Foreign horror films are an essential canon to explore for fans of this genre. Many of these films, produced outside the U.S. film industry, explore themes specific to their culture, and some even go beyond the boundaries of what U.S. audiences would consider palatable.
Even in movies like Japan, ring and italian Suspiria Although they have garnered mainstream attention and acclaim in the United States, many global horror masterpieces remain criminally undervalued due to factors such as distribution, cultural differences, and language barriers. Introducing movies from 10 countries. Introducing underrated international horror films.
Ten “Magic Magic” (2013) – Chile
Directed by Sebastian Silva
Screenplay/Director Sebastian Silva, magic magic is a 2013 Chilean psychological horror film. The film follows Alicia (juno temple), a vulnerable and introverted American woman who travels to Chile with her cousin Sarah (emily browning) But he soon finds himself alone with three Agustín strangers (Agustin Silva), Barbara (Catalina Sandino Moreno), and blink (michael cera). Alicia soon becomes mentally unstable from stress and isolation, making her a danger to herself and those around her.
The film explores themes of loneliness and mental illness, and uses anxiety-inducing filmmaking to place the audience inside Alicia’s head, making the scene particularly nauseating, especially when she jumps off a cliff. Assembling a story from an outsider’s perspective, magic magic It explores themes of Chilean culture, depicting Alicia’s culture shock as well as Agustín and Barbara’s contrast between modernity and the ancient folk religion of the countryside. The film is well directed, well acted, and undeniably underrated.
Rent on Apple TV
9 “At Midnight I Will Take Your Soul” (1964) – Brazil
Directed by Jose Mojica Marins
Screenplay, director, starring Jose Mojica Marins, I’ll steal your soul in the middle of the night is a 1964 horror film. The film was a breakthrough in the horror genre, being the first horror film produced in Brazil and introducing the character of Zé de Caixan, known to English speakers as Coffin Joe. The film follows Joe (Marlins) as he embarks on a murder and maiming spree in a small, predominantly Catholic town in order to secure a male heir to continue his bloodline.
In Brazil, the film’s home country, the character Coffin Joe is considered a cultural icon of the horror genre, but on an international level he is relatively unknown, making this film in particular an underrated gem. I’ll steal your soul in the middle of the night The film was surprisingly extreme and shockingly violent for its time, and the blasphemy depicted in the film was considered a legal violation to the religiously conservative culture of 1960s Brazil. It was being done.
Watch on AMC+
8 “Hatching” (2022) – Finland
Directed by Hannah Bergholm
director hannah bergholm, “The Hatching” is a 2022 Finnish supernatural horror film. This movie is Tinja (Siri Solarinna), a pre-teen girl who is under immense pressure from her mother on a daily basis (Sofia Heikkila), a strict social media influencer. Tinja’s life becomes even more complicated when she starts caring for eggs. An unexplained creature hatches from the egg and slowly begins to grow into Tinja’s doppelganger.
hatching The film is a story about teenage angst and mother-daughter relationships, brought to life by a phenomenal central performance from Siri Solarinna, who plays both Tinja and the creature. Featuring excellent visual effects and an unpredictable plot, this film is always very fascinating and sometimes downright grotesque. Finnish horror is generally underrated, and the country’s films receive little attention internationally. hatching is one of his best works.
Rent on Amazon
7 “Terrified” (2017) – Argentina
Directed by Demian Runya
Screenplay/Director Demian Runya, scared is a 2017 Argentine supernatural horror film. The film takes place in a Buenos Aires neighborhood plagued by a variety of paranormal phenomena, from poltergeist activity to sightings of physical monsters. Ultimately, these events led to official paranormal investigations being conducted on the affected streets, with horrifying consequences for everyone involved.
It’s packed with both disturbing visuals and very well-timed jump scares. scared It’s just as scary as its name suggests. Before successful follow-up in 2023when evil lurks, scared Writer and director Demian Runya’s name has caught the attention of horror fans due to his shocking scares and Runya’s obvious love and respect for the horror genre. Underrated but incredibly effective scared A great example of Latin American horror.
Watch on AMC+
6 “The Lure” (2015) – Poland
Directed by Agnieszka Smoczynska
director Agnieszka Smoczynska, lure ” is a 2015 Polish horror musical film with feminist themes.inspired by hans christian andersen‘s little mermaidthe movie is about two mermaid sisters, Silver (Marta Mazurek) and golden (Mihalina Olshanska), people who came ashore to work as singers. Silver is infatuated with human men while Golden is lustful for human blood (Jakub Gierschau) and both women must struggle with their place in the world, both as women and as non-human creatures.
