India has a rich tradition of horror cinema dating back decades. From classic supernatural thrillers to modern psychological horror, Indian filmmakers have created some truly terrifying and memorable movies in the genre. Whether in Hindi, Tamil, or other languages, these films have captivated audiences with their chilling stories, haunting visuals, and unforgettable scares.
In this blog post, we’ll count down the 20 best horror movies in India that any fan of the genre must watch. Spanning the history of Indian horror cinema, this list includes influential classics, cult favorites, blockbuster hits, and critically-acclaimed gems from across the country.
So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into the best that Indian horror has to offer! Here are the 20 best horror movies in India, ranked:
20. Mahal (1949)
One of the earliest horror films in Hindi cinema, Mahal is a classic ghost story that set the template for many Indian horror movies to come. The film stars Madhubala as a mysterious woman who may be the reincarnation of the ghost of a man’s (Ashok Kumar) former lover.
With its atmospheric black-and-white cinematography, haunting songs, and central mystery, Mahal builds an eerie, dreamlike mood. Its huge success made it a trendsetter, establishing common Indian horror tropes like reincarnation, ancestral curses, and old mansions. While its scares may feel tame by today’s standards, the film remains a hugely influential and important work in the history of Indian horror. Its iconic song “Aayega Aanewala” is still remembered today.
19. Bees Saal Baad (1962)
Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles”, Bees Saal Baad transplants that classic mystery to an Indian setting. 20 years after a brutal murder, the supposed killer returns to terrorize the family of the man he killed. But is the culprit actually a vengeful spirit?
Bees Saal Baad builds suspense and an unsettling atmosphere as it unravels its central mystery. The black-and-white cinematography, gothic sets, and dramatic lighting create a strong sense of dread. With memorable songs and solid performances from its cast, especially Biswajeet and Waheeda Rehman, the film became a major hit. Its success further solidified horror as a viable commercial genre in 1960s Hindi cinema.
18. Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche (1972)
Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche is a campy cult classic that blends horror with dark humor. A greedy man murders his business partner, only to then be stalked by his zombie-like corpse seeking revenge from beyond the grave.
The film fully embraces a pulpy, over-the-top tone with its absurd plot, wacky comedy, and cheap makeup effects. But it also delivers some genuinely creepy moments with its undead villain. Iconic comedic actor Mehmood stars as the unscrupulous man whose sins come back to haunt him. While not a “scary” film per se, Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche represents the more schlocky and low-brow side of Indian horror in the 1970s. It’s a fun, goofy ride for fans of zombie films and horror-comedies.
17. Gehrayee (1980)
Gehrayee is a more serious and ambitious horror film that grapples with themes of guilt, trauma, and the supernatural. After tragically causing a car accident that kills a young girl, a man becomes haunted by her vengeful spirit.
The film takes a more psychological approach to its horror, portraying the main character’s slow descent into madness. Gehrayee features trippy and surreal sequences depicting his hallucinations and nightmares. With its somber tone, thematic depth, and arthouse sensibilities, the film was a departure from the pulpier horror films of the time. It showed that Indian horror could be more than just cheap thrills and tackled complex emotional and mental states. Though not a big commercial success, Gehrayee has gained appreciation over the years for its bold experimentation with the genre.
16. Purana Mandir (1984)
Purana Mandir is an entertaining and influential Hindi horror movie from the famous Ramsay Brothers. In this supernatural tale, an ancient demonic entity called Samri is accidentally freed from captivity in an old temple. It then terrorizes and possesses the family of the man who released it.
The film is a prime example of the Ramsay Brothers’ kitschy and lurid style of horror. It’s packed with their signature elements like tantra-mantra, creepy creatures, gore, and titillating sleaze. The monster Samri, with its giant head and bug eyes, is an iconic and enduring creation. Purana Mandir was a major box office hit that spawned multiple sequels and imitators. It’s a must-watch for fans of schlocky 80s horror and anyone curious about this unique brand of “Ramsay horror”.
