A Guide to Foreign Horror Movies

There are thousands of quality American horror movies. Everyone knows the classics like Halloween, Friday the 13^th, The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street. I've watched many of them, but I began to wonder how other cultures and countries define the horror genre. After years of searching and watching, I have found plenty of terrifying films that made me want to keep the lights on all night. Get out your reading glasses for those subtitles, here's some of the best horror that isn't American made.

Released in 1998, Ringu, is based on the novel of the same name written by Koji Suzuki. The plot revolves around a cursed VHS tape and the mysterious deaths of the people who watch it. The movie has a brilliant way of building tension and terror. From the disturbing images on the cursed tape to the introduction of the character, Sadako, Ringu is a classic horror story with a modern spin. Quite possibly the best and most well known of the Asian horror genre, it draws influences from Japanese ghost folklore. In 2002 it was remade into the American film, The Ring.

Ju-on was originally released in Japan as a direct to video movie in 2000. Its underground success spawned a direct to video sequel the same year. In 2003 Ju-on: The Grudge was released. It was the first one to be widely available in America. The movie centers on a cursed house where the murders of a woman and her son occurred. Once someone gets too involved in the house or its inhabitants, the curse spreads and they suffer horrible deaths. Similar in style to Ringu, Ju-on relies on uncomfortable, disturbing images and sounds. An American remake was released in 2004.

The Devil's Backbone is a Mexican/Spanish movie directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Released in 2001, it takes place during the Spanish Civil War. Carlos is sent to an orphanage while his father fights in the war. Strange things start happening and he learns of another orphan, Santi, who died there. Haunted by Santi, Carlos discovers the secret about him and the orphanage. The movie is wonderful at creating an unsettling atmosphere. Balancing the creepy atmosphere is a touching story of children caught up in war. The Devil's Backbone is not a typical ghost story, yet it still manages to scare.

The Orphanage also a Mexican/Spanish movie was released in 2007. The movie focuses on Laura, who just acquired the run-down orphanage where she spent most of her childhood. Her husband, adopted son and herself move in while she plans renovations. The son begins to claim he found a friend who is with him in the house. He goes missing after Laura meets the new friend, a little boy who wears a sack on his head. The story revolves around the couple trying to find their son and tracking down suspects. All the while, images of the mysterious friend haunt them. The Orphanage is a well paced, frightening tale with a terrifying twist.

Movies like these capture what makes horror such an emotional, powerful experience. They don't rely on the quick thrill of a typical gore fest. Thought provoking with interesting stories and characters, these movies are smart and scary. Fortunately, there is an ever growing selection of foreign horror being made available in America.