As Halloween 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to dive into Bollywood’s spine-chilling horror offerings. This curated list features five films that have masterfully blended local folklore, eerie suspense, and unforgettable characters to create truly “desi” scares. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these movies offer a unique cinematic experience for your spooky season.
Bollywood has a distinctive way of crafting horror, infusing narratives with cultural nuances, striking visuals, and heart-pounding tension. Here are five films that stand out for their innovative take on the genre, promising chills and nostalgia.
**1. Makdee (2002):** Shabana Azmi delivers a haunting performance as a wicked witch in Vishal Bhardwaj’s fantasy-horror thriller. Her striking, gothic look and chilling presence make this film a Halloween must-watch. The movie also features a strong supporting cast and holds a respectable IMDb rating of 7.5.
**2. Stree (2018):** This horror-comedy redefined the genre with its smart writing and atmospheric settings. Shraddha Kapoor is captivating as the mysterious witch who haunts men at night. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film boasts a stellar cast including Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi. It’s available to stream on Prime Video and JioHotstar.
**3. Tumbbad (2018):** Set in 1920s Maharashtra, this folk horror gem is a benchmark for mythological horror in Indian cinema. The film explores themes of greed and divinity with stunning visuals and a captivating narrative. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, Anand Gandhi, and Adesh Prasad, it stars Sohum Shah and has an impressive IMDb score of 8.2, streaming on Prime Video.
**4. Pari (2018):** Anushka Sharma offers an unsettling and memorable performance in this fantasy horror mystery. While it garnered mixed reviews, her transformation as the mysterious Ruksahana is undeniably eerie. Directed by Prosit Roy, the film is an intriguing watch with an IMDb rating of 6.6.
**5. Raat (1992):** Ram Gopal Verma’s cult classic is a masterclass in blending haunted house tropes with Indian superstitions. Revathi leads the cast in this horror mystery that showcases Bollywood’s ability to deliver genuine scares through compelling storytelling and atmosphere. It holds an IMDb rating of 7 and can be found on Prime Video.
