Top Southeast Asian Films to Haunt Your Halloween
There are many ways people celebrate Halloween — from dressing up and decorating to indulging in a good scare. One of the most popular traditions, though, is curling up with some popcorn and a spooky movie. This Halloween, why not switch things up and explore the chilling side of Southeast Asia? From chilling tales to psychological thrillers, these top Southeast Asian films will haunt your Halloween in the best way possible.
Death Whisperer (2023) – Thailand
How scared are you of the dark? Death Whisperer (also known as Tee Yod) is a 2023 Thai supernatural horror that plunges a 1970s rural village into terror.
The story follows a family confronted by a mysterious spirit, leading to eerie visions, chilling encounters, and unsettling whispers that make it impossible to look away. Perfect for a spine-tingling Halloween watch, this film brings Southeast Asian folklore to life in a way that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
Roh (2019) – Malaysia
We all know that even nature can be scary and Roh is prime proof. Roh (2019) is a Malaysian folk horror film directed by Emir Ezwan that immerses viewers in a haunting forest setting where a family’s quiet life is disrupted by a mysterious visitor.
Rooted in Malay folklore, the film builds tension through atmosphere, symbolism, and psychological dread rather than cheap jump scares. Minimalist yet masterful, Roh is a standout in Southeast Asia’s wave of low-budget folk horror, offering a chilling and artful exploration of fear, grief, and the supernatural.
Dukun (2018) – Malaysia
Have you ever heard of a film that was under a ban before it came out? Dukun is that film. Dukun is a 2018 Malaysian horror-thriller that blends occult practices with tense courtroom drama. Loosely inspired by real-life events, the film explores black magic, power, and the dark consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.
Long banned and shrouded in controversy, Dukun delivers a chilling atmosphere, strong performances, and a uniquely Malaysian take on supernatural horror, making it a must-watch for fans looking for something eerie and unsettling this Halloween.
Satan’s Slaves (2017) – Indonesia
Take a chance with the film that is Satan’s Slaves. Satan’s Slaves (Pengabdi Setan) is a 2017 Indonesian supernatural horror film by Joko Anwar that reimagines a 1980 classic for a new generation.
It follows a family haunted by the death of their mother, whose passing unleashes terrifying forces tied to dark secrets from the past. Blending emotional depth with unrelenting tension, the film delivers both genuine scares and heartfelt moments — a rare mix that makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable modern horrors.
Kisapmata (1981) – Philippines
Here is a film that shows that families can sometimes be the scariest. Kisapmata (1981) is a landmark Filipino psychological horror directed by Mike de Leon that proves the scariest monsters aren’t always supernatural.
Focusing on family dysfunction and the suffocating control of an overbearing father, the film builds tension through raw domestic realism rather than jump scares or ghosts. Praised for its chilling atmosphere and influential storytelling, Kisapmata remains a cornerstone of Philippine cinema and a haunting exploration of power, authority, and fear within the home.
