7 scary Japanese horror movies that you don't want to watch alone

Are you tired of watching the same old American horror movies over and over again? Well, we've got just what you need! It's time to broaden your horizons and check out these seven scary Japanese horror movies. Now, without further ado, let's kick off the list!

Dark Water (2002)

Dark Water is a supernatural horror drama film following a divorced mother and her 6-year-old daughter who, after moving into a creepy, rundown apartment, begin experiencing a series of supernatural occurrences, including a mysterious water leak from the abandoned apartment above and the sightings of a ghostly little girl. You can watch this film on Fandor or Screambox, but you must have a subscription to these streaming services. You also have the option to rent or buy this movie on digital platforms.

Audition (1999)

Based on 1997 novel of the same name by Ryū Murakami, Audition centers around Shigeharu Aoyama, a middle-aged widower who works as a television producer. After the death of his wife, he decides to start dating again. His friend and colleague suggests that he fake audition for a non-existent film to meet a potential romantic partner. Among the applicants is Asami Yamazaki, a gorgeous yet mysterious young woman.

But as they develop a relationship, Aoyama starts to learn unsettling and ominous details about Asami's past. What he finds out changes his perception of her, and he realizes that she's not who she appears to be at all. You can watch this movie on Tubi for free.

House (1977)

House or Hausu in Japanese is a horror film about a teen girl named Gorgeous and her group of friends who decide to spend their summer vacation at Gorgeous's aunt's house in the countryside. But as the girls settle in at the mansion, they start to encounter bizarre supernatural events. The house appears to be alive and it's ready to consume the friend group one by one. You can watch this movie on Max with a subscription.

Cure (1997)

Cure is a psychological horror film following a frustrated and emotionally drained detective as he investigates a series of gruesome murders connected to a young man with a disturbing ability to manipulate people into committing murders without them remembering why they did it. You can rent or buy this movie on digital platforms.

Ringu (1998)

Widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films of its time, Ringu follows a determined aunt and journalist named Reiko Asakawa, who sets out to investigate the mysterious death of her niece who died after watching a cursed videotape. What she learns is that anyone who watches the tape will receive a phone call telling them they will die in seven days. To put a stop to this curse once and for all, Reiko must uncover its origins, ultimately putting her own life at risk. You can watch this movie on Tubi for free.

Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)

Ju-On: The Grudge is a supernatural horror film revolving around a cursed house where a brutal murder occurred several years back. Anyone who enters or interacts with the house becomes haunted and marked for death by the malevolent, vengeful spirits who reside there. You can rent or purchase this chilling and atmospheric horror movie on digital platforms.

Noroi: The Curse (2005)

Although Noroi: The Curse is not currently available to stream anywhere, we thought we'd still include it on the list because it's easily one of the scariest Japanese horror flicks ever made. It's a gripping found-footage horror film that explores themes of supernatural curses, occult rituals, and paranormal investigation.

Here's what the movie is about via IMDb:

"A documentary filmmaker explores seemingly unrelated paranormal incidents connected by the legend of an ancient demon called the "kagutaba.""

Will you be watching any of these Japanese horror films?

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