The terms ‘horror movies’ and ‘Bollywood’ typically don’t go hand in hand. Most moviegoers associate the Hindi film industry with the best romantic movies and over-the-top musicals featuring Shah Rukh Khan. But few and far between, some bold Bollywood filmmakers have created gems that have scared the hell out of their viewers.
Believe, you may think you have the guts to sit through Bollywood’s most spine-chilling horror films. But think again. Some of these scary movies have led to heart attacks and long periods of psychological issues. Bollywood Junkies has curated these dangerous movies for you all, believing there’s a daredevil in our viewers who would make them watch these best horror films alone at midnight.
Ready to challenge your ego? Let’s get started. If not, just scroll down to the end of this article, where we have a special anti horror movies remedy for you.
Bollywood’s Classic Best Horror Movies:
1. Mahal (1949) – one of the Horror Films that stick with you!
- Director: Kamal Amrohi
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Why Watch: Think you can handle the roots of Indian scary movies? “Mahal” is a pioneering horror film that tells the story of Hari Shankar, who moves into an old, deserted mansion. He discovers a portrait of a woman and soon starts experiencing supernatural occurrences, including visions of a ghostly figure claiming to be his lover from a past life. Madhubala’s haunting beauty and Ashok Kumar’s intense performance will captivate you. The iconic song “Aayega Aanewala” still gives chills, making this a must-watch for its atmospheric horror and classic romance.
2. Bees Saal Baad (1962)
- Director: Biren Nag
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Why Watch: Ready for some old-school top horror movies? Inspired by “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” this film blends mystery with horror. Kumar returns to his ancestral village to uncover the mystery behind his father’s death. The village is haunted by the ghost of a woman who was wronged 20 years ago. With haunting melodies by Hemant Kumar and captivating performances by Biswajit and Waheeda Rehman, this film weaves a suspenseful tale of love, revenge, and the supernatural. Its gripping narrative and eerie setting make it an unforgettable classic.
3. Woh Kaun Thi? (1964) – one of the “slighty different” horror films?
- Director: Raj Khosla
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Why Watch: Think you can unravel the mysteries of one of the top 10 horror movies? Dr. Anand encounters a mysterious woman on a stormy night, who later disappears. Strange events follow him, all pointing to this enigmatic figure. The film keeps you guessing with its twists and turns, enhanced by Sadhana’s enigmatic performance and the haunting melodies of “Lag Ja Gale” and “Naina Barse.” The suspense builds masterfully, creating a chilling atmosphere that has made this film a timeless thriller.
4. Raat (1992)
- Director: Ram Gopal Varma
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Why Watch: Do you think you can survive this psychological scare? When Mini and her family move into a new house, they experience strange and terrifying occurrences. Mini is possessed by a vengeful spirit, leading to a series of horrifying events. Revathi’s performance as the tormented Mini and RGV’s direction creates an intense, psychological horror experience. The film’s tight screenplay and eerie atmosphere make it a cult classic that still scares viewers today.
Bollywood’s Best New Horror Movies:
5. Tumbbad (2018)
- Director: Rahi Anil Barve
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Why Watch: Ready to delve into the dark folklore of new horror movies? Set against the backdrop of rural India, “Tumbbad” follows Vinayak, who is obsessed with finding a hidden treasure in his ancestral village. The village harbors dark secrets, including a cursed goddess and her monstrous offspring. The film’s visual splendor, combined with its rich folklore and gripping narrative, creates a chilling atmosphere that’s both terrifying and mesmerizing. It’s a horror fantasy that keeps you enthralled from start to finish.
6. Stree (2018) – one of the Top Horror Movies to remember
- Director: Amar Kaushik
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Why Watch: Think you can laugh and scream simultaneously with this horror comedy? Inspired by the urban legend of “Nale Ba,” “Stree” is set in the town of Chanderi, where men live in fear of a female spirit that abducts them during the festival season. Vicky, a local tailor, teams up with his friends to uncover the truth behind Stree and put an end to the terror. The film seamlessly blends horror and comedy with hilarious moments and genuine scares. Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s performances, along with the clever writing, make it a unique and entertaining horror-comedy.
7. Pari (2018)
- Director: Prosit Roy
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Why Watch: Think you can handle this dark and unsettling film? Arnab rescues Rukhsana, a mysterious woman with a dark past. As he tries to help her, he discovers that she is not entirely human and is connected to a satanic cult. Anushka Sharma’s haunting performance as Rukhsana and the film’s dark, unsettling atmosphere create a truly chilling experience. “Pari” stands out for its unique storyline and its ability to maintain a sense of dread throughout.
8. 13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009)
- Director: Vikram Kumar
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Why Watch: Can you brave this modern horror thriller? Manohar and his family move into a new apartment, 13B, where they start experiencing strange occurrences linked to a TV show that eerily mirrors their lives. As Manohar delves deeper, he uncovers a dark secret from the past. R. Madhavan’s gripping performance and the innovative use of technology in the horror genre make this film a standout. The suspense builds with every episode of the TV show, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
9. Phobia (2016) – one of the underrated Scary Movies?
- Director: Pavan Kirpalani
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Why Watch: Can you endure the psychological terror of one of the top horror movies? Mehak, an artist suffering from severe agoraphobia after a traumatic incident, moves into a new apartment to cope. However, she starts experiencing terrifying visions and believes the apartment is haunted. Radhika Apte delivers a powerful performance, making you feel every ounce of her fear and paranoia. The film’s tight screenplay and psychological depth create an intense and immersive horror experience.
10. The House Next Door (2017)
- Director: Milind Rau
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Why Watch: Ready to face the horrors of a true story? Based on real events, this film follows Dr. Krishnakanth and his wife, who move into a new home and befriend their neighbors. Soon, they experience horrifying supernatural events that reveal the house’s dark past. Siddharth’s compelling performance and the film’s chilling narrative make it a gripping watch. The blend of horror and emotional drama keeps you invested throughout.
Best Bollywood Horror Movies: Honorable Scary Movies Mentions
- Raaz (2002)
- Bhoot (2003)
- Kaun (1999)
- Bulbbul (2020)
- Bhool Bhulaiyya (2007)
- 9 (2019)
- Chhorii (2021)
- Pizza (2012)
- Raaz Reboot (2016)
So take it easy when deciding to watch these horror films. Do not challenge yourself too much. And if you hear the spinning of doors or the distant laugh of an old woman around you, just pause watching these horror movies and go to bed with the picture of Lord Hanuman.
We leave you with Hanuman Chalisa, just in case. Did you enjoy our list of classic and new horror movies? Then leave us a comment down below and let us know what you think is still missing in our list!
