera crew who travel to a densely populated region of Thailand to document a local medium claiming to be possessed by the spirit of a local goddess named Ba Yan. They soon discover that the goddess has a long history of possessing women in the same family, and her latest host has been used to Ba Yan to commit some absolutely unspeakable acts. However, things take a much more sinister turn when an attempt to remove Ba Yan opens up her latest host to even darker and more sinister spirits.
22 The Cursed Land (2024)
A Unique And Innovative Modern Thai Horror
2024’s The Cursed Land is already regarded as one of the most innovative horror movies from Thailand in recent decades. While its genre-bending aspects didn’t go well with critics who are horror genre purists, more open-minded reviewers have praised it as both a unique supernatural mystery and an example of how the horror genre can be used to convey complex messages about social issues. The Cursed Land takes place in an Islamic district of Bangkok, and the tension between the central character Mit (who isn’t a Muslim) and the local community is a key theme throughout.
The horror aspects of The Cursed Land also feature an intriguing exploration of many entities from Islamic folklore, such as djinns. This also makes it truly unique even among Thai horror movies, and viewers seeking a film in the genre that treads through thoroughly under-explored cultural territory within the genre will find The Cursed Land an incredibly satisfying watch.
21 The One Hundred (2022)
A Visceral Gross-Out Creature-Feature From Thailand
Also released in some territories as Creepy Crawly, 2022’s The One Hundred is one of the best creature features to come from Thailand, and directors Chalit Krileadmongkon and Pakphum Wongjinda show a masterful understanding of everything that makes the horror sub-genre great. Plus, like many great horror movies from the region, The One Hundred mixes modern concepts with traditional Thai legend, in this case a chilling tale dating from the era of King Rama V in the late 19th century.
The One Hundred also stands out due to mixing traditional tropes of supernatural scary films with creature-feature and body horror aspects usually seen in movies like The Thing. The story focuses on a young woman quarantined in a hotel after returning to the country. While there, she realizes she is trapped in the building with a shape-changing monster – one that also has the chilling ability to possess human beings. The One Hundred reached particular acclaim internationally, especially for its many grotesque visuals.
20 Nang Nak (1999)
Based On The Thai Legend Of Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Nang Nak
Nang Nak is a Thai horror film directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, which tells the story of a young couple in rural Thailand. Set in the 19th century, it follows Mak, who returns home from war to find his wife, Nak, behaving strangely. The film is based on a famous Thai ghost legend and explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural within the cultural context of Thailand.
Director Nonzee Nimibutr Release Date July 23, 1999 Cast Inthira Charoenpura , Winai Kraibutr , Manit Meekaewjaroen , Pramote Suksatit , Pracha Thawongfia Runtime 100 Minutes
19 Art Of The Devil 2 (2005)
A Gory, Violent Revenge Thai Horror Movie
Art of the Devil II
Art of the Devil II is a Thai horror film exploring themes of vengeance and black magic. Directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri, Pasith Buranajan, Isara Nadee, Seree Phongnithi, Yosapong Polsap, and Art Thamthrakul, the story follows a former teacher who uses dark rituals to seek retribution against those who have wronged her. The film is a standalone sequel to the 2004 movie Art of the Devil.
Director Pasith Buranajan , Kome Kongkiat Komesiri , Isara Nadee , Seree Phongnithi , Yosapong Polsap , Putipong Saisikaew , Art Thamthrakul Release Date December 1, 2005 Cast Napakpapha Nakprasitte , Hataiwan Ngamsukonpusit , Akarin Siwapornpitak , Chanida Suriyakompon , Namo Tungkumnerd , Pavarit Wongpanitch , Korakot Woramusik Runtime 100 Minutes
Art of the Devil 2, directed by Pasith Buranajan, is the second movie in the franchise, and is a sequel in name only. It thematically revolves around revenge and what that means to the person seeking vengeance. As a warning, the film is incredibly gory, as is the trailer. However, this fact is what makes it stand out among Thai horror movies, and in the Art of the Devil trilogy, as it successfully mixes some incredibly visceral visuals with themes of black magic and the supernatural.
Art of the Devil 2
is one of the most intense Thai horror movies
In Art of the Devil 2, teacher Aajaan Panor wants to gain revenge against the students who tormented her in the past, and she turns to black magic to do so. This results in a very gory movie with intense violence that shows the dangers of tampering with black magic. Art of the Devil 2 is one of the most intense Thai horror movies and is a nonstop slasher movie from start to finish.
18 The Unseeable (2006)
A Psychological Thai Thriller
The Unseeable, from director Wisit Sasanatieng, is a 2007 release that features a pregnant woman searching for her lost husband, and it’s one of the creepiest Thai horror movies. Titled Pen Chu Kap Phi in Thai (which literally translates to Committing Adultery with Ghost), The Unseeable has a surprisingly emotional plot, although this doesn’t detract from just how chilling the movie can be.
