Top 25 Ranked Indian Horror Movies of All Time

Indian horror cinema is a treasure trove that intricately weaves traditional myths, legends, and ghost stories into frightening narratives. The horror genre enjoys universal appeal, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, with each society displaying its unique folkloric traditions. While Hollywood and British cinema have produced iconic horror films, India has equally compelling entries that resonate deeply, showcasing the country’s rich cultural background.

Renowned for its vibrant film industry, which rivals Hollywood with grand spectacles and international successes such as RRR, India has also contributed numerous remarkable horror films. These films often incorporate familiar Western themes such as demonic possession and haunting tales, making them intriguing for a global audience.For true enthusiasts of the genre, Indian horror cinema is bursting with impressive and unsettling titles waiting to be discovered.

25 Bulbbul (2020)

A Still From the 2020 Indian horror movie Bulbbul

Directed by Anvita Dutt, Bulbbul is a period film set in the 19th century that not only captivates with supernatural elements but also delves into societal issues pertaining to women’s rights. The story traces the life of Bulbbul (Tipti Dimri), who is married at a tender age of five. As an adult, she becomes acutely aware of the injustices faced by women in her village and beyond.

24 Ghost Stories (2020)

A Spine-Chilling Anthology Horror From Bollywood

A Still From the 2020 Indian horror movie Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories distinguishes itself as an anthology film consisting of four unique tales, each crafted by a different director, including Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap. Each segment brings forth a distinct horror narrative: from a man in contact with his deceased grandmother to a disquieting tale of a cannibal.The anthology approach allows viewers to experience varied facets of Indian horror, making it an ideal introduction for those unfamiliar with the genre.

23 Fight (2018)

A Perfectly Executed Supernatural Scare-Fest

A Still from the 2018 Indian horror movie Lupt

In Lupt, director Prabhuraj presents a gripping tale centered on Harsh (Javed Jaffrey) and his daughter, who are haunted by a malevolent spirit linked to their family’s tragedy.This film effectively uses classic horror tropes to build tension and fear, sustaining an engaging experience throughout. Moreover, it features original musical compositions that enrich the narrative.

22 Manichitrathazhu (1993)

A Foundation Of Modern Indian Horror Cinema

A Still From the 1993 Indian horror movie Manichitrathazhu

Esteemed director Fazil’s Manichitrathazhu is revered as a pioneering work in Indian horror, inspired by local folklore surrounding a real-life murder case. The film showcases a gripping ghost story, earning accolades such as the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.It has since garnered a devoted fan base and is heralded as one of the finest supernatural psychological thrillers in Malayalam cinema.

21 Laxmii (2020)

The Horror Comedy That Tackles Gender Issues In India

A Still From the Indian horror movie Laxmii

Laxmii is a Hindi remake of the Tamil film Kanchana, addressing deeper issues such as the treatment of transgender individuals in India. It follows Asif (Akshay Kumar), a skeptic who encounters the spirit of Laxmi Sharma and learns to confront prejudices instead of fleeing from them.While laden with humor, the film also puts a spotlight on societal issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

20 Bees Year After Year (1962)

A Vengeful Spirit Seeks Out The Men In A Family

A man walking with a woman who carries a lit candle while they both look at something off screen in the Indian horror movie Bees Saal Baad

Loosely based on the Bengali film Jighansa, Bees Saal Baad tells the chilling tale of a ghost seeking vengeance against the male lineage of the family. When a wealthy man is involved in a tragedy leading to the girl’s untimely death, her spirit haunts his descendants, creating a terrifying legacy.This psychological thriller not only captivated audiences but also won multiple Filmfare Awards, highlighting its significant cultural impact.

19 Raaz (2002)

A Woman Must Save Her Marriage From A Supernatural Mystery

A woman embracing a man from behind in the Indian thriller Raaz

Raaz follows a couple trying to mend their fractured relationship after moving into a haunted house. The film expertly intermingles themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, as the wife delves into disturbing secrets about her husband.Nominated for several Filmfare Awards, it helped to solidify Bipasha Basu’s status as a leading actress in horror cinema.

18 Kohraa (1964)

A Hindi-Language Adaptation Of A Classic

One woman stands in an ornate dress while another is seated with her eyes closed in the Indian thriller Kohraa

Kohraa adapts Daphne Du Maurier’s classic novel Rebecca, infusing supernatural elements into the narrative. The story follows a recently married woman grappling with the ghost of her husband’s first wife, leading her to uncover dark secrets about those around her.Despite its gradual pacing, Kohraa captivates audiences with its atmospheric storytelling, earning critical acclaim and recognition at the Filmfare Awards.

17 Darna Mana Hai (2003)

A Roadtrip With Scary Tales

A group of young people look apprehensive sitting together by a tree in the Indian horror movie Darna Mana Hai

Darna Mana Hai is a rare Indian anthology horror film, offering an engaging collection of stories. The narrative centers around friends embarking on a road trip, who, stranded in the woods, resort to sharing scary tales.Though initially criticized, the film has since earned a cult following, celebrated for its innovative approach and entertaining storytelling.

