10 Terrifying Korean Movies to Watch This Halloween Night: A Mix of Horror, Thrills, and Psychological Tension
Korean cinema has gained a reputation for producing some of the most intense, atmospheric, and innovative horror films. Whether you're a fan of supernatural hauntings, psychological horror, or gore-filled thrillers, Korean filmmakers know how to get under your skin. This Halloween, treat yourself to a night of spine-chilling movies from Korea, each offering a unique approach to terror that is guaranteed to haunt you long after the credits roll.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 must-watch Korean horror films, including viewer reviews from Reddit, YouTube, and other platforms to help you decide which movie will send shivers down your spine. So, grab your snacks, turn off the lights, and prepare for a thrilling Halloween.
1. Train to Busan (2016)
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
When it comes to Korean horror films, Train to Busan is always top of the list. This zombie apocalypse film follows a group of passengers trapped on a high-speed train as a mysterious virus turns people into violent, rabid creatures. With its fast pace, emotionally charged storyline, and relentless zombie attacks, Train to Busan keeps viewers at the edge of their seats.
What viewers say:
Reddit: User ZombieHunter22 wrote, “I’ve seen my fair share of zombie movies, but Train to Busan hits different. The emotional depth mixed with the sheer terror of the undead is unmatched.”
YouTube: A fan commented on a review video by HorrorBuff, “It’s not just about zombies; the movie explores human relationships, sacrifices, and fear. I cried and screamed at the same time.”
X: “I didn’t expect a zombie movie to make me tear up like that. Definitely watching this again this Halloween!” tweeted @horrorlover88.
2. The Wailing (2016)
Director: Na Hong-jin
The Wailing is a masterpiece of slow-burn horror, mixing elements of mystery, superstition, and the supernatural. When a small village is plagued by a series of mysterious deaths and illnesses, a local policeman investigates, only to find himself caught in an increasingly horrifying chain of events. This film excels in creating a suffocating sense of dread and confusion, leading to a shocking climax.
What viewers say:
Reddit: ScaredyKat10 posted, “The atmosphere in The Wailing is incredible. It’s slow, but it grips you. By the end, I was questioning everything. It stays with you long after.”
Letterboxd: A review said, “This is one of those films where every frame feels like it’s leading you somewhere terrifying. The ending had me speechless.”
YouTube: On a horror discussion channel, one fan said, “If you’re into movies where nothing is clear until the very end, this is the one. The blend of folklore and horror is so unsettling.”
3. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
Director: Kim Jee-woon
One of the most acclaimed Korean horror films, A Tale of Two Sisters is a psychological horror-thriller that plays on family tensions, trauma, and supernatural elements. Based on a traditional Korean folktale, the film tells the story of two sisters who return home after a stay in a mental institution, only to be tormented by disturbing visions and their cruel stepmother.
What viewers say:
Reddit: PsychThrilLover shared, “This is a haunting and beautiful movie. The scares are slow and psychological rather than jump scares, which makes it all the more disturbing.”
YouTube: On the channel CreepyCinema, a commenter said, “I’ve watched this movie several times, and I still find something new every time. It’s a deeply emotional horror experience.”
X: “The subtlety of the horror in A Tale of Two Sisters is what makes it so terrifying. Not everything is spelled out, and that makes your imagination run wild,” tweeted @FilmFreak93.
4. I Saw the Devil (2010)
Director: Kim Jee-woon
For fans of more violent, gore-filled horror, I Saw the Devil is a must-watch. This revenge thriller follows a secret agent who goes after a sadistic serial killer after his fiancée is brutally murdered. While it’s more of a psychological horror-thriller, the brutality and tension make it a terrifying watch.
What viewers say:
Reddit: DarkVengeance18 wrote, “This film is not for the faint of heart. It’s incredibly intense, and the way it flips the hunter-prey dynamic is genius.”
Letterboxd: “This isn’t your typical horror, but the violence and the psychological games will leave you chilled to the bone.”
YouTube: One viewer commented on a review by ThrillSeekers, “It’s more terrifying because of how real it feels. The violence is brutal, but the psychological aspect is what really got to me.”
5. The Host (2006)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
From Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, The Host is a creature feature with social commentary woven into its narrative. When a monstrous creature emerges from the Han River and wreaks havoc on Seoul, a dysfunctional family must come together to rescue their youngest member, who has been taken by the beast.
What viewers say:
Reddit: MonsterMadness13 said, “This movie has it all—creepy monsters, dark humor, and a deep underlying message. It’s perfect for a Halloween movie marathon.”
X: “The Host is more than a monster movie. It’s a brilliant satire with a heart-pounding thriller. Bong Joon-ho does it again!” tweeted @CinemaGuru.
YouTube: In the comments of a FilmGeeks video, a fan wrote, “The balance between horror, humor, and family drama is what makes this movie stand out. It’s smart and terrifying at the same time.”
6. The Call (2020)
Director: Lee Chung-hyun
The Call is a mind-bending time-travel thriller that mixes horror with mystery. A young woman discovers that she can communicate with a woman living in the same house 20 years in the past. But when she tries to change the past to save lives, she unknowingly unleashes a terrifying chain of events.