In The Unseeable, a young pregnant woman names Nualjan seeks shelter in a large mansion. Once there, she begins to discover unborn spirits and learns that her world is not as it seems. What makes this movie so impressive is that it is not a gore fest nor does it rely on shocks to scare the audiences. Instead, The Unseeable is a slow-burn tale of terror that sends the lead character on a journey of finally letting go of her past.
17 House of Ghosts Pisaj (Evil) (2004)
A Thai Ghost Story
House of Ghosts Pisaj (Evil), also commonly known as simply Pisaj, is a 2004 Thai horror movie from director Chookiat Sakveerakul. It thematically focuses on different ways of dealing with pain and loss, and how these can vary from person to person, and it’s one of the more unique Thai horror movies.
The main character in House of Ghosts is a girl who loses both of her parents in a horrific tragedy and ends up living with her aunt. This aunt also happens to be a spiritual medium. House of Ghosts takes viewers on a trip with this girl as she tries to deal with her loss and pain, but finds herself thrown into a world where it is hard to understand what is real and what isn’t. The movie ended up as a cult classic and remains regularly cited as a highlight of Thai cinema among fans of horror movies stemming from the country.
16 The Sisters (2004)
Based On A Real Murder Case In Thailand
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The Sisters, known as Pee chong air in Thailand, comes from director Tiwa Moeithaisong. While it may be a somewhat by-the-numbers story of a ghost with unfinished business on the surface, The Sisters has more than enough that makes it stand out among other Thai horror movies, including some incredibly effective jump-scares.
The Sisters starts with a bang when a group of musicians finds a severed head in their hotel room and then ends up haunted by a lost spirit. This is a basic ghost movie, where the cast has to solve a crime or die trying. As with this genre, the ghost victim can’t leave without her murder being solved. While this is a story told many times over in other movies, this one stands out. The story of The Sisters was also based on a real murder case from Thailand that remained unsolved and everyone who found that body also died, making this movie even spookier.
15 Pee Mak (2013)
A Horror Comedy Version Of The Thai Legend Of Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Pee Mak
Pee Mak is a Thai comedy-horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun. It stars Mario Maurer as Mak, who returns home from war with his friends, only to discover eerie rumors about his wife Nak, played by Davika Hoorne. Set in Thailand’s Rattanakosin era, the film blends humor and supernatural elements to narrate a tale based on the famous Thai ghost story Mae Nak Phra Khanong.
Director Banjong Pisanthanakun Release Date March 28, 2013 Cast Mario Maurer , Davika Hoorne , Nattapong Chartpong , Pongsatorn Jongwilas , Wiwat Kongrasri , Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk , Sean Jindachot Runtime 115 Minutes
Pee Mak is a horror-comedy movie, and an entertaining one at that. It is also currently Thailand’s highest-grossing movie of all time, meaning it’s beloved regardless of its genre. The 2013 movie comes from director Banjon Pisanthanakum, and is another adaptation of the legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong, though it takes an incredibly different approach to the tale than 2009’s Nang Nak.
Pee Mak has a little something for everyone: horror, romance, and comedy. It starts when a man named Mak comes back from the war and invites his comrades to meet his wife and son. But when they arrive, Mak’s comrades start to realize that something is very off about his clan, and things only get scarier and sillier from there. Pee Mak was so successful that it’s been remade and adapted multiple times, with the Tamil version Bayama Irukku arriving in 2017 followed by Malayalam remake Kinavalli in 2020.
14 Inhuman Kiss (2019)
A Thai Horror Movie Based On The Krasue
2019’s Inhuman Kiss comes from director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, and was the Thai entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards — an accolade that speaks volumes for its quality. Like many of the best horror films to come out of Thailand, Inhuman Kiss builds the foundation of its story on classic Thai mythology and puts an extra-scary spin on it.
The focal point of this particular tale coming to life is a krasue — which is a type of nocturnal female spirit from folklore — who lives a normal life, except at night. At night, her head detaches and goes on the hunt for sustenance in the form of flesh and blood. It is scary, and one of the weirdest Thai horror movies, but the film is also surprisingly moving. While the premise seems bizarre at first, Inhuman Kiss carries it incredibly effectively, making for a truly unique story.
13 Ghost Game (2006)
A Thai Horror Movie Similar To Squid Game
2006’s Ghost Game, also known as La-Tha-Pii, comes from director Sarawut Wichiensarn, and is a Thai spin on the incredibly popular horror subgenre of cursed and deadly game shows. Take the deadliest reality game show in the world, something in the vein of Squid Game, and that is essentially the premise behind Ghost Game.