16 Who? (1999)

A Suspense Thriller About A Serial Killer On The Loose

In the psychological suspense film Kaun?, the narrative revolves around a woman isolated in her home when two mysterious men appear, claiming to be looking for someone. Director Ram Gopal Varma employs masterful misdirection, leading viewers through a labyrinth of suspense. The film’s intriguing twists have cemented its cult classic status within Indian cinema.The film’s experimental narration keeps audiences guessing, enhancing the overall experience.

15 Nights (1992)

A Hindi Demonic Possession Movie

Raat, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, envelops viewers in a demonic possession tale that unfolds slowly, initially masquerading as a family drama. The film builds tension through chilling moments, notably a scene where Mini’s eyes turn blood-red.Praising the film for its technical mastery, critics highlight its classic elements that cater to horror aficionados, marking it as a must-watch.

14 One Thousand and One Nights (2013)

A Supernatural Thriller About A Vengeful Daayan

Bobo (Emraan Hasmi), Tamara (Huma Qureshi) and Lisa (Kalki Koechlin) in Ek Ti Daayan image

Based on Mukul Sharma’s short story, Ek Thi Daayan follows magician Bobo, haunted by memories of his deceased sister and the return of a malevolent witch. Acclaimed for its creative storytelling and performances, the film achieved commercial success and secured a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Filmfare Awards.Its blend of psychological elements with supernatural themes makes it a standout in Indian horror cinema.

13 Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

A Horror-Comedy About A Ghost Exorcist

Bhool Bhulaiyaa blends horror with comedy, featuring Akshay Kumar as Dr. Adi, a ghost exorcist enlisted to help a couple discover the truth about their haunted home. The film’s clever twists and humorous undertones have made it a box office hit, highlighting Kumar’s performance and the overall execution that balances laughs with scares.This cult classic continues to be revered, even spawning a sequel, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

12 Pizza (2012)

A Pizza Delivery Driver Encounters A Haunted Bungalow

In the Tamil-language thriller Pizza, a skeptical delivery driver stumbles upon a haunted bungalow while making a routine delivery. The film stands out for its intriguing story structure, presenting Michael as an unreliable narrator.With clever storytelling and a suspenseful conclusion, it achieved significant box office success, becoming a favorite among horror fans.

11 Street (2018)

A Horror Comedy About An Urban Legend Of A Witch Who Abducts Men

Stree brilliantly merges comedy and horror by adapting the urban legend of Nale Ba, where a witch kidnaps men from a village. The film follows a young man pursuing a girl, who he fears might be the witch.Combining humor, thrill, and a strong social message, Stree has garnered critical acclaim and won several awards, marking Amar Kaushik as a director to watch.

10 Finished (2018)

A Movie About A Girl With Demonic Blood Who Becomes Pregnant

Prosit Roy’s directorial debut, Pari, explores themes of demonic possession and societal issues through the haunting tale of Rukhsana, a woman tied to a satanic cult. The film’s unsettling narrative and Anushka Sharma’s compelling performance elevate it to a memorable entry in the horror genre.Its exploration of real cultural and mythological connections sets Pari apart as a unique voice in Indian horror.

9 9 (2019)

A Father & Son Encounter Horrors During The Passing Of A Comet

9 intricately weaves sci-fi elements with horror, following a father-son duo during the disruptive arrival of a comet. As they investigate the phenomenon, they confront both external threats and internal familial struggles.Well-structured with strong performances, the film balances an engaging story arc with profound emotional depth, contributing to its critical success.

8 1920 (2008)

A New Couple Moves Into An Old Manor Only To Find It Haunted

Set in the backdrop of a haunting manor, 1920 follows a newlywed couple facing supernatural horrors. Their troubled marriage juxtaposes the house’s dark secrets, exploring themes of familial expectations and cultural clashes.Brimming with suspenseful sequences, the film’s narrative led to a successful franchise, highlighting its appeal within the Indian horror landscape.

7 The House Next Door (2017)

A Troubled Teenager Moves In Next Door To A Struggling Married Couple

The House Next Door crafts a chilling tale of good versus evil as a couple tries to protect themselves and their new neighbor from malevolent spirits. This film stands out for its strong performances and effective scares that are not just thrilling but layers of emotional struggles and relationships.The film represents a significant addition to the evolving narrative of Indian horror cinema.

6 Kothanodi (2015)

A Story Of Mothers & Children Based On Indigenous Folk Tales

Kothanodi richly adapts Assamese folklore into interconnected narratives exploring complex mother-child relationships. By incorporating traditional tales, the film examines darker themes with a unique horror lens.While not conventional horror, its unsettling subject matter provides a haunting experience that resonates with audiences.

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