An Exploration of the Best Horror Movies from Around the World
Horror movies are a popular form of entertainment, and they have been around for decades. There are many countries that produce their own horror movies, some of which have become iconic. So, what country outside of the USA makes the best horror movies? In this article, we'll explore some of the best horror movies from around the world.
Japan
Japan has been producing horror movies for over 50 years, and many of them have achieved international acclaim. One of the most famous Japanese horror movies is Ringu, released in 1998. The movie follows a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that causes its viewers to die within seven days. This movie was remade in the USA in 2002 as The Ring, starring Naomi Watts.
South Korea
South Korea has become a major player in the horror movie genre in recent years. Movies such as The Wailing and Train to Busan have become international hits, thanks to their unique blend of horror and drama. South Korean horror movies often focus on supernatural elements, as well as the psychological effects of fear.
France
France has a long history of producing horror movies, with some of the earliest movies in the genre being French. One of the most famous French horror movies is Les Diaboliques, released in 1955. The movie follows two women who conspire to murder the abusive husband of one of them. The movie is a classic example of French horror, with its slow-burning tension and atmosphere of dread.
Mexico
Mexico has been producing its own brand of horror movies for decades. Many of these movies focus on the supernatural, such as the popular movie El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth). This movie follows a young girl who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and the sinister creature that lives in it. The movie is a classic example of Mexican horror, combining horror and fantasy elements in a unique way.
Australia
Australia is home to many talented filmmakers, and horror is no exception. One of the most acclaimed Australian horror movies is The Babadook, released in 2014. The movie follows a single mother and her son who are terrorized by a mysterious creature. The movie is a unique blend of horror and drama, and it earned critical acclaim for its originality.
India
India is known for its vibrant film industry, and horror movies are no exception. One of the most popular Indian horror movies is Bhool Bhulaiyaa, released in 2007. The movie follows a group of people who get lost in an ancient palace and find themselves haunted by supernatural forces. The movie is an effective blend of horror and comedy, and it has become a cult classic.
Ranking the Scariest Horror Movies from Non-US Countries
Horror movies are a globally beloved genre, with fans all over the world. Non-US countries have been producing some of the scariest horror movies for decades. From classic and iconic horror films to newer, grittier stories, these horror movies are sure to make you jump and have you sleeping with the lights on.
Japan's Ju-On and Ringu
Japanese horror movies are some of the most iconic and classic horror films to come out of non-US countries. The Ju-On and Ringu series are some of the most recognizable horror franchises to come out of Japan. Ju-On, or The Grudge, follows a curse that is left by a murdered woman, while Ringu, or The Ring, tells the story of a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it after seven days. Both franchises have spawned several sequels and remakes in other countries.
South Korea's A Tale of Two Sisters
South Korea has been producing some of the most innovative horror films in the last few years. A Tale of Two Sisters, released in 2003, is a psychological horror film about two sisters who move into their father's new home with their stepmother. The movie is filled with eerie visuals and an unsettling atmosphere that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Australia's The Babadook
The Babadook is an Australian horror film directed by Jennifer Kent. The movie follows a single mother and her troubled son as they are terrorized by a mysterious creature called the Babadook. The movie is a psychological thriller and uses dark visuals and a tense atmosphere to keep viewers on the edge of their seat.
Mexico's We Are What We Are
We Are What We Are is a Mexican horror film released in 2013. The movie follows a family of cannibals living in a remote Mexican village. The movie is a slow-burn horror film that relies on atmosphere and suspense to keep viewers hooked. The movie is filled with shocking twists and an intense ending that will leave you breathless.
France's Martyrs
Martyrs is a French horror film released in 2008. The movie follows two women who are searching for answers to their past. The movie is a brutal and violent horror film that will have you gripping your seat. Martyrs is filled with shocking visuals and a disturbing atmosphere that will leave you speechless.