In this Thai horror movie, 11 contestants are sent to an abandoned military prison where terrible things happened in the past. They are filmed and tracked as they try to make it through the dangerous game show alive while the production team sets up traps and scares. The winner will take home a $5,000,000 prize. This is a must-watch for those who enjoyed Squid Game and would like to see something similar.
12 Art Of The Devil (2004)
A Thai Horror Movie That Spawned Two Sequels
Art Of The Devil
Art Of The Devil, directed by Tanit Jitnukul, is a Thai horror film that follows a woman’s vengeful pursuit through black magic after being betrayed by her lover. As supernatural forces are unleashed, the consequences unravel across two families, leading to a series of mysterious and deadly events.
Director Tanit Jitnukul Release Date June 17, 2004 Cast Arisa Wills , Supakson Chaimongkol , Krongthong Rachatawan , Tin Settachoke , Somchai Satuthum , Isara Ochakul , Nirut Sutchart , Krittayod Thimnate Runtime 100 Minutes
Unconnected to its sequels, 2004’s Art of the Devil comes from director Tanit Jitnukul, and is without a doubt one of the goreist Thai horror movies out there, though it’s also one of the most gripping. The Art of the Devil trilogy is a fantastic blend of magical horror and straight-up gore, and many fans consider the first to be the strongest of the three (though this is also debated).
Be forewarned, these are very dark movies with horrifying subject matter. Some viewers may find the films difficult to watch, but they’re very entertaining and scary. The story revolves around a scorned mistress who turns to the art of black magic as a means to exact revenge on the man who abandoned her while pregnant. The follow-up films also use similar themes of revenge and dark magic without being direct sequels to the original.
11 Meat Grinder (2009)
A Thai Splatter Horror Movie
Meat Grinder TV-14
Meat Grinder is a Thai horror film directed by Tiwa Moeithaisong. The film stars Mai Charoenpura as a woman who discovers an unsettling way to sustain her noodle stall business amidst political unrest. Through intense and graphic scenes, the story explores themes of survival and desperation within a backdrop of societal turmoil.
Director Tiwa Moeithaisong Release Date March 19, 2009 Cast Mai Charoenpura , Rattanaballang Tohssawat , Wiradit Srimalai , Atitaya Shindejanichakul , Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul , Somlek Sakdikul , Chaiyot Tushsanasuwan , Shiny Khunthong Runtime 92 Minutes
The film industry in Thailand is known internationally for churning out some incredibly gory movies, though few — even the Art of the Devil trilogy — manage to be as visceral as director Tiwa Moeithaisong’s 2009 splatter-fest Meat Grinder. As the title suggests, this is a Thai horror film that isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s one of the goriest Thai horror films. It would probably be fitting for people who enjoy the Saw and Hostel franchises, with a healthy dose of cannibalism to boot.
It’s an understatement to say that Meat Grinder is incredibly gory and had a controversial reception when it was released, but it has earned something of a cult following over the years. The story follows a young woman who opens a noodle stall and uses human body parts as the main ingredient. As if that fact isn’t gross enough, clients begin showing up in waves to eat the delicious food, and things get increasingly twisted as the story goes along.
10 Shutter (2004)
The Superior Thai Horror Movie That Influenced An American Remake
Shutter (2004) Not Rated
Shutter is a 2004 Thai horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom. The film follows a young couple who begin to experience disturbing events after photographing a mysterious shadow in their pictures. Exploring themes of guilt and the supernatural, Shutter has garnered acclaim for its tension and atmosphere.
Director Banjong Pisanthanakun , Parkpoom Wongpoom Release Date September 9, 2004 Cast Ananda Everingham , Natthaweeranuch Thongmee , Achita Sikamana , Unnop Chanpaibool , Titikarn Tongprasearth , Sivagorn Muttamara , Chachchaya Chalemphol , Kachormsak Naruepatr Runtime 97 Minutes
Shutter is a Thai horror film released back in 2004 that earned enough international recognition to be released as an English-language remake under the same title in 2008. Coming from the minds of writer-director duo Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkoom Wongpoom, the original Shutter was an instant box office success and is regarded as one of the best horror movies to ever come out of Thailand.
The plot of Shutter is intense from the off, and features some of the most chilling scenes of supernatural events in any Thai horror movie. Following a hit-and-run, the couple responsible for a woman’s death (Thun and Jane) begin to see images of her in their photographs. What follows is a series of lies, destruction, and apparitions that will make viewers understand why this film is considered a horror cult classic.
9 Siam Square (2017)
Based On The Thai Urban Legend In Shibuya
Siam Square
Siam Square is a Thai horror film directed by Pairach Khumwan that explores the lives of high school students in Bangkok’s bustling Siam Square. As they endeavor to unravel the mystery behind their friend’s disappearance and the urban legend tied to the area, they are drawn into a series of eerie and unsettling events. The film intricately blends elements of supernatural thriller and youth drama against the backdrop of contemporary urban life.