The film strikes the perfect balance between brutal horror and musical numbers, creating a surprisingly unique tone. Mermaid body horror is an underutilized subject matter in horror films. lure and Lisa BrühlmannSwiss adult body horror film blue my mind There are two notable exceptions. Sometimes I was anxious, sometimes I was strangely happy, lure is a fascinating but underrated international horror film.
View on Max
Five “Demons 2” (1986) – Italy
Directed by Lamberto Bava
demons 2 is a 1986 Italian horror film. Lamberto Barba. Continuation of the story from 1985 devilThe film depicts the residents of an apartment building being terrorized by a horde of demons intent on killing or converting everyone they encounter. The film features a gang of bodybuilders, a vulnerable pregnant woman (Nancy Brilli) and even a demonic dog.
Produced by a giallo master Dario ArgentoHe also co-wrote the script. demons 2 is a goofy splatterfest that’s fast-paced and fun. The main selling point of this movie is Sergio Stivaletti, one of the most famous make-up and special effects artists in Italian horror history. It surpasses the previous work with its wonderfully chaotic visuals and story, demons 2 An underrated classic of Italian horror.
Watch on AMC+
Four “Impetigor” (2019) – Indonesia
Directed by Joko Anwar
Written and directed by a prolific Indonesian filmmaker. joko anwar, Impetigor is a 2019 Indonesian folk horror film. This movie follows Maya (Tara Basro), my friend Dini (Marissa Anita) I would like to secure inheritance funds. However, upon arriving, Maya discovers a terrible curse that afflicts the children of the village. It’s up to Maya to heal the village.
International folk horror has the potential to explore the nuances and histories of other cultures more than any other horror subgenre. Impetigor. From the terrifying and intense opening scene, this movie grabs the audience’s attention and never loosens its grip. It features striking visuals, fascinating folklore, and unforgettable performances. Christine Hakim As the antagonist of this movie, Impetigor ” is a great and underrated international horror film.
Watch on AMC+
3 “Baskin” (2015) – Türkiye
Works directed by Can Evrenor
Baskin is a 2015 Turkish horror film. canned ebrenol. The film follows a group of police officers who are called to a mysterious ruin and find themselves at the center of a horrifying occult ritual. As the situation becomes increasingly bizarre, it becomes clear that the men may actually be in Hell. The film is raw and intense, using both surrealism and gore to convey its horror.
One of the most memorable aspects of this movie is Mehmet Serahoglu, his acting debut, in which he played the leader of a villainous cult known as The Father. Aided greatly by Serahoglu’s performance, the ritual sequences feel completely otherworldly and reminiscent of his work. clive barker. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but Baskin is an internationally underrated horror film.
Watch on AMC+
2 “Huesera: Bone Woman” (2022) – Mexico
Directed by Michel Garza Cervera
director Michelle Garza Cervera, Huesera: Bone Woman is a 2022 Mexican supernatural horror film. The film follows Valeria (Natalia Sorian), a woman married to her husband Raul (Alfonso Dosal) She becomes pregnant and ex-girlfriend Octavia (Mayra Batala). Valeria’s inner turmoil is symbolized by the haunting presence of a bone-crushing mysterious woman, representing her fear of motherhood and the changes in her body.
This movie is sure to give you a scare, with some unsettling horror scenes and magical and occult themes. But it also tells an inherently sensitive and relatable story that explores pregnancy, bisexuality, and the cultural pressures placed on young women. Huesera: Bone Woman ” is a gem of Mexican horror that deserves higher recognition among horror fans.
Huesera: Bone Woman
- release date
- February 16, 2023
- director
- Michelle Garza Cervera
- cast
- Natalia Sorian, Alfonso Dosal, Mayra Batala, Mercedes Hernández
- runtime
- 97 minutes
Watch on AMC+
1 “House” (1977) – Japan
Director Nobuhiko Obayashi
House ” is a Japanese surrealist comedy-horror film directed by. Nobuhiko Obayashi This movie is an image-conscious gorgeous (Kimiko Ikegami), they travel to a secluded mansion owned by Gorgeous’s mysterious aunt (Yoko Minamida). Upon arrival, the girls find themselves haunted by supernatural occurrences and gradually begin to be swallowed up by this house.
Obayashi Corporation was inspired by the popularity of American horror films such as: jaws When developing the script for the film, the finished product was completely unique. Exploring themes of femininity and aging through experimental editing and quirky visuals, the film is always fascinating and provocative. It enjoys a strong cult following among horror fans and overseas movie buffs. House is a J-horror work that is far from mainstream and remains underrated.
View on Max
