Hit or Miss? Thai Horror Films and Series this 2024
When it comes to Thai cinema, the horror genre always reigns supreme and typically rules the box office. It's no secret that the Thai horror genre is always known for its unique blend of supernatural tales and cultural elements. From terrifying ghost stories to thrilling romantic horror, there are a variety of Thai horror movies released this year that are either worth a one-time watch or multiple watches with their intriguing stories.
As we approach Halloween, dive into the chilling depths of fear with these films and series to experience a spine-tingling cinematic experience.
Death Whisperer 2
Runtime: 1h 50m
IMDb: 7.2/10
Three years after Yam's tragic passing, Yak's determination to seek justice for his sister's death remains unyielding. Despite his family's pleas to abandon his quest for vengeance, Yak persists, driven by the fear that the malevolent black spirit will once again bring harm to his loved ones. Through his relentless pursuit, Yak uncovers the unsettling truth: the black spirit is under the command of a formidable sorcerer named Phuang, who has taken refuge in the accursed and enigmatic Ghost Forest. In order to protect his family from danger, Yak must confront the evil spirits and treacherous perils.
The sequel to the supernatural action-horror film "Death Whisperer" increases the excitement for fans who enjoyed the first installment. Directed by Taweewat Wanta and featuring actors like Nadech Kugimiya, Denise Jelilcha Kappun, and Kajbundit Jaidee, the film immediately captures attention with its intense and thrilling pace. This sequel also skillfully incorporates just the right amount of humor to balance the overall tone. What’s more, Nadech's outstanding performance continues to meet and exceed the high expectations set by the first film.
In terms of its cinematography, Death Whisperer 2 truly impresses you, exuding top-notch production quality that draws you immediately. As the highest-grossing Thai film of 2024, it has raked in an impressive THB350 million nationwide within just four and a half days in theaters. This horror film has been hailed as even more intense than an action movie, boasting a special aspect ratio specifically filmed for IMAX, providing a fully immersive horror experience. The 12-channel surround system adds an extra layer of intensity, propelling the Thai film industry to new heights. Currently showing in theaters, it's the perfect way to spend your Halloween night.
My Boo
Runtime: 2h 5m
IMDb: 6.5/10
In this captivating offbeat romantic-horror tale, Joe, a dedicated gamer, skillfully transforms his grandmother's haunted house into a thriving business, despite it being inhabited by three ghosts. As he strives to rid the house of its spectral residents, Joe cleverly devises a plan to incorporate the ghosts into a scheme that will make the haunted house profitable. Despite the significant barriers between the human and ghostly realms, Joe unexpectedly finds himself falling in love with one of the ghosts.
Directed by Khomkrit Treewimol, this movie offers a light-hearted blend of romance, comedy, and supernatural elements, creating an exciting new take on the rom-com horror subgenre – and a perfect watch for fans of quirky love stories. Filled with spine-tingling horror as Joe exploits the haunted house and its spine-chilling secrets, and peppered with humor as the fearless challengers find themselves screaming their way out of the attraction, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. And amidst all this, the enchanting chemistry between Anong and Joe steals the hearts of the audience.
The movie has the makings of a classic, packed with non-stop punchlines, thrilling jumpscares, and delightfully cheesy romantic scenes. Each character, from Joe to the three ghosts, brings a unique and colorful energy that truly spices up the humor. Despite being a horror-comedy, the love story between Joe and Anong delves into emotional depth, conveying a beautiful message of acceptance and boundless love. While the film excels in its humor and heartwarming moments, it lacks intense horror elements, so there is definitely room for improvement in terms of its plot.
Haunted Universities 3
Runtime: 1h 59m
IMDb: 6.1/10
In one of the stories, a chilling legend from a northern university tells of a tragic love story. Koi, a college student, feels anxious about competing with her friend Hongtae for the last scholarship. To help her, Hongtae suggests visiting the shrine of Chao Nang, a goddess who blesses lovers but punishes insincere ones with death.
The third installment of the "Haunted Universities" series keeps up the tradition of entwining spine-tingling tales within the sacred grounds of a Thai university. There are three different stories of haunting events in Thailand’s universities — Jao Nang, Phee Take, and The Invisible Shrine. What sets this movie apart from other horror films is its skillful incorporation of folklore, particularly the exploration of the traditional Thai ritual "Ban Bai Sri," which adds an authentic layer of spookiness to the storytelling. This meticulous attention to cultural nuances not only roots the film in reality but also intensifies the feeling of dread that lingers in every scene.
Additionally, the movie brilliantly mixes fright with lighthearted moments, an unexpected combination of horror and humor adding a fun twist. It takes a comedic turn, allowing the audience to share laughs between eerie scenes. What’s more, the talented ensemble cast featuring actors like Chutavuth Pattarakampol and Eisaya Hosuwan, brings a diverse range of characters to life, each with their own chilling story.
"Haunted University 3" effectively blends atmospheric storytelling with traditional horror techniques set against a distinct Thai backdrop. This film showcases the lasting appeal of horror rooted in local culture and folklore, providing a fresh perspective on the genre. It demonstrates that horror can be both spine-chilling and enjoyable, ensuring a memorable experience for fans of horror comedy.