15. Veerana (1988)
Another Ramsay Brothers cult classic, Veerana is a wild horror film with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach. It combines a dizzying array of horror elements into its convoluted plot, from a vengeful female spirit to an evil tantric sorcerer to a deformed monster.
Like Purana Mandir, Veerana delivers the Ramsay’s trademark mix of scares, sleaze, and unintentional hilarity. The monster Nikita, a deformed man with a giant head, is another memorably bizarre creation. With its wacky plot twists, gratuitous violence and nudity, and hammy acting, the film is a gonzo horror experience. Veerana was also a box office hit that further cemented the Ramsay brand. It’s an entertaining watch for fans of campy, low-budget 80s horror.
14. Raat (1992)
Raat is a more polished and well-crafted horror movie from director Ram Gopal Varma. It tells the story of a young woman named Manisha who is possessed by the spirit of a dead person. Her sister and brother-in-law seek the help of a psychiatrist to cure her condition.
Raat is notable for its stylish visuals, atmospheric setting, and psychological approach to horror. Varma uses lighting, shadows, and camera angles to create a moody and unsettling vibe throughout. The film also features some shocking and well-executed scary moments. Revathi gives a committed performance as the possessed Manisha. Raat showed that Indian horror could be more sophisticated in terms of storytelling and technique. It’s an effective and chilling film that holds up well today.
13. Junoon (1992)
Junoon is a unique Indian horror film that features a were-tiger as its central monster. After being scratched by a tiger, a man slowly transforms into a bloodthirsty human-tiger hybrid. He stalks and kills various people, while his girlfriend investigates his strange condition.
Junoon benefits from high production values, stylish cinematography, and elaborate makeup effects for its monster. The were-tiger is a memorable and fearsome creation, and the transformation scenes are well-done. The film also has an interesting mythological angle involving were-tigers in Indian folklore. Rahul Roy and Pooja Bhatt star as the central couple. While not a major hit, Junoon gained a cult following over the years. It’s worth checking out as a distinctive and well-made Indian take on the werewolf sub-genre.
12. Sangharsh (1999)
Sangharsh is a tense and disturbing thriller about the hunt for a religious ritualistic serial killer who targets children. A CBI officer played by Akshay Kumar races against time to track down the elusive psychopath before he claims his next victim.
While more of a thriller than a traditional horror film, Sangharsh has some genuinely frightening and unnerving moments. The villain, played menacingly by Ashutosh Rana, is a chilling creation who performs brutal tantric rituals on his child victims. The film maintains a sense of dread and suspense throughout as the cop and killer engage in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Sangharsh also benefits from a strong lead performance by Akshay Kumar and stylish direction by Tanuja Chandra. It was a sleeper hit that showed Indian horror could tackle dark and serious subject matter. While disturbing and not for the faint of heart, Sangharsh is a gripping and well-made thriller.
11. Raaz (2002)
Raaz is a glossy and popular supernatural horror film that kicked off a successful franchise. It tells the story of a couple who move into a new house, only to find it haunted by a ghostly presence. The spirit is connected to secrets from the couple’s past.
Raaz was a trend-setter for a newer, slicker style of Hindi horror in the early 2000s. With its attractive lead couple, hit music, and higher budget, it made horror films more mainstream and accessible. The film also benefits from a genuinely creepy performance by Malini Sharma as the vengeful ghost.
While not the scariest or most original horror movie, Raaz executes its familiar plot well with solid performances and production values. It spawned multiple sequels and imitators, making it an influential franchise in modern Indian horror. The film is a polished and entertaining supernatural thriller that’s worth checking out.
10. Bhoot (2003)
Bhoot is an effective and well-crafted horror movie from Ram Gopal Varma. It follows a married couple who move into a new apartment that is haunted by the ghost of its previous resident. The wife becomes possessed by the malevolent spirit.
Bhoot creates a strong atmosphere of dread and unease through its unsettling visuals and sound design. Varma uses camera angles, lighting, and editing to generate suspense and scares. The film also features some well-executed jump scares and creepy moments.
