1. Tumbbad (2018)
Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Adesh Prasad
Tumbbad is a 2018 Indian horror-fantasy film directed by Rahi Anil Barve, known for its unique blend of folklore, horror, and philosophical themes. The film has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling, visual style, and exploration of greed and its consequences.
2. Pari (2018)
Director: Prosit Roy
Pari is a 2018 Indian supernatural horror film directed by Prosit Roy, marking his directorial debut. The film stars Anushka Sharma, who also produced it under her production company, Clean Slate Films. It combines elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, and explores themes of love, trauma, and the supernatural.
3. Bhoot (2003)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Bhoot is a 2003 Indian Hindi-language supernatural horror film directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Urmila Matondkar, Nana Patekar, Rekha, and Fardeen Khan. It is notable for its psychological depth and atmospheric tension, marking a significant entry in Indian horror cinema.
4. Stree (2018)
Director: Amar Kaushik
Stree is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language horror-comedy film directed by Amar Kaushik. The film features a talented cast including Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee. It is inspired by the urban legend of “Nale Ba,” which circulated in Karnataka during the 1990s, about a spirit that targets men at night.
5. Raat (1992)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Raat is a 1992 Indian supernatural horror film directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film is notable for its psychological depth and atmospheric tension, making it a significant entry in the genre of Indian horror cinema.
6. Raaz (2002)
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Raaz is a 2002 Indian supernatural horror film directed by Vikram Bhatt, marking a significant entry in the genre of Hindi cinema. The film stars Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu in lead roles, with supporting performances from Malini Sharma and Ashutosh Rana. It is known for its engaging storyline, atmospheric tension, and memorable music.
7. 1920 (2008)
Director: Vikram Bhatt
1920 is a 2008 Indian supernatural horror film directed by Vikram Bhatt. The film stars Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma in lead roles and is set against the backdrop of the year 1920, exploring themes of love, possession, and the supernatural.
8. Ek Thi Daayan (2013)
Director: Kannan Iyer
Ek Thi Daayan is a 2013 Indian supernatural thriller film directed by Kannan Iyer, featuring a cast that includes Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi, and Kalki Koechlin. The film is based on the short story “Mobius Trips” by Mukul Sharma and combines elements of horror, psychological thriller, and romance.
9. Phobia (2016)
Director: Pavan Kirpalani
Phobia is a 2016 Indian psychological horror film directed by Pavan Kirpalani, featuring Radhika Apte in the lead role. The film explores themes of agoraphobia, trauma, and the supernatural, presenting a unique take on the horror genre.
10. Pizza (2014)
Director: Akshay Akkineni
Pizza is a beloved dish that originated in Naples, Italy, and has since become a global culinary phenomenon. It typically consists of a round, flat base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and various other ingredients baked at a high temperature.
11. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Director: Priyadarshan
Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a 2007 Indian psychological horror-comedy film directed by Priyadarshan. It stars Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja, and Ameesha Patel, and is a remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu (1993). The film blends elements of comedy, horror, and mystery, creating a unique cinematic experience.
12. Mahal (1949)
Director: Kamal Amrohi
Mahal (1949) is a landmark film in Indian cinema, recognized as the first horror film in Bollywood. Directed by Kamal Amrohi, this psychological supernatural thriller was produced by Savak Vacha and Ashok Kumar under the Bombay Talkies banner. The film features a compelling narrative centered around themes of reincarnation and unfulfilled love, with notable performances from Ashok Kumar and Madhubala.
13. 13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009)
Director: Vikram K. Kumar
13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009) is an Indian horror film directed by Vikram Kumar, notable for its unique blend of supernatural elements and psychological suspense. The film was simultaneously shot in Tamil as Yavarum Nalam and features a cast led by R. Madhavan and Neetu Chandra.
14. Kaun? (1999)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Kaun? (1999) is a critically acclaimed Hindi psychological thriller directed by Ram Gopal Varma, known for its innovative approach to the horror genre. The film features a minimalist cast, primarily focusing on Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, and Sushant Singh, and is notable for its unique narrative style and suspenseful atmosphere.
15. Veerana (1988)
Director: Ramsay Brothers
Veerana (1988) is an Indian Hindi-language erotic supernatural horror film directed by the Ramsay Brothers, Shyam and Tulsi Ramsay. The film is notable for its blend of horror and sensuality, characteristic of the Ramsay Brothers’ style, and has gained a cult following over the years.
16. Bulbbul (2020)
Director: Anvita Dutt
Bulbbul (2020) is a critically acclaimed Indian supernatural thriller directed by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anushka Sharma. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Bengal, the film explores themes of patriarchy, child marriage, and female empowerment through a blend of horror and folklore.
17. The House Next Door (2017)
Director: Milind Rau
The House Next Door (2017), also known as Aval in Tamil, is a horror film directed by Milind Rau and co-written by Siddharth, who also stars in the lead role. The film was shot simultaneously in Hindi and Tamil, showcasing a blend of supernatural themes and psychological tension.
18. Ludo (2015)
Director: Qaushiq Mukherjee, Nikon
Ludo (2015) is an Indian horror film directed by Qaushiq Mukherjee and Nikon, which combines elements of supernatural horror with a unique twist on the popular board game. The film features a cast that includes Subholina Sen, Ananya Biswas, Soumendra Bhattacharya, and Ranodeep Bose.