What viewers say:
Reddit: TimeTwisterFan posted, “The twists in The Call are absolutely insane. Every time you think you have it figured out, it throws something new at you. The final twist had me in shock.”
X: “I haven’t seen a thriller this intense in a long time. The tension builds until you feel like you’re going to explode,” tweeted @ThrillerBuff.
YouTube: On MovieMania’s review video, a commenter said, “This is one of the best time-travel horrors I’ve seen. It’s eerie, unpredictable, and the performances are top-notch.”
7. The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)
Director: Park Hoon-jung
This action-horror hybrid offers a mix of supernatural elements and intense combat scenes. The story revolves around a young girl with mysterious powers who is hunted by a secret organization. As her past comes back to haunt her, the film takes a dark turn, blending psychological horror with shocking violence.
What viewers say:
Reddit: ActionHorrorFan commented, “I went into this expecting an action movie, but there’s a lot more horror in it than I anticipated. It gets brutal, fast.”
Letterboxd: One review said, “It’s like Stranger Things meets Oldboy. The fight scenes are thrilling, but the horror elements are what left me shaken.”
YouTube: “I was not prepared for how dark this movie gets. The shift in tone halfway through is brilliant,” said a commenter on a FilmFanatics video.
8. Forgotten (2017)
Director: Jang Hang-jun
Forgotten is a psychological thriller that plays with memory and perception, leading to some truly terrifying moments. The film follows Jin-seok, who begins to suspect something is horribly wrong with his brother after he returns from a mysterious kidnapping. As he digs deeper, the truth he uncovers is more horrifying than he could have imagined.
What viewers say:
Reddit: MindGamesHorror wrote, “This movie had me questioning everything. The way it unravels is so clever and creepy.”
X: “The plot twists in Forgotten blew my mind. It’s such an underrated psychological thriller,” tweeted @ThrillJunkie.
YouTube: In a review by ScaredSenseless, a fan commented, “This is a movie that will mess with your head. It starts as a mystery and ends as a full-blown nightmare.”
9. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)
Director: Jung Bum-shik
For fans of found-footage horror, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is a must-watch. The film follows a group of people who decide to livestream their visit to a notorious haunted asylum. As they venture deeper into the asylum, they begin to experience terrifying paranormal phenomena that
spiral out of control. The found-footage style enhances the horror, making you feel like you're experiencing the haunting firsthand. The tension builds slowly, but once it ramps up, Gonjiam becomes a relentless ride of scares.
What viewers say:
Reddit: GhostHunter77 said, “This is one of the scariest found-footage films I’ve ever seen. The atmosphere is suffocating, and the scares feel so real because of the way it’s shot.”
X: “I don’t usually get scared by found-footage films, but Gonjiam had me jumping out of my seat. Definitely one to watch with the lights off,” tweeted @HauntedAddict.
YouTube: In a review by TheShivers, a fan commented, “The buildup is perfect. By the time things start happening, you’re already on edge. It’s one of the best Korean horror films for a reason.”
10. Thirst (2009)
Director: Park Chan-wook
From the director of Oldboy comes Thirst, a unique take on the vampire genre. The film tells the story of a Catholic priest who becomes a vampire after a medical experiment goes wrong. Struggling with his newfound thirst for blood and his repressed desires, the priest’s life spirals into chaos. Thirst mixes horror, eroticism, and dark humor in a way that only Park Chan-wook can.
What viewers say:
Reddit: VampFanatic shared, “This is not your typical vampire movie. It’s dark, sensual, and disturbing. The moral dilemmas make it even more unsettling.”
Letterboxd: “Park Chan-wook takes the vampire mythos and turns it on its head. The relationship dynamics are as horrifying as the bloodshed,” one reviewer wrote.
YouTube: A commenter on CinemaTalks said, “Thirst is the kind of horror movie that sticks with you. It’s beautifully shot and hauntingly eerie.”
Honorable Mentions
While the top 10 list offers a wide range of horror experiences, here are a few more films that nearly made the cut and are definitely worth your Halloween watch:
Peninsula (2020): The sequel to Train to Busan, offering more zombie action with a post-apocalyptic twist.
The Silenced (2015): A mystery-horror film set in a boarding school with eerie supernatural undertones.
The Mimic (2017): A haunting story based on a Korean urban legend about a creature that mimics human voices.
Korean horror films are renowned for their ability to blend genres, delivering terror with a side of emotional depth and complex characters. Whether you’re in the mood for zombie apocalypses, ghostly hauntings, psychological thrillers, or supernatural folklore, there’s something on this list to terrify every horror fan.
The beauty of Korean horror lies not only in its scare factor but also in its willingness to explore deeper themes like grief, guilt, and the human condition. This Halloween, immerse yourself in these chilling tales, and let the dread, tension, and terror wash over you. Viewer reactions across platforms highlight the powerful impact these films have had on audiences worldwide, proving that the scares go beyond the screen.
So, which of these will you dare to watch this Halloween night? As one Reddit user put it, “Korean horror doesn’t just scare you—it makes you think, feel, and scream all at the same time.”
Happy Halloween, and may your nightmares be filled with the most chilling scenes from Korean cinema.
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