If you are a fan of good disturbing stories, you have probably ventured into many classics of American cinema. But the world of horror goes well beyond Hollywood – and there are real jewels scattered in different countries that deserve attention.
Hollywood horror films often explore deeper, cultural and psychological fears, often with innovative and impact visual approaches.
In this article, we collected a selection with the first 10 non -Hollywood horror films that you can look at streaming services right now. The list was carefully chosen to ensure that all titles are available on current platforms – after all, many foreign horror films do not stream or are difficult to find.
10 Hollywood horror movies
1. Fear (Such of Two Sisters2003) – South Korea
In this tense and melancholy South Korean psychological terror, two sisters return home after a psychiatric hospitalization and face the oppressive presence of the stepmother and a series of supernatural phenomena that look like a profound family trauma.
Directed by Kim Jee-Woon and played by IM Soo-Jung, Moon Geun-Young and Yum Jung-Ah, “Fear” stands out for the dark atmosphere, visual symbolism and ingenious script.
Acclaimed critical, the film received 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 7.1 on IMDB. Although little known, “fear” is a strong example of the potential of Asian terror outside the Hollywood circuit.
2. [REC] (2007) – Spain
One of the most influential foreign horror films of the 2000s, “[REC]A journalist and his cameraman who covers the firefighters routine in Barcelona follows when suddenly they are trapped in a building where a deadly infection transforms residents into violent creatures.
Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, and starring Manuela Velasco, the film won 89% approval at Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 7.4 on IMDB. Filed in the style of films found, its intensity is almost unbearable and compelling.
3. Under the shadow / the shadow of fear (Under the shadow2016) – Iran / United Kingdom / Jordan
During the Iran-Iran war, a mother struggle to protect her daughter in an increasingly empty building, while a dark entity begins to persecute the two.
Directed by Babak Anvari and played by Narges Rashidi, under the shadow there is a powerful combination of social criticisms, feminism and supernatural terror.
The film won an impressive 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.8 on IMDB, consolidating its place as one of the best Hollywood horror films of the last decade.
4. The evil that dwells us (Cuando Light La Maldad2023) – Argentina
In a small Argentine village, two brothers discover the presence of a possession about to give birth to the absolute evil, and instead of seeking help, try to solve alone – triggering a real nightmare.
Directed by Demián Rugna and intense performances by Ezequiel RodrÃguez and Demián Salomón, “the evil that lives in it” mixes the blood with social criticisms and has caused a feeling in the film festivals.
The film has the approval of 96% at Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 6.5 in IMDB, being one of the most impactable recent works among foreign horror films available in streaming.
5. Zumbi Invasion (train to Busan, 2016) – South Korea
While a zombi virus spreads rapidly throughout South Korea, the passengers of a train that goes to Busan must fight to survive. Directed by Yeon Sang-Ho and played by Gong Yoo, but Dong-Seok and Kim Su-An, the invasion of Zombi is a Russian mountain of emotions, action and social criticism.
With 94% in Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 7.6 in IMDB, it has become a instant classic among the not Hollywood horror films.
6. Climax (Climax2019) – France
A troupe of a dancer celebrates the end of a test with a party that quickly transforms into a psychedelic nightmare when everyone realizes that they are drugged.
Directed by Gaspar Noé, with Sofia Boutella in the main cast, “Climax” is a visual delirium that immerses itself in the physical and emotional discomfort of the characters. Although it is not a conventional terror, its impact is undeniable.
The film received 69% approval at Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 6.9 on IMDB, guaranteeing a place in this list of Hollywood horror films for audacity and suffocating tension.
7. Verónica (2018) – Spain
After playing with an orientation table during a solar eclipse, a teenager begins to be persecuted by the evil forces who threaten his family. Inspired by a real police case in Madrid, Verónica was directed by Paco Plaza and has Sandra Scacena in the main role.
The film became a sensation on Netflix because it was considered “impossible to end” by some spectators.
With 88% in Rotten Tomatoes and Notes 6.2 in IMDB, it stands out between the Hollywood horror films for the balanced family emotion and the supernatural horror.
8. Ring – The Call (Ring1998) – Japan
When a journalist investigates the mysterious death of teenagers after seeing a video of ribbon, he discovers a curse that kills seven days after contacting the recording.
Directed by Hideo Nakata and played by Nanako Matsushima and Hiroyuki Sanada, “Ringu” was a milestone in Japanese terror and inspired numerous remakes – the most famous is the American version “The Call”.
The original production has the approval of 97% in Rotten Tomatoes and 7.2 in IMDB, being one of the essential works of Asian terror and productions outside Hollywood.
9.Llorona2019) – Guatemala
In this Guatemade version of the Latin American legend, a former dictator accused of indigenous genocide begins to be persecuted by a supernatural force inside his home. “In Chorona” was directed by Jayro Bustamante and played by MarÃa Mercedes Coroy and Sabrina de la Hoz.
With a political approach and a poetic aspect, the film won 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.6 on IMDB. Forget Hollywood’s generic terror: here we have one of the most elegant and disturbing foreign horror films of recent times.
10. Oldboy (2003) – South Korea
Although it is not a traditional terror, “Oldboy” has elements of psychological horror so intense that it is impossible to ignore it. In history, a man is held for 15 years without knowing why and, when released, an investigation begins that will lead him to a cruel truth.
Directed by Park Chan-Wook and played by Choi Min-Sik and Yoo Ji-Tae, the film is known for its shocking plot and one of the greatest twists of cinema.
With the approval of 82% in Rotten Tomatoes and 8.4 in IMDB, it is a milestone between the did not Hollywood horror films with a strong psychological and existential component.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