Urmila Matondkar gives a committed performance as the possessed wife, convincingly portraying her character’s physical and mental deterioration. Ajay Devgn is also solid as the desperate husband trying to save her. With its polished craftsmanship and genuine chills, Bhoot is one of the best and scariest Indian horror films of the 2000s. It’s a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror.
9. Darna Mana Hai (2003)
Darna Mana Hai is a unique and ambitious horror anthology film featuring six short stories. The stories cover different sub-genres of horror, from a supernatural curse to a killer clown to a zombie attack. They are all linked by a framing device involving people telling scary stories around a campfire.
As with any anthology, some segments are stronger than others. But overall, Darna Mana Hai is a solid and entertaining collection of horror tales. The stories are inventive and varied, delivering different flavors of scares and twists.
The film benefits from a strong ensemble cast featuring many notable actors like Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, Shilpa Shetty, and Sohail Khan. With its novel format and mix of styles, Darna Mana Hai was a breath of fresh air for Indian horror cinema. It’s a fun and breezy watch for fans of horror anthologies and anyone looking for some quick thrills.
8. Phoonk (2008)
Phoonk is a supernatural horror film that taps into the rich traditions of black magic and superstition in India. It tells the story of a skeptical man who must confront the reality of an evil spell cast on his daughter by a vengeful occultist.
The film creates a moody atmosphere with its dimly-lit visuals and ominous score. It also features some genuinely creepy and unsettling imagery, like voodoo dolls and possessed children. Phoonk explores the clash between modern rationality and ancient superstitions.
Sudeep gives a strong lead performance as the logical man slowly forced to accept the existence of the supernatural. The film also benefits from Amruta Khanvilkar’s unnerving turn as the villainous black magic practitioner. Phoonk was a box office hit that spawned a sequel. It’s an effective and chilling film that plays on deep-seated fears and beliefs in Indian society.
7. 13B (2009)
13B is a unique and clever supernatural thriller with an inventive premise. A TV-obsessed family moves into a new apartment numbered 13B. They begin to notice eerie similarities between the events of a daily soap opera and their real lives.
The film creates a strong sense of mystery and unease as the line between fiction and reality blurs for the family. 13B also offers insightful social commentary on the ways in which television and superstition can influence people’s lives.
Madhavan anchors the film with his relatable performance as the everyman protagonist investigating the strange events. Neetu Chandra and Poonam Dhillon also deliver solid supporting turns. With its original concept and thought-provoking themes, 13B is an intelligent and well-crafted supernatural mystery. It’s a fresh and gripping take on the haunted house sub-genre.
6. Arundhati (2009)
Arundhati is an epic Telugu supernatural thriller that became a blockbuster hit. The film tells the story of the titular character, a brave queen who defeats an evil sorcerer. Generations later, her descendant must face the sorcerer’s vengeful spirit that has returned.
Arundhati is a lavish and grand horror film with stunning visuals, elaborate sets and costumes, and stylish action sequences. It blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and history with its horror plot. The film features memorable villains in the sorcerer and his creepy female companion.
Anushka Shetty gives a star-making dual performance as both the heroic queen and her modern-day descendant. The rest of the cast is also excellent, including Sonu Sood as the sorcerer. With its epic scope, visual splendor, and mix of genres, Arundhati is an entertaining and larger-than-life supernatural thriller. It’s a must-watch for fans of fantasy-horror and South Indian cinema.
5. Pisaasu (2014)
Pisaasu is a Tamil horror film that takes a more emotional and romantic approach to the genre. It tells the story of a young violinist who becomes attached to the ghost of a woman who saves him from a car accident. He tries to uncover the mystery of her death.
Unlike many horror films that portray ghosts as vengeful and evil, Pisaasu presents a more sympathetic and tragic spirit. The film focuses on the unusual relationship between the man and the ghost, creating poignant and bittersweet moments.
Naga and Prayaga Martin have heartfelt chemistry together, selling the emotional core of the story. Pisaasu also features beautiful and melancholic music that enhances the mood. With its focus on character and emotion over scares, the film is a refreshing change of pace for Indian horror. It’s a moving and well-acted supernatural drama with light horror elements.