The Top 5 Horror Movies from Non-US Countries
When it comes to horror movies, the USA is the country that usually comes to mind. But there are some great horror movies that come from other countries too. Let’s look at some of the best horror movies from non-US countries.
1. Rec (Spain)
Rec is a Spanish horror movie from 2007. It follows a reporter and her cameraman as they cover a fire in an old apartment building. After they enter the building, strange and horrific events start to occur. Rec builds tension slowly, relying on suspense rather than jumpscares to scare its audience. It’s a great example of a horror movie that relies on atmosphere more than anything else.
2. The Eye (Hong Kong)
The Eye is a 2002 horror movie from Hong Kong. It follows a woman who receives a cornea transplant that gives her the ability to see things beyond the realm of the living. The Eye is an effective horror movie that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension. It’s a great example of how to use sound and visuals to create an unnerving experience.
3. Ju-On: The Grudge (Japan)
Ju-On: The Grudge is a Japanese horror movie from 2003. It follows a series of interconnected stories about a curse that is unleashed when a person dies in a fit of rage. Ju-On: The Grudge is a classic example of Japanese horror done right. It’s a slow burn horror movie that relies on atmosphere and creepiness more than anything else.
4. The Descent (UK)
The Descent is a British horror movie from 2005. It follows a group of women who go on a caving expedition and end up being hunted by monsters. The Descent is an intense and claustrophobic horror movie that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension. It’s a great example of how to create a horror experience without relying on jumpscares.
5. Antichrist (Denmark)
Antichrist is a Danish horror movie from 2009. It follows a couple who go to a cabin in the woods to try and save their marriage. But they soon find out that the woods are full of supernatural forces that want to take them down. Antichrist is an intense and disturbing horror movie that relies on atmosphere and psychological horror more than anything else. It’s a great example of how to create an unnerving experience without relying on cheap jumpscares.
Exploring the Cultural Differences in Horror Movies from Outside the US
The horror genre is a popular one that has endured for years, captivating audiences with its suspenseful storylines, shocking twists, and eerie atmosphere. It is no surprise that horror films have grown increasingly popular around the world, but the way that horror films are made in different countries can vary drastically. The US has long been known for its horror films, but what other countries are making the best horror films outside of the US?
The Horror Genres of Europe
Europe has a rich history of horror films, with a variety of styles that tend to be more subtle and psychological than their American counterparts. The Italian horror films of the 1970s and 80s are some of the most beloved horror films in the world, including Suspiria, The Beyond, and Zombie Flesh Eaters. These films often contain elements of giallo films, which are mysteries with elements of horror, and are known for their gory visuals, suspenseful stories, and high levels of suspense. French horror films also tend to be more psychological and often focus on philosophical themes, such as the works of Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Alexandre Aja.
The Horror Genres of Asia
Asian horror films have become increasingly popular in recent years, with films such as The Ring, The Grudge, and Shutter Island becoming massive international successes. Asian horror films often focus on themes of revenge and the supernatural, with the ghosts and cursed items in these films being much more malevolent than those found in western films. Asian horror films also tend to be much more visually striking, with the use of bright colors, intricate sets, and inventive camera angles creating a unique atmosphere of dread and suspense.
The Horror Genres of Latin America
Horror films from Latin America are often much more focused on social issues, such as poverty, crime, and inequality. These films often contain elements of black comedy, with some films even being classified as horror-comedies, such as the Mexican film We Are What We Are. Latin American horror films often contain elements of the supernatural, with many films focusing on the legend of La Llorona, a ghostly figure who is said to haunt rivers and other bodies of water.
Conclusion
It is clear that horror films from different countries outside of the US can vary drastically in their style and themes. From the giallo films of Italy to the ghost stories of Asia and the socially conscious horror films of Latin America, there is a wide variety of horror films to explore and enjoy. Each country has its own unique take on the horror genre, and it can be fascinating to explore the cultural differences in horror films from around the world.
