Thailand loves horror. From genre-blending comedy to down-right horrifying, we have gathered a list of Thai films you can watch as Halloween approaches. We’re calling out everyone who has an unhealthy fixation on หนังผี (ghost stories), so here are a selection of films revolving around your favorite curses, legends, and phantoms.  

Mae Nak 

Thailand’s most well-known ghost story of all time, Mae Nak Phra Khanong (also known as Nang Nak) dies in childbirth while her husband (Mak) was enlisted in the army. Although she was buried in Wat Mahabut, she remained to wander and carry out day-to-day chores, shocking the townspeople by leading life like a mortal. After all, she is a woman standing in front of a man asking him to love her. 

> Nang Nak (dir. Nonzee Nimibutr)

In this classic film set in 19th-century Siam, Mak returns home to be welcomed by his wife and a newborn child. Yet, there is something dark and gloomy in the air. Will he listen to the warnings claimed by his friends and neighbors? The film’s emphasis is more on Nang Nak’s love and devotion for her husband. The film itself is not down-right scary but focuses on characterizing and humanizing the ghost. She was ultimately a woman who never got to say goodbye to her lover and a mother who never got to see her child grow up. This romantic approach to Mae Nak sparked a new perspective on a traditionally terrifying ghost. 

Release Date: 1999
Where to watch: Netflix 

> Pee Mak (dir. Banjong Pisanthanakun)

A comical twist is taken to the classic tale of Mae Nak in Banjong Pisanthanakun’s 2013 adaptation, Pee Mak. Approaching the folklore from the perspective of Mak and his friends, the film is a comedy rollercoaster with witty banter. Reigning as a blockbuster in its day, the chances are you may have already seen this one, but it’s always good for a rewatch. 

Release Date: 2013
Where to watch: Netflix 

Krasue 

A beautiful young maiden by day and a disembodied floating head with exposed organs by night, Krasue lives in the shadows. Wearing her heart out, bare stomach, and intestines dangling from her head, she is a nocturnal spirit who hunts for flesh and livestock at night. Blood-thirsty and able to pass as humans in daylight, they are sort of Thailand’s very own vampire. 

>Inhuman Kiss: The Last Breath (dir. Paphangkorn Punchantarak)

This movie is ideal if you are a sucker for the mortal/ghost love cliché. Inheriting the Krasue curse from her kin, Sao becomes immune to medicine as she slowly transforms into a Krasue by night. In hopes of finding a cure, she partners up with her childhood friend (Cloud) whose albino condition gives him healing powers. The pair meet obstacles on their adventure such as Krasue hunters and demons. It’s also no secret (spoiler alert) that the two leads fall in love with each other along their journey.

Release Date: 2023 
Where to watch: Netflix 

Phi Pop 

Phi Pop is a cannibalistic and bitter and deceptive female spirit. Popularized in Isaan, it is believed that this ghost possesses humans/animals to devour intestines and other internal organs. The possessed are doomed to crave for raw flesh. 

>Tee Yod Trilogy [Death Whisperer] (dir. Taweewat Wantha)

The first Thai film to be shot entirely for IMAX, the Tee Yod Trilogy follows the lives of six siblings in 1972 Kanchanaburi. This much loved modern classic unravels the horror and terror inflicted upon the family after Yam (the middle sister) becomes possessed by Phi Pop. Hoping to protect his family, Yak (the oldest brother) fights against the supernatural entity. Throughout this horror franchise, Phi Pop plays dark games with each member of the clan. 

Release Date: 2023-2025
Where to Watch: Netflix 

Phi Tai Hong 

Phi Tai Hong has a sweet spot for revenge. This folk spirit arises after being faced with a horrible, sudden, and unnatural death as a human. Spiteful of the injustice, the raging spirit wanders the human world seeking revenge from their wrong doer(s). 

> Shutter (dir. Banjong Pisanthanakun & Parkpoom Wongpoom)

An international phenomenon, Shutter is a must-watch. The film centers around a photographer (Tun) and his girlfriend (Jane), who run over a woman on their way home from a party. Instead of helping, they drive away. But karma catches up. Paranormal activities begin to take place: white shadows in photographs, disturbances, and neck pains. The couple delve into their past to get closure on the present. 

Release Date: 2004
Where to Watch: Netflix 

>The Promise (dir. Sophon Sakdaphisit)

After being affected by the Tom Yum Goong crisis, two teenage daughters (Boum and Ib) of investors make a pact to suicide together at Sathorn Unique Tower (the infamous building also known as the Ghost Tower). However, the promise is broken as Boum chickens out. Twenty years pass by and Boum leads a successful life as a business woman with a daughter of her own. However, her past comes to haunt her upon her visit to Sathorn Unique Tower for a project as the lingering spirit of Ib reappears to seek vengeance. 

Release Date: 2017
Where to Watch: Netflix 

>404: Run Run (dir. Pichaya Jarusboonpracha)

Another horror-comedy film, upon discovering an abandoned hotel, Nakrob (a real estate fraudster) plots to convert it into a luxury resort. He soon discovers that Lalita, a Phi Tai Hong, resides in the space with her sorrowful past attached to it. In hopes to claim the property, Nakrob takes on various attempts to stir Lalita out — resulting in a light-hearted comical match-up between the two characters.

Release Date: 2024
Where to Watch: Netflix 

Djinn 

Unlike the previously mentioned folklore figures from a Buddhist or Thai origin, Djinns come from the Middle East. In this case, they are entities sculpted from smokeless flame and hot air, yet they possess autonomy. Just like humans, they have free will and the ability to choose whether they want to perform good or bad. 

> The Cursed Land (dir. Panu Aree)

The film depicts a widowed man (Mit) moving to a new house with his teen daughter (May). Upon his arrival, he pulls out the protective talisman surrounding the house and consequently releases a Djinn. This isn’t a “rub the lamp and make three wishes” Djinn. It’s a frightful monster. More importantly, this movie delves into historical events that focus on Thailand’s Muslim community fusing history and trauma. 

Release Date: 2024
Where to Watch: Netflix