Spine-chilling Korean horror movies and series to watch this Halloween 2025

As Halloween 2025 draws near, horror fans have the perfect excuse to dive into some of Korea’s most chilling and thought-provoking tales.

Korean horror is renowned for blending emotional depth with psychological tension, folklore, and supernatural elements. From eerie folktales to post-apocalyptic nightmares, here are seven gripping Korean horror films and series to stream this spooky season.

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1. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

This psychological horror classic is inspired by the old Joseon-era folktale Janghwa Hongryeon jeon. The story revolves around two sisters tormented by their cruel stepmother and haunted by disturbing family secrets. As the tension escalates, reality blurs with hallucination, keeping viewers guessing until the shocking finale. With its haunting atmosphere, emotional intensity, and unexpected twists, A Tale of Two Sisters remains one of the most acclaimed Korean horror films of all time.

2. The Mimic (2017)

Based on the myth of the Jangsan Tiger—a creature said to mimic human voices to lure victims—The Mimic combines grief and supernatural terror. The story follows a mourning mother who encounters a mysterious girl after losing her child. As strange events unfold, she realizes the girl is connected to an ancient evil. The film masterfully balances emotional anguish with spine-chilling suspense, leading to a deeply unsettling climax.

3. The Wailing (2016)

Regarded as one of the best Korean horror films ever made, The Wailing explores faith, fear, and human frailty through the lens of demonic possession and mysterious deaths. When a small village is struck by a series of brutal murders, a police officer investigates—only to face terror firsthand when his daughter becomes possessed. The film’s blend of mystery, exorcism rituals, and moral conflict makes it a haunting masterpiece that lingers long after the credits roll.

4. All of Us Are Dead (2022)

Set in a high school, this zombie apocalypse series offers both heart-pounding action and emotional storytelling. When a deadly virus outbreak turns students into flesh-eating monsters, the survivors must fight for their lives while grappling with friendship, morality, and loss. All of Us Are Dead stands out for its raw portrayal of human instincts and the struggle to hold onto empathy in the face of chaos.

5. Sweet Home (2020)

In this post-apocalyptic horror series, residents of an apartment complex face a terrifying phenomenon—humans transforming into monsters driven by their deepest desires. The story follows a lonely teenager battling both external monsters and inner demons. Sweet Home raises a chilling question: are the real monsters outside, or do they live within us? With its gripping emotional core and dark visuals, it’s a must-watch for psychological horror fans.

6. Exhuma (2024)

Exhuma takes a psychological approach to horror, focusing on a seemingly ordinary grave excavation that unravels into a horrifying mystery. What starts as a simple dig reveals an unspeakable secret buried beneath. Without relying on traditional jump scares, the film builds dread through atmosphere and tension, culminating in a shocking, unforgettable ending.

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7. Gyeongseong Creature (2023)

Set in 1945 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, Gyeongseong Creature blends historical drama with science fiction and horror. A scientist conducts horrific experiments to create a monstrous war weapon, forcing a skilled hunter and a wealthy man to join forces against the evil. With its rich visuals, period detail, and moral undertones, this series offers a fresh take on horror that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.