20 Must-Watch Indian Horror Films That Will Leave You Spellbound
Horror has always been an intriguing genre, captivating audiences with its ability to evoke fear and suspense. But beyond just scaring viewers, a well-made horror film often has something profound to say about society. Indian cinema has produced a wide variety of horror films, from over-the-top spectacles to more nuanced, layered narratives. This post ranks 20 such films, each with its own unique contribution to the genre. These films are the favorites of Team Social, and we highly recommend watching them all the way through.
Number 20: Veerana (1988)
Veerana is a popular horror film from the 80s that remains a favorite among horror enthusiasts. The plot revolves around a vengeful spirit that possesses a young girl to exact her revenge. Directed by the Ramsay Brothers, the film is iconic for its terrifying depiction of ghosts, suspenseful atmosphere, and a touch of seduction. It had everything the Indian audience looked for in a horror film at the time.
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Number 19: Pizza (2012)
The most intriguing horror films are those that add a layer of suspense to their narrative, and Pizza does just that. The story follows a pizza delivery boy, played by Vijay Sethupathi, who encounters a paranormal incident while delivering an order. The film keeps you guessing, and when the suspense finally unfolds, it leaves everyone speechless.
Number 18: Stree franchise(2018-2024)
The Stree franchise is a great combination of humor and horror. The makers based the story on a real-life folklore, which was quite unique. Rarely do we see horror films so deeply rooted in culture. In the second part, the horror was intensified with the introduction of the headless ghost, making both films significant contributors to horror cinema.
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Number 17: Masooda (2022)
Recently released, Masooda tells the story of a mother and daughter whose lives take a dramatic turn when an evil force enters their home. While most of the films on this list are fast-paced, this one has a slower narrative, which complements the story and delivers classic horror moments.
Number 16: Vash (2023)
Vash is a Gujarati horror film that was later remade in Bollywood. The film’s unpredictable screenplay constantly surprises the audience with its horror elements. If you’ve seen both Vash and its Bollywood remake Shaitan, let us know which one you liked more in the comments.
Number 15: Purana Mandir (1984)
This classic film by the Ramsay Brothers entertained audiences with its horror narrative. The story follows a magician who curses a king, leading to violent consequences. The star-studded cast featured many legendary actors of Hindi cinema. You might be surprised to know that Purana Mandir was the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1984, a rare achievement for a horror film.
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Number 14: 1920 (2008)
For many, 1920 was the first film that introduced them to horror cinema. Watching it on television still evokes nostalgia. The film’s simplicity is its strength, presenting a straightforward story that manages to scare viewers every time.
Number 13: Raat (1992)
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Raat took a massive risk in a time when the audience for horror films in India was limited. The industry did not respect the genre, but Varma went ahead with the project and created a perfect blend of horror and suspense.
Number 7: Ek Thi Daayan (2013)
Ek Thi Daayan is a unique film that stands out in the horror genre due to its combination of psychological thriller elements and supernatural horror. The movie follows the story of a magician who becomes entangled in the dark secrets of his past involving a witch. The film skillfully blends mythology and modern-day horror, with impressive performances by Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi, and Kalki Koechlin. The eerie atmosphere and the unexpected twists make Ek Thi Daayan a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
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Number 11: Bulbbul (2020)
Bulbbul showcased a different kind of horror, one that was both scary and thought-provoking. The film explored horror through a feminist lens, a unique perspective since traditional horror has always been male-driven. The character of Tripti challenged this norm, making Bulbbul a significant film in the genre.
Number 10: Pari (2018)
It’s sad that nobody talks about Pari anymore. The film’s greatest strength was its philosophical narrative, which addressed dark societal themes. The makers experimented with the visual language of the film, adding layers to the viewing experience. If you haven’t seen Pari yet, we highly recommend it.
Number 9: Bhoot (2003)
Ram Gopal Varma has explored horror in a way that perhaps no other filmmaker has. There was a time when he made a horror film every year, each with something new to offer. Bhoot is one such film, now considered a cult classic. The plot is simple, but the makers used editing and cinematography to create an environment that ensures you’re bound to get scared.
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Number 8: Raaz (2002)
Raaz brought a new dimension to Bollywood horror. Everyone remembers how terrifying the film was. It uplifted the horror genre in Hindi cinema and marked the beginning of many careers. Raaz was impactful, and its influence can still be felt.
Number 7: 13B (2009)
13B is a horror film that left a lasting impression on everyone who saw it. The narrative follows a family whose life changes completely after moving into a new house. They get a new TV, and soon, the events depicted in the TV serial start happening in real life. The story is so scary that it feels like a bad nightmare. Watch it for the brilliant performance of R. Madhavan.
Number 6: Bhoothakaalam (2019)
A classic horror film’s job isn’t just to scare but also to explore society’s hidden horrors through its narrative, which Bhoothakaalam does masterfully. The film talks about complex emotions like grief and trauma, presenting them in a nuanced manner without spoon-feeding the audience.
Number 5: Lapachhapi (2017)
Lapachhapi is an unfortunate yet shocking Marathi horror film that left audiences stunned. The story follows a couple who encounters a ghost and fights to save their lives. The film’s direction is commendable, with the makers executing it like a thriller to keep the audience engaged until the end.
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Number 4: Darna Mana Hai (2003)
Darna Mana Hai might not be considered as scary today, but it was not a generic horror film. It’s an anthology of six stories, each showcasing horror in a different way. Don’t miss out on the stories featuring Nana Patekar and Vivek Oberoi, and the terrifying smoking story with Boman Irani and Saif Ali Khan.
Number 3: Brahmayugam (2020)
Brahmarakshas is a film that deserves all the praise it gets. The makers constructed a mythical world where the every character here is terrifying on it’s own. In this Mammootty’s character is backbone and he’s always ahead of everyone else in the story and gives chills with his performance. Watching this film will make you realize the depth of original storytelling in Indian cinema.
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Number 2: Tumbbad (2018)
We can all agree that Tumbbad was the first of its kind. The way folklore horror was depicted in the film was nothing short of visionary. The scenes with Hastar are terrifying, visually unlike anything seen before in Bollywood. The screenplay builds the horror so effectively that it will always scare you, no matter how many times you watch it.
Number 1: Welcome Home (2020)
After weeks of discussion, we could have placed any popular film at the number one spot, but we finally decided on Welcome Home. This film is a perfect horror-thriller made on a low budget with a lesser-known cast. Every aspect of the film is perfect. We highly recommend you watch it, and if you’ve already seen it, please drop a comment on what you thought of it.
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Conclusion
Before wrapping up, let us know your top three horror films from this list. We look forward to your interesting opinions, so do drop a comment. That’s a wrap on this post—happy watching!