Indonesia isn’t just known for its warm people and the beautiful island of Bali. It's also home to some of the scariest horror movies to ever hit the screen. The kind of horror we’re talking about here can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned horror fans. These films are really dark, and what makes them even more terrifying is their perfect mix of direction, music, acting, and the tension they build. Skipping these would be a sin if you consider yourself a true fan of the genre.
So let's take a look at the best Indonesian horror movies of all time, and learn what makes them so special.
Impetigore
Impetigore was released in 2019, and it's kind of a movie that quietly creeps upon you, but then refuses to leave you. Directed by Joko Anwar, Impetigore tells the story of a young woman who returns to her remote village, hoping to claim an inheritance. However, she soon discovers a dark family curse that refuses to stay hidden.
The occasional jump scares fit right in and feel totally worth it. If you enjoy slow-burn stories with a lot of cultural influence and folklore, Impetigore won't disappoint.
Satan’s Slaves
Ever wondered what it would look like if death came knocking and refused to leave? Satan’s Slaves comes from Rapi Films, the same studio behind a string of Indonesian horror hits, including its chilling sequel. Critics couldn’t stop praising it for its old-school scares and the building tension.
The movie follows a family haunted by the spirit of their dead mother, and things go downhill fast from there. Satan's Slaves mixes grief, religion, and the supernatural in a way that feels genuinely terrifying. The movie keeps getting darker with every scene, just like how horror fans prefer.
The Queen of Black Magic
As the name suggests, The Queen of Black Magic is all about dark spells, revenge, and a whole lot of terrifying moments. Released in 2019 and directed by Kimo Stamboel, who also co-directed Macabre, this one isn’t afraid to go all out on the viewers. It’s a bag full of twists that hit you out of nowhere and keep you hooked.
Coming to the story, it follows a group of adults who return to the orphanage where they grew up, only to find that something evil has been waiting for them. What starts as a reunion turns into a nightmare as secrets from the past come crawling back.
May the Devil Take You
Now this is the kind of horror film that starts slow, but once it catches its pace, there's no turning back. May the Devil Take You came out in 2018, and you can catch it on Netflix. It stars Chelsea Islan and Pevita Pearce, and was directed by Timo Tjahjanto, who’s known for pushing horror to brutal, unforgettable levels.
The story kicks off with a young woman visiting her dying father’s creepy old house, only to uncover demonic secrets knotted to his past. Think of it as Evil Dead, but with a uniquely Indonesian twist. Critics praised this film for keeping the tension high throughout the movie.
Macabre
If you’ve ever picked up a group of strangers on the road and wondered what could possibly go wrong, then Macabre is here to show you exactly that. It’s one of the best Indonesian horror movies for a good reason. Macabre has got serious Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes, but with a bloody personality of its own.
While it wasn’t a huge hit when it first dropped, it’s now a cult favorite among horror fans. Interestingly, it was Julie Estelle’s breakout horror movie before she became a regular in the genre. The story is simple: a group of friends offers a ride to a woman, and what follows is absolute carnage in a house you’ll never forget.
KKN di Desa Penari
The name KKN di Desa Penari might sound a little strange at first, but don’t let that fool you. What’s inside is peak horror, full of mystery and folklore. This movie really shows the raw talent of its director Awi Suryadi and a cast that gives it everything.
It stands out from other horror films because it builds on real urban legends and mixes them with its own modern storytelling. The story goes like this: a group of students doing community service in a remote village find themselves haunted by a terrifying dancer spirit. Find out for ourselves what happens next.
Sewu Dino
Sewu Dino, also known as A Thousand Days, made a massive splash at the box office on its opening day in 2023. Produced by Manoj Punjabi and directed by Kimo Stamboel, the film stars Mikha Tambayong, Rio Dewanto, and Karina Suwandi. It raked in over a million viewers in just a few days, which was a massive success for the film.
But the success it garnered wasn't for nothing. Sewu Dino has everything a horror fan asks for. A young woman who takes a mysterious job caring for a cursed girl finds herself trapped in a terrifying ritual that must last a thousand days. Things start to escalate from there quickly.
The 3rd Eye
Ever wondered what would happen if you could suddenly see the spirits around you? This wild idea is brought to life by The 3rd Eye. The most lovable thing about The Third Eye is that it doesn't waste time getting creepy. The movie became quite popular on Netflix and even got a sequel, thanks to its strong fan following.
You are thrown into a mess of horror from the very beginning, with plenty of jump scares. Two sisters move back into their old family home, only for one of them to unlock a terrifying gift that lets her see the unseen. Sounds interesting?
Suzzanna: Buried Alive
That’s a creepy name, Suzzanna: Buried Alive, but honestly, it’s the perfect fit for a movie this chilling. What makes it stand out is how it mixes horror with a touch of dark humor, making the scares hit even harder. The movie is actually a tribute to the late Suzzanna, Indonesia’s iconic “Queen of Horror,” and Luna Maya plays her perfectly.
You can currently stream it on Netflix. The story follows a woman who’s murdered during a robbery, only to rise from the grave and get revenge on her killers. If you love revenge horror with supernatural twists, this one's worth a late-night watch.
Affliction
Affliction is perfect for those who enjoy their horror with a heavy dose of psychological tension. Directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja, known for more dramatic films like Lovely Man, this was a surprising yet solid step into horror for him. But sadly, the movie couldn't blow up at the box office.
Traditional horror fans might find it slower than usual, but the movie builds itself and becomes a worthy watch. Talking about its premise, it follows a family visiting a remote village to check on a mentally ill mother, but things spiral into darkness as long-buried secrets come to light.