Halloween is around the corner, and you may be wondering how to celebrate. Going to a theme party might be a good idea, but if you want to relax in the comfort of your own home, there’s nothing better than watching some scary movies. As far as horror films are concerned, the style of Bollywood horror films is unique compared to the rest.
Whether using Indian folklore or adding supernatural elements, Hindi filmmakers have made many entertaining horror films over the years. From the comedy-horror of Stree to the folklore of Ek Thi Daayan, you’ll find the best of scary Bollywood movies to choose from this Halloween Day.
10 scary Bollywood movies worth watching on Halloween Day
1. woman
- Release date: 31 August 2018
- Director: Amar Kaushik
- Mould: Rajkumar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
- Run Time: 128 minutes
- Where to watch: Netflix
Are you looking for a mainstream horror movie in Bollywood? If yes, then woman could be the ideal choice. The film is based on the urban legend of “Naale Ba” in Karnataka, where a mysterious spirit abducts men at night, scaring the locals. But the hair-raising mystery is balanced with humor, making it an entertaining watch. This is not your regular ghost story; Rather, it explores an important social topic of women’s safety and will leave you thinking by the end. The direction, entertaining storyline and powerful performances will leave you asking for more.
2. 1920
- Release date: 12 September 2008
- Director: Vikram Bhatt
- Mould: Rajneesh Duggal, Ada Sharma
- IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
- Run Time: 138 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
If you want to watch a classic Bollywood movie, 1920 is your option. It is the story of a newly married couple who experience scary moments after visiting a haunted house. The story may sound like a Hollywood horror film, but its lavish sets and problematic history make this film stand out from the rest.
Set in the pre-independence era of the 1920s, it has an old-school horror style that takes you back in time. Moreover, its impeccable direction and story will keep you hooked till the end. Looking 1920 will create the perfect atmosphere for Halloween night in your home.
3. Pari
- Release date: 2 March 2018
- Director: Prosit Roy
- Mould: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chatterjee
- IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
- Run Time: 136 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
One of the best horror movies in recent years has been Pari. This is not your regular horror movie with a scary story; Instead, the story of this film is darker and more complicated. The film explores the concept of demonic possession in detail, which is unusual in Hindi cinema.
Anushka Sharma plays the lead role in the film and we see the mainstream actress in a completely different perspective. She plays a powerful role of a girl who finds herself in the midst of supernatural forces. This film may make you uncomfortable with its unconventional themes but it is relatable for those who want to see something different.
4. Ghost
- Release date: 21 February 2020
- Director: Bhanu Pratap Singh
- Mould: Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar
- IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
- Run Time: 114 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Ships, oceans, and mystery are an interesting subject for horror movies. And Bhoot-Part One: The Haunted Ship explores this wonderfully. It is based on the story of a shipping officer, Prithvi, assigned to investigate a mysterious, abandoned ship that is stranded on the seashore.
Gradually, the film sheds light on his past and the story of the ship, which is filled with a mystery. The film is based on real events, and the cinematography and amazing backdrops add to the horror story. If you want to watch hair-raising movies inspired by true events, then definitely watch this movie once.
5. Roohi
- Release date: 11 March 2021
- Director: Hardik Mehta
- Mould: Rajkumar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Sharma
- IMDB Rating: 4.2/10
- Run Time: 134 minutes
- Where to watch: Netflix
From the makers of Stree, Roohi is another horror comedy film about two friends who have to deal with a possessed woman. Although the film is not as successful as Stree, the unique plot, unexpected scenes and glimpses of humor make it worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a light, scary movie to watch this Halloween, Roohi’s lesser-known gem is your choice. Also, its impressive performances and great music make it interesting.
6. There was a witch
- Release date: 19 April 2013
- Director: Kannan Iyer
- Mould: Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Konkona Sensharma, Kalki Koechlin
- IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
- Run Time: 135 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Are you looking for a horror movie based on Indian folklore? If yes, then you must watch Ek Thi Daayan based on the folklore of witches in India. The movie is an interesting movie where Bobo is a magician who wants to marry his girlfriend. But he has been secretly haunted by a sinister woman since his childhood, which prompts him to seek help from a psychiatrist.
In addition to witches, the film explored the concept of childhood trauma and supernatural elements. The film is a dark watch with impressive acting, an exciting plot, and a flavor of romance, making it an interesting must-watch for Halloween.
7. Raj
- Release date: 1 February 2002
- Director: Vikram Bhatt
- Mould: Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea, Malini Sharma
- IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
- Run Time: 151 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
The plot structure of Raaz is similar to that of the 1920s, where a married couple experiences strange things when they move into a new house. As they try to save their failing marriage, new supernatural elements in the new house threaten them and bring up some important secrets from the past.
Vikram Bhatt created a perfect eerie atmosphere where you will feel as if you are a part of his world. Additionally, the wonderful soundtrack adds depth to the atmosphere, and the conflict of their relationship balances the plot. If you’re in the mood to watch a quintessential Bollywood horror film then this is a perfect watch.
8. night
- Release date: July 1992
- Director: Ram Gopal Verma
- Mould: Revati, Om Puri
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
- Run Time: 127 minutes
- Where to watch: youtube
Raat is one of the first popular horror films shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi. Its story is similar where a family lives in a scary new house. However, it doesn’t have the typical horror elements like other movies, and it surprises you every step of the way.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, it slowly traces the thrilling events that will keep you scaring you all night long on Halloween. If you are looking for a classic horror movie to watch, Night of the Night should be your choice.
9. 13B: Fear Has a New Address
- Release date: 6 March 2009
- Director: Vikram K. Kumar
- Mould: R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Run Time: 146 minutes
- Where to watch: disney+hotstar
Are you looking for an underrated horror movie in Bollywood? If yes, check out 13B, this story follows a family moving into a new house with strange experiences. However, the same scenes are shown in their home aired TV shows, which makes it different and interesting. The eerie connection between the events of a TV show and real life is disturbing and makes for a unique watch this horror season.
10. Tumbbad
- Release date: 12 October 2018
- Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Aadesh Prasad
- Mould: soham shah
- IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
- Run Time: 104 minutes
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
One of the most critically acclaimed horror films based on folklore is Tumbbad. The film became popular for its spectacular visuals, cinematography and set design, where every scene is a perfect frame.
It is based on the story of a greedy man from the pre-independence era who from time to time extracts a treasure protected by a cursed element. The tone of greed, mythology and mystery makes this a thrilling watch that won’t let you sleep this Halloween.
Each movie on this list is different from each other and explores a different horror element. From period backdrops, ancient curses and demonic possession to unexpected mysteries, these movies will give you goosebumps and create the perfect Halloween atmosphere in your home. So, why wait? Choose your favorite watch, and get ready to celebrate Halloween night in true Bollywood style!!
Also read: 6 sci-fi Bollywood movies on Netflix that bring technology and entertainment together in the best way
