DreadOut is a horror film based on the popular Indonesian survival horror video game of the same name. The movie follows a group of high school students who, while trying to record a live stream in an abandoned apartment building, stumble upon a portal to the spirit world and encounter terrifying entities from Indonesian folklore.

The film attempts to capture the atmosphere and creatures from the source material, featuring iconic ghosts from the game. While adapting video games to film can be challenging, 'DreadOut' offers fans of the game a chance to see its world brought to life on screen and introduces its unique blend of technology and the supernatural to a wider audience.

It's a film that merges modern youth culture with traditional ghost stories.

The Chanting (Lentera Merah) is an older Indonesian horror film that blends elements of mystery, slasher, and supernatural horror. Set in a university, the story follows a group of students working on the campus newspaper who uncover a dark secret linked to a past tragedy and a mysterious chant.

The film creates a sense of unease through its isolated setting and the gradual reveal of the horrifying truth. It's notable for being released in the mid-2000s, a period when Indonesian horror was beginning to see a resurgence, and it incorporates elements that would become common in later films.

It's an interesting watch to see the evolution of modern Indonesian horror filmmaking.

Rasuk (Possession) is a horror film that focuses on a group of friends whose bond is tested when one of them becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit. The film delves into themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the dark consequences of dabbling in the supernatural.

The movie builds its horror through tension and the unsettling transformation of the possessed character. It explores how personal conflicts can become intertwined with spiritual danger, leading to terrifying outcomes for the group.

It's a story that highlights the dangers of negative emotions and their potential to attract dark entities in the world of Indonesian folklore.

The Doll, directed by Rocky Soraya, is another popular Indonesian horror film that taps into the fear of possessed objects. The story centers on a couple who find a doll and bring it home, only for terrifying supernatural events to begin occurring, revealing the doll is inhabited by a vengeful spirit.

Inspired by real-life haunted doll legends, the film utilizes classic horror techniques to build suspense and deliver scares. It was commercially successful and spawned multiple sequels, establishing a franchise around the cursed doll and the paranormal investigators who deal with it.

If you're a fan of haunted doll movies like 'Annabelle,' this Indonesian take offers its own set of chills.

The Third Eye follows Alia, who, after her parents' death, moves back to her childhood home with her younger sister, Abel. Abel claims she can see ghosts, a claim Alia initially dismisses until a tragic event forces her to open her 'third eye' and confront the terrifying supernatural world that surrounds them.

Directed by Rocky Soraya, this film is part of a popular series and relies heavily on jump scares and ghostly apparitions. It explores the classic horror trope of seeing the unseen and the danger that comes with it. The film's success led to a sequel, continuing the story of Alia and her ability to communicate with the spirit world.

It's a solid entry for fans of straightforward, ghost-centric horror films.

Suzzanna: Buried Alive is a loving homage to the legendary Indonesian horror actress Suzzanna, who was known as the 'Queen of Indonesian Horror.' This film stars Luna Maya, who uncannily portrays Suzzanna in a story that echoes themes from her classic movies.

The plot involves a pregnant woman named Suzzanna who is murdered by her employees but returns as a vengeful spirit to seek justice. The film captures the style and tone of classic Indonesian horror, complete with signature elements like the 'Sundel Bolong' (a vengeful female ghost) and blends horror with melodrama and even touches of dark comedy.

It was a major hit, proving the enduring appeal of Suzzanna and classic Indonesian ghost stories for a new generation.

Another intriguing film from the Mo Brothers, The Forbidden Door (Pintu Terlarang) delves into psychological horror and dark secrets. The story follows Gambir, a successful sculptor of pregnant female mannequins, who becomes increasingly disturbed by cryptic messages hinting at terrible secrets hidden behind a forbidden door in his apartment building.

Unlike 'Macabre,' this film leans more into a sense of creeping dread and disturbing mystery. It explores themes of voyeurism, hidden desires, and the dark underbelly of seemingly normal lives. The film's unsettling atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists make it a unique and thought-provoking entry in Indonesian horror.

It's a film that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Macabre, directed by the Mo Brothers (Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel), is a notorious entry in Indonesian horror, known for its extreme violence and gore. The film follows a group of friends who help a mysterious woman, only to find themselves trapped in her home and hunted by her cannibalistic family.

Originally titled 'Rumah Dara' in Indonesia, this film gained international cult status for its unapologetic brutality and relentless cat-and-mouse structure. It's a landmark film in the Indonesian horror scene that pushed boundaries and showcased the Mo Brothers' talent for crafting intense, visceral thrillers.

Be warned: this is not for the faint of heart and delivers on its title's promise.

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto (the other half of the Mo Brothers), May the Devil Take You is a high-octane, possession-fueled horror ride. The story centers on Alfie, a young woman who visits her estranged father's old house after he falls into a mysterious coma. There, she uncovers a terrifying pact he made with the devil and unleashes a demonic entity.

The film is characterized by its frenetic energy, shocking gore, and terrifying creature design. It blends traditional possession horror with elements of haunted house stories, creating a genuinely unsettling and often brutal experience. It also spawned a sequel, continuing Alfie's battle with the demonic forces.

This movie is perfect for those who enjoy their horror fast-paced and utterly relentless.

This 2019 film, written by Joko Anwar and directed by Kimo Stamboel (one half of the Mo Brothers duo), is a remake of the 1981 Indonesian horror film. The Queen of Black Magic takes a group of people visiting an orphanage where they grew up, only to be tormented by dark magic and horrifying visions linked to a past injustice.

The film is known for its relentless intensity and gruesome practical effects, delivering a visceral and disturbing horror experience. While the original was a classic, this remake updates the terror with modern filmmaking techniques, focusing on body horror and psychological torment.

It's a prime example of the more extreme side of Indonesian horror that has gained international attention in recent years.

Joko Anwar's Satan's Slaves is a wildly successful remake of the 1980 Indonesian horror classic of the same name. Set in the 1980s, the film follows a family terrorized by malevolent forces after the death of their mother, a former singer who delved into the occult.

What makes this film stand out is its dedication to atmosphere, practical effects, and a genuine sense of dread over jump scares. Anwar pays homage to classic horror tropes while infusing the story with uniquely Indonesian cultural and religious elements. The film was a massive box office hit in Indonesia and gained international recognition, solidifying Joko Anwar as a major voice in contemporary horror.

It's particularly praised for its creepy visuals and the unsettling performance of the child actors.

Impetigore, directed by the modern master of Indonesian horror, Joko Anwar, is a chilling and atmospheric descent into a cursed village. It masterfully blends folk horror, family secrets, and terrifying supernatural elements.

The film follows Maya and Dini, who return to Maya's ancestral village in hopes of inheriting a house. Instead, they uncover a dark past and a generations-old curse linked to Maya's family. Anwar creates a suffocating sense of dread through stunning cinematography and sound design, making the isolated village feel truly menacing.

Interestingly, the film was Indonesia's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, showcasing its critical acclaim. It's a visually rich and deeply unsettling experience that solidified Joko Anwar's reputation on the global stage.