When it comes to horror, locally-made Filipino films offer a unique flavor of fear. With the Philippines’ rich tapestry of mythical creatures, eerie superstitions, haunted locations, and ghostly tales, Pinoy horror films have carved out their own terrifying niche. For local cinephiles, horror remains one of the most enduringly popular genres in Philippine cinema history, leaving audiences screaming for more.
If you’re craving some good old-fashioned scares from classic Pinoy horror films or looking to catch up on ones you missed in theaters, streaming services have you covered. Here are five terrifying Filipino horror movies that will send chills down your spine and have you screaming into the night:
1. Deleter
Nadine Lustre takes center stage as Lyra, an online content moderator—also known as a "deleter"—tasked with removing disturbing and graphic videos from social media platforms. After her colleague's tragic suicide, Lyra finds herself plagued by haunting nightmares fueled by the traumatic videos she’s exposed to daily. Deleter was a major success at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, bagging awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and four other accolades. It’s a modern horror gem that explores the dark side of the digital world.
Available on Prime Video.
Also on Prime Video: In My Mother's Skin; Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan; Binhi
2. Clarita
Based on the true events of 1953, Clarita follows the harrowing demonic possession of a young woman named Clarita Villanueva after her arrest by police. Locked inside a prison, Clarita endures a terrifying exorcism that pushes the boundaries of belief. Jodi Sta. Maria delivers a chilling performance as Clarita, while Ricky Davao and Arron Villaflor portray the priests battling the demonic forces. This film offers an unsettling look at the intersection of faith and possession, rooted in one of the Philippines’ most famous exorcism cases.
Available on Netflix Philippines.
Also on Netflix: Mallari; Eerie; Sunod
3. Patayin Sa Sindak si Barbara
A remake of one of Philippine cinema’s most iconic horror films. Patayin Sa Sindak si Barbara stars Lorna Tolentino as Barbara, a woman haunted and tortured by the vengeful spirit of her recently deceased sister, played by Dawn Zulueta. This version serves as a masterclass in psychological horror, expertly weaving a chilling tale of sibling rivalry, jealousy, betrayal, and supernatural vengeance. While the original 1970s film, starring Susan Roces, is revered as a cult classic, Chito Roño’s darker and more atmospheric interpretation delivers an equally haunting experience.
Available on iWantTFC.
Also on iWantTFC: Seklusyon; T2; Yanggaw
4. Outside
As Netflix Philippines’ first Filipino zombie movie, Outside promises heart-pounding action and nail-biting suspense. Directed by Cannes Film Festival award-winner Carlo Ledesma, the film follows a family’s desperate struggle for survival during a zombie outbreak. Forced to take refuge in the father’s childhood farm, they must navigate the horrors of both the undead and their past. With a standout cast led by Sid Lucero and Beauty Gonzalez, Outside is an exciting addition to the local horror genre.
Streaming on Netflix.
5. Feng Shui
Feng Shui, directed by Chito S. Roño, is arguably the most talked-about horror movie in Philippine cinema history. Starring Kris Aquino in the role that crowned her the country’s “Scream Queen,” the film centers around a cursed Bagua mirror that brings death to anyone who stares into it. With memorable scenes involving chilling deaths based on the Chinese zodiac and the horrifying Lotus Feet ghost, Feng Shui remains a must-watch. As we enter the Year of the Dragon in 2024, it’s the perfect time to revisit this spine-tingling classic—just watch out if you’re a Dragon baby!
Available on Netflix and iWantTFC.
These five films are just a taste of the spine-chilling horror content available on local streaming platforms. Whether you’re looking for cult classics or fresh new scares, there’s plenty more to explore. So, grab your snacks, turn off the lights, and prepare to binge-watch some of the best Pinoy horror movies. Just be warned—you might want to keep a blanket handy to hide under when things get too scary!