Though it sounds like a novelty propelled by streaming, global horror has always been there. However, before streaming put it front and center, global horror was a bit more difficult to find. Unfortunately, it was often overshadowed by Hollywood productions.
Thankfully, global terror is now much easier to find. Some of the most unsettling films of the last decade come from all over the world. Not just from the North American or Japanese studios either. Here are 5 horror movies from around the world you’re probably sleeping on. Here we go!
Tigers Are Not Afraid (Mexico)
Issa Lopez’s film lives at the intersection of fairy tale logic and modern Mexico’s very real violence. The movie follows kids who are trying to survive after violence tears their community apart. It mixes real dangers, like cartel drug wars and human trafficking, with ghost stories, and how all of that affects families in Mexico. The movie is definitely worth a watch if you like creepy and emotional stories.
Roqia (Algeria)
The story of Roqia focuses on religious healing rituals commonly performed in Algeria on those deemed cursed or possessed. However, it’s not a typical Hollywood exorcism movie because the beliefs and traditions described are taken very seriously. Roqia is a great movie if you like watching horrors that don’t rely on jump scares, but prefer horror that relies on religion to induce the feeling of dread.
Under the Shadow (Iran)
Under the Shadow is a supernatural horror movie following a mother and daughter living in an apartment in Iran during the 1980’s War of the Cities. On top of having to deal with the bombs that fall and running to the shelters, the two are also haunted by supernatural forces from the Persian folklore. Though the last bit may sound complicated, the movie is actually quite tense, easy to follow. Plus the scares scattered through the film actually feel connected to real-life fear.
His House (South Sudan UK Diaspora)
His House follows a couple who escapes war and moves into a not-so-new home in England. The house is actually possessed by a sort of witch, and their haunting is connected to their culture. It’s also connected to their collective experience and everything they had to do to survive their escape from their war-torn country. The film’s horror is tied to guilt and trauma. It’s definitely worth a watch.
Terrified (Argentina)
Terrified throws us into a regular neighborhood turned nightmare. People are dying and disappearing at the hands of a seemingly invisible force. They’re doing so in very strange manners that are inexplicable to local law enforcement. The movie has some pretty strong scares, fast pacing, and truly creepy scenes, without any confusion as to what’s killing whom.
If you’re used to Hollywood horror, foreign horror movies can often feel scarier, simply because they’re scary in a different way. Unfamiliarity can often breed fear. So, if you’re looking for something that offers more fright than simple jump scares, global horror is a great place to start.