4. Ezra (2017)
Ezra is a Malayalam horror film that draws on Jewish mythology and folklore. It follows an antique dealer who becomes possessed by the dybbuk (malevolent spirit) of a dead Jewish man. His wife and a rabbi work to uncover the mystery behind the spirit to save him.
The film creates an eerie and ominous atmosphere with its dimly-lit cinematography and unsettling score. It also features some genuinely creepy and well-executed scares, including a memorable exorcism sequence. Ezra explores the rich history and traditions of the Jewish community in Kerala.
Prithviraj Sukumaran gives a strong lead performance, convincingly portraying both the normal and possessed sides of his character. Priya Anand and Tovino Thomas provide able support as his wife and the rabbi. With its unique cultural context and effective horror elements, Ezra is a welcome addition to Indian horror cinema. It’s a chilling and well-crafted supernatural thriller.
3. Stree (2018)
Stree is a clever and entertaining horror-comedy that became a surprise blockbuster hit. Set in a small town, it tells the story of a female spirit who abducts men at night. A group of friends band together to unravel the mystery and stop her.
The film perfectly balances laughs and scares, delivering a consistently engaging and enjoyable ride. It also offers insightful social commentary on gender roles and superstitions in small-town India. Stree subverts typical horror tropes by making the spirit a woman who targets men.
Rajkummar Rao leads the cast with his charming and comic performance as the tailor Vicky. Shraddha Kapoor is alluring as the mysterious woman who may be connected to the spirit. Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee provide hilarious support as Vicky’s friends. With its witty script, quirky characters, and blend of genres, Stree is a fresh and original horror-comedy. It’s a must-watch for fans of both laughs and scares.
2. Tumbbad (2018)
Tumbbad is a visually stunning and thematically rich horror film that draws on Indian mythology and history. Set in the early 20th century, it tells the story of a man’s obsessive search for a hidden treasure in the village of Tumbbad. The treasure is connected to a monstrous god.
The film creates an immersive and eerie atmosphere with its lush cinematography, detailed production design, and unsettling score. It also features some genuinely terrifying and well-crafted horror sequences, including a creepy monster. Tumbbad explores weighty themes like greed, morality, and the cycles of violence.
Sohum Shah anchors the film with his intense and committed performance as the antihero protagonist consumed by greed. The rest of the cast is also excellent, including Mohammad Samad as his son. With its artistic craftsmanship, thematic depth, and effective scares, Tumbbad is a rare and ambitious horror film. It’s an instant classic of Indian horror cinema that should not be missed.
1. Bulbbul (2020)
Bulbbul is a hauntingly beautiful and socially relevant supernatural thriller from director Anvita Dutt. Set in 19th century Bengal, it tells the story of a young woman who is married off as a child bride to an older man. When mysterious deaths start occurring in her village, rumors spread of a vengeful witch.
The film creates a mesmerizing and poetic atmosphere with its gorgeous cinematography, lush colors, and dreamlike score. It also delivers some chilling and shocking moments of horror and violence. At its core, Bulbbul is a powerful exploration of trauma, oppression, and empowerment through a supernatural lens.
Tripti Dimri gives a captivating and layered performance as the titular character, portraying both her innocence and strength. Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, and Rahul Bose provide excellent support as the men who shape and complicate Bulbbul’s life. By turns beautiful, frightening, and thought-provoking, Bulbbul is a one-of-a-kind horror film. It’s an artistic and socially conscious masterpiece that cements the exciting future of the genre in India.
As we’ve seen, the rich and varied tradition of Indian horror cinema has produced many terrifying, entertaining, and thought-provoking films over the years. From golden age classics to 80s schlock to modern-day masterpieces, Indian filmmakers have put their own unique stamp on the genre.
Whether drawing on ancient mythology, religious superstition, or socio-political realities, these films reflect the deepest fears and anxieties of Indian society. They also showcase the immense talent and creativity of the writers, directors, and actors who bring these nightmares to life on screen. So if you’re a fan of horror movies and looking to expand your horizons, do yourself a favor and seek out these 20 essential Indian horror films.