Director Pairach Khumwan Release Date March 29, 2017 Cast Atikhun Adulpocatorn , Thanyawee Chunhasawasdikul , Eisaya Hosuwan , Thanabordee Jaiyen , Nutthasit Kotimanuswanich , Morakot Liu , Sunit Napasri , Purim Rattanaruangwattana Runtime 113 Minutes
Siam Square, from director Pairach Khumwan, is a 2017 Thai horror film that revolves around an urban legend in the so-called “Shibuya” of Thailand, or the center of Bangkok. In the hopes of passing their university entrance exams, students are expected to worship a devil and tie red threads onto a specific chair for good luck.
The Thai horror movie deftly mixes supernatural elements with a slasher-movie premise, making Siam Square an incredibly tense movie. When a group of students puts this theory to the test, their skepticism backfires, and they find themselves being haunted by the evil spirit of a young girl and getting picked off one by one. It is a familiar setup executed to perfection with stunningly creepy visuals and plenty of scares to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
8 Alone (2007)
Starring Thai-German Pop Singer Marsha Vadhanapanich
Alone (2007)
Alone is a Thai horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom. The film centers around Pim, who is tormented by the ghost of her conjoined twin sister, Ploy, after moving to South Korea. As Pim’s life unravels, the sinister presence of her deceased sister grows stronger, leading to a confrontation with her haunting past.
Director Banjong Pisanthanakun , Parkpoom Wongpoom Release Date March 29, 2007 Cast Marsha Wattanapanich , Vittaya Wasukraipaisan , Rachanu Boonchuduang , Hatairat Egereff , Rutairat Egereff , Namo Tongkumnerd , Chutikan Vimuktananda , Chayakan Vimuktananda Runtime 105 Minutes
Alone is a Thai horror film released back in 2007 that stars Thai-German pop singer Marsha Vadhanapanich in her first film role in 15 years. It’s also another movie from writer-director duo Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkoom Wongpoom, who are responsible for 2004’s Shutter as well as several other of the best Thai horror movies.
Titled Fad in Thai, meaning twin, Alone focuses on Pim, a young girl who recently moved to Korea to escape the guilt of being the only survivor following a separation surgery with her conjoined twin sister. When she returns to Thailand to visit her dying mother, the angry spirit of her dead sister comes back to haunt her. Alone is packed full of surprises and twists that even M. Night Shyamalan wouldn’t see coming and is a great option for those who enjoyed the James Wan film Malignant.
7 4bia (2008)
A Thai Anthology Horror Movie
Anthology movies are something of a staple of the horror genre, and one of the best examples of the format came from Thailand in 2008. 4bia, also known as Phobia, is a four-part Thai horror anthology movie from directors Youngyooth Thongkonthun, Banjong Pisanthanakun, Parkpoom Wongpoom, and Paween Purijitpanya. The first segment, titled “Happiness,” is about a lonely girl’s correspondence with an unusual stranger.
Is a fantastic entry in the underappreciated horror anthology subgenre
The second segment, “Tit For Tat,” is about black magic and vengeance for a bullied school kid. The third segment, “In The Middle,” follows a group of friends after a freak kayaking accident. The final segment, “Last Fright,” is a psychological thriller involving an air stewardess flying solo in a cabin with a dead body. This movie has something for everyone and is a fantastic entry in the underappreciated horror anthology subgenre.
6 Long Weekend (2013)
A Thai Ghost Horror Movie
Long Weekend (2013)
Long Weekend (2013) is an independent drama film directed by Steve Basilone and Ben Bolea. The story follows a man who embarks on an impromptu vacation after experiencing a personal tragedy. During his journey, he encounters a series of characters who profoundly impact his life and perspective. The film explores themes of grief, human connection, and the quest for meaning.
Director Taweewat Wantha Release Date January 31, 2013 Cast Natpassara Adulyamethasiri , Acharanat Ariyaritwikol , Chinawut Indracusin , Chamaiporn Jaturaput , Sean Jindachot , Kitlapat Korasudraiwon , Butsarin Yokpraipan , Sheranut Yusananda Runtime 85 Minutes
2013’s Long Weekend is a horror film from Tahi director Taweewat Wantha, and it stands as one of the best horror movies from the nation thanks to its succession of supernatural scares that pull no punches. The plot of Long Weekend focuses on a boy named Thongsook, an outcast at school with only one friend, Nam, whom he follows around incessantly.
However, unbeknownst to Nam’s other friends, Thongsook is a spirit medium who takes it personally when Nam’s friends plan a vacation getaway without him. Following a mindless prank, the evil spirits and ghosts are released on the second night of the “long weekend,” which also happens to be Friday the 13th. Long Weekend is one of the best Thai horror movies for those who love a good ghost story, with a dash of revenge in the mix for good measure.