The Cursed Land
Runtime: 2h 8m
IMDb: 5.9/10
After the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Mit, portrayed by Ananda Everingham, grapples with post-traumatic stress disorder. He is compelled to move to a dilapidated mansion in a Muslim-majority suburb of Bangkok with his teenage daughter May. Despite warnings from the locals, Mit decides to remove the talismans in the house, unwittingly unleashing a vengeful djinn and its 200-year-old curse. Meanwhile, the film introduces Heem, played by Malaysian actor Bront Palarae, renowned for his roles in popular Indonesian horrors who is seen trapped in Islamic black magic, adding an element of enigma and terror to the storyline.
Breaking new ground in Thai horror, "The Cursed Land" boldly departs from the traditional Buddhist cosmology that has long dominated the genre. This innovative film challenges preconceived notions and introduces audiences to a world of demonic entities and Thai Muslim identity. By skillfully interweaving Thai horror with Islamic Thai culture, the filmmakers have ventured into relatively unexplored territory, captivating horror enthusiasts. Following in the footsteps of "The Djinn’s Curse," the film sheds light on the rarely explored aspects of Thailand’s southernmost Muslim-majority provinces.
Both films feature footage from the historically troubled Narathiwat province, which has been affected by separatist unrest since 1948. Directors Panu Aree and Kong Rithdee, both Thai Muslims, set out to challenge stereotypes and oversimplified portrayals of their community in the media. Having previously collaborated on successful documentaries, they have now ventured into the horror genre to create Thailand's first-ever Islamic horror film.
The filmmakers skillfully intertwine a captivating narrative of supernatural occurrences, shedding light on the cultural and political tensions within Thai society. After making its debut in Europe, the film is poised to challenge Thai audiences’ preconceptions of ghosts, introducing the intriguing concept of Djinn from Islamic lore. Although the pace of the film may feel a bit slow at times, it ultimately captures the audience's attention with its fascinating concept.
Terror Tuesday: Extreme
Runtime: 39 to 47 mins per episode (8 episodes)
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
This Netflix series is a chilling collection of true haunting stories that is inspired by the famous "Angkhan Khlumpong (Terror Tuesday)" radio show. This horror anthology series consists of eight episodes directed by eight different filmmakers, each promising extreme terror and unexpected fear, infused with drama, thriller, and horror.
Terror Tuesday stands out as one of the most captivating Thai horror anthology series that is binge-worthy. If you’re a fan of this genre, it will remind you of TV series like "Two Sentence Horror Stories" and "Creepshow."
This anthology series delves into the depths of the human mind, offering a captivating exploration of fear in its various forms. Across eight compelling episodes, it taps into culturally-rooted horror narratives, breathing new life into familiar tropes like cursed objects and haunted spaces. Far from a mere scare-fest, the series delves into the complexities of human relationships, trauma, and psychological struggles, offering a thought-provoking and bold take on the darker aspects of the human experience.
One of the standout episodes is the first one, "Our Little Sister," which follows a young woman named Aye as she copes with the grief of her sister's passing and discovers that her mother has adopted a doll with a life of its own. This pilot episode is filled with jump scares and creepy moments, making it one of the most thrilling episodes as it uncovers Aye's ongoing struggle with PTSD. Meanwhile, episode 4, "The Vow," delves into the themes of honesty and the repercussions of broken promises. Additionally, episode 8, "Viral Curse," captivates with its chilling narrative that portrays the delicate balance between ambition and temptation.
The duration of each episode is perfectly calibrated to keep viewers eagerly anticipating the unfolding of events. While the plots may lean towards the minimalist side, the genuine scares and eerie atmosphere are truly unsettling. The show's ability to blend emotional depth with classic horror elements offers a fresh and captivating experience for both avid fans of the genre and those in search of spine-tingling thrills.
BONUS: More to Explore!
Moei: The Promised
Runtime: 1h 34m
IMDb: 5.2/10
In this gripping supernatural thriller, a mother fights to rescue her teenage son from a curse after getting caught up in her estranged husband's mystical vow. Moei represents a covenant, a solemn promise to something sacred and revered, offering protection in exchange for a mysterious cost on the path to success. The film delves into the concept of karma, with a gripping plot twist that keeps the audience hooked 'til the end.
Pee Nak 4
Runtime: 1h 55m
IMDb: 4.9/10
"Pee Nak 4 "marks the return of the horror film franchise from Five Star Production. This installment masterfully intertwines the Buddhist monkhood into an enthralling plot. It follows the journey of a young man who is all set to renovate an old chapel in a local temple in his hometown. However, his plans take a drastic turn when he encounters a ghost inside the chapel, leading to the haunting question of the ghost's identity before its demise.
Director Mike Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon has once again treated the audience to a captivating mix of horror, comedy, and sassy humor. The film seamlessly incorporates heartwarming messages and skillfully integrates Buddhist folklore and beliefs, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience.
The Elite of Devils
Runtime: 1h 48m
IMDb: 3.7/10
Five senior university students receive an invitation to an old elite mansion by a professor. Little do they know, their host will terrify them and reveal her demonic power before making a life-changing decision.
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