1. The Eye (2002)
Director: Pang Brothers
The Eye (2002) is a Hong Kong supernatural horror film directed by the Pang brothers, Oxide Pang Chun and Danny Pang. The film has gained a significant following and is known for its chilling atmosphere and compelling narrative, focusing on themes of sight, perception, and the supernatural.
2. Ringu (1998)
Director: Hideo Nakata
Ringu (1998) is a Japanese supernatural horror film directed by Hideo Nakata, based on the novel by Koji Suzuki. The film is a seminal work in the J-horror genre and is credited with popularizing Japanese horror cinema internationally, leading to a wave of remakes and adaptations.
3. The Ghost Inside (2016)
Director: Lee Cheuk-Keung
The Ghost Inside (2016) is a Chinese horror film directed by Herman Yau. The film tells the story of a young mother, Lin Xiaoyue, who escapes from her abusive husband, taking her young daughter with her. They move into a new apartment, but soon discover that it is haunted by the spirit of a previous tenant—a mother who tragically threw her daughter out of a window before taking her own life.
4. Painted Skin (2008)
Director: Gordon Chan
Painted Skin (2008) is a Chinese fantasy horror film directed by Gordon Chan, inspired by the classic short story from Pu Songling’s Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. The film features a star-studded cast, including Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Donnie Yen, and Zhao Wei.
5. The Wailing (2016)
Director: Na Hong-jin
The Wailing (2016) is a South Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin, blending elements of supernatural horror, mystery, and psychological thriller. The film has received widespread acclaim for its intricate storytelling, atmospheric tension, and exploration of cultural themes.
6. The Seventh Curse (1986)
Director: Lam Ngai Kai
The Seventh Curse (1986) is a Hong Kong action horror film directed by Lam Ngai Kai and based on Ni Kuang’s Dr. Yuen Series. The film combines elements of adventure, fantasy, and horror, featuring a blend of supernatural themes and martial arts.
7. The Enchanting Phantom (2004)
Director: Yip Wai-Man
The Enchanting Phantom (2020) is a Chinese fantasy romance film directed by Lin Zhenzhao. It is a modern adaptation of the classic story “Nie Xiaoqian” from the collection Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling. The film combines elements of adventure, drama, and fantasy, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural.
8. The House That Never Dies (2014)
Director: Raymond Yip
The House That Never Dies (2014) is a Chinese supernatural thriller directed by Raymond Yip. The film is based on the legend surrounding a notorious mansion located at No. 81 Chaoyangmennei Street in Beijing, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Kuomintang official’s wife who committed suicide during the Cultural Revolution.
9. Soul (2013)
Director: Derek Chiu
Soul (2013) is a Taiwanese horror film directed by Chung Mong-hong. The film explores themes of possession, identity, and familial trauma, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements. It was selected as Taiwan’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination.
10. The Righteous (2022)
Director: Chung Chi-Hung
The Righteous (2021) is a Canadian psychological thriller directed by Mark O’Brien, who also stars in the film alongside Henry Czerny and Mimi Kuzyk. The film delves into themes of guilt, faith, and the moral complexities faced by its characters, creating a tense atmosphere that blurs the lines between horror and drama.