The 13 Best Non-English Language Horror Films of the 21st Century You Need to See

Horror films don’t need words to scare you—they hit hard with visuals, atmosphere, and raw emotion that cross any language barrier. Non-English language horror from the 21st century has delivered some of the most chilling, creative, and unforgettable stories, often outshining Hollywood’s predictable formulas.

I’ve ranked these 13 films for their ability to haunt, shock, and stick with you, from psychological terrors to supernatural nightmares. Spanning cultures and styles, these movies prove fear is universal, and they’re must-watches for any horror fan craving something bold.

13. ‘The Wailing’ (2016) – South Korea

Na Hong-jin’s ‘The Wailing’ follows a bumbling policeman, Jong-goo, in a rural village where a mysterious illness sparks murders. Kwak Do-won’s performance grounds the film’s mix of dread and dark humor as it unravels into a supernatural puzzle.

The film’s creeping tension and shocking twists, paired with stunning mountain visuals, make it a slow-burn masterpiece. Its haunting climax lingers, earning it praise as a standout in Korean horror.

12. ‘The House of the Devil’ (2005) – France

Directed by Pascal Laugier, ‘The House of the Devil’ (not to be confused with the English-language film of the same name) dives into brutal New French Extremity. It follows two girls seeking revenge, only to uncover a horrifying cult tied to their past.

The film’s graphic violence and emotional weight push boundaries, making it tough to watch but impossible to forget. Its raw exploration of trauma and belief cements its cult status.

11. ‘We Are What We Are’ (2010) – Mexico

Jorge Michel Grau’s ‘We Are What We Are’ is a grim tale of a cannibalistic family in Mexico City struggling after their patriarch dies. The film blends family drama with grotesque horror, focusing on their desperate rituals.

Its slow pace and gritty realism amplify the dread, with strong performances from the young cast. This chilling metaphor for poverty and survival is both absurd and heartbreaking.

10. ‘Goodnight Mommy’ (2014) – Austria

In ‘Goodnight Mommy’, directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, twin boys suspect their bandaged mother isn’t who she seems after her surgery. The sterile Austrian setting and eerie child performances create a suffocating atmosphere.

The film’s psychological twists and unsettling visuals keep you guessing. Its exploration of identity and trust makes it a gripping, disturbing gem.

9. ‘The Babadook’ (2014) – Australia

Though often listed as English-language, ‘The Babadook’, directed by Jennifer Kent, hails from Australia with some non-English elements in its eerie fairy-tale book. It follows a widow, Amelia, and her son battling a creepy entity from a storybook.

Essie Davis’ raw performance and the film’s metaphor for grief make it unforgettable. Its chilling visuals and emotional depth elevate it to horror classic status.

8. ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ (2014) – Iran/USA

Ana Lily Amirpour’s Persian-language ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ is a black-and-white vampire tale set in a fictional Iranian town. Sheila Vand’s silent, skateboarding vampire preys on men who harm women, blending feminist themes with style.

The moody cinematography and haunting soundtrack make it hypnotic. Its fresh take on vampire lore feels both timeless and revolutionary.

7. ‘The Orphanage’ (2007) – Spain

J.A. Bayona’s ‘The Orphanage’ follows Laura, played by Belén Rueda, who returns to her childhood orphanage to open a home for disabled kids. When her son vanishes, dark secrets unravel in a ghostly mystery.

The film’s emotional core and atmospheric dread make it a tearjerker as much as a scarefest. Its heartbreaking twists solidify its place as a Spanish horror staple.

6. ‘REC’ (2007) – Spain

Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza’s ‘REC’ traps a reporter, Ángela Vidal, in a Barcelona apartment with demonic zombies. The found-footage style, led by Manuela Velasco’s frantic performance, creates relentless panic.

Its shaky cam and claustrophobic setting amplify the terror, making every jump scare hit hard. This influential film spawned sequels and a U.S. remake but remains unmatched.

5. ‘The Host’ (2006) – South Korea

Bong Joon-ho’s ‘The Host’ blends monster horror with family drama as a creature from Seoul’s Han River kidnaps a girl. Song Kang-ho’s heartfelt performance as her flawed father drives the story.

The mix of humor, heart, and horror, plus stunning creature effects, makes it a genre standout. Its social commentary on pollution and government failure adds depth.

4. ‘A Tale of Two Sisters’ (2003) – South Korea

Kim Jee-woon’s ‘A Tale of Two Sisters’ is a psychological horror about two sisters facing a cruel stepmother and ghostly events after a mental hospital stay. Im Soo-jung and Moon Geun-young deliver haunting performances.

The nonlinear story and eerie visuals unravel family secrets with devastating impact. Its emotional weight and craft made it a global hit, inspiring a U.S. remake.

3. ‘Ju-on: The Grudge’ (2002) – Japan

Takashi Shimizu’s ‘Ju-on: The Grudge’ follows a cursed house in Tokyo where a vengeful ghost, Kayako, haunts anyone who enters. Megumi Okina’s understated performance as a social worker amplifies the creeping dread.

The film’s nonlinear scares and chilling sound design, like Kayako’s croak, make it unforgettable. Its raw terror and iconic ghost reshaped horror worldwide.

2. ‘Trollhunter’ (2010) – Norway

André Øvredal’s ‘Trollhunter’ is a found-footage gem following students trailing Hans, a grizzled hunter of mythical trolls in Norway’s forests, played by Otto Jespersen. The mockumentary style blends humor with jaw-dropping creature encounters.

Its eerie atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and massive trolls create heart-pounding scares. This quirky yet chilling film reimagines folklore as modern horror.

1. ‘Let the Right One In’ (2008) – Sweden

Tomas Alfredson’s ‘Let the Right One In’ is a haunting vampire tale about Oskar, a bullied boy, and Eli, a young vampire, played by Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson. Their bond blends love and horror in a snowy Swedish suburb.

The film’s quiet beauty, chilling violence, and deep emotions make it unforgettable. Its fresh take on vampires and stunning visuals earn it the top spot.

Which non-English horror film scared you the most, or did I miss a hidden gem? Share your picks in the comments