Halloween is around the corner, and you may wonder how to celebrate it. Going to a theme party could be a good idea, but if you just want to relax in the comfort of your home, there is nothing better than to watch some spooky movies. Regarding horror films, Bollywood spooky movies have a unique style compared to the rest.
Whether using Indian folklore or adding supernatural elements, Hindi filmmakers have made several gripping horror movies over the years. From the comedy-horror in Stree to the folklore of Ek Thi Daayan, you will get the best options for scary Bollywood films to choose from this Halloween day.
10 scary Bollywood films to watch on Halloween Day
1. Stree
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar 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 film in Bollywood? If yes, Stree can be the ideal choice. The film is based on the urban legend of “Nale Ba” in Karnataka, where a mystery spirit kidnaps men at night, leaving the locals scared. But the chilling mystery is balanced with tints of humor, making it an entertaining watch. It’s not your regular ghost story; rather, it explores an important social theme of women’s safety and will leave you thinking by the end of it. The direction, gripping plot, and powerful performances will make you ask you for more.
2. 1920
Release Date: September 12, 2008
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Cast: Rajneesh Duggal, Adah Sharma
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
Run Time: 138 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
If you want to watch a classic Bollywood film, 1920 is your go-to option. It follows the story of a newlywed couple who experience scary moments after they move into a haunted house. The plot may seem similar to a Hollywood horror film, but its grand sets and problematic history make this film different from the rest.
Set in the pre-independence era of 1920, it has an old-school horror style that takes you back in time. Moreover, its impeccable direction and storyline will keep you engaged till the end. Watching 1920 will create an ideal ambiance for a Halloween night in your home.
3. Pari
Release Date: March 2, 2018
Director: Prosit Roy
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chatterjee
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Run Time: 136 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
One of the best horror films in recent years has been Pari. It’s not your regular horror film with a scary plot; instead, the story in this film is more dark and twisted. The film explores the concept of demonic possession in detail, which is uncommon in Hindi cinema.
Anushka Sharma plays the protagonist in the film, and we see the mainstream actress in a completely different light. She plays the impressively haunting role of a girl who finds herself amid supernatural forces. The movie can make you uncomfortable with unconventional themes but is relevant for those who want to watch something different.
4. Bhoot
Release Date: February 21, 2020
Director: Bhanu Pratap Singh
Cast: 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 trope for horror films. And Bhoot—Part One: The Haunted Ship explores it wonderfully. It is based on the story of a shipping officer, Prithvi is tasked with investigating a mysterious, abandoned ship that has halted near the seashore.
Gradually, the film delves into his past and the story of the ship, making a suspense-filled watch. The film is based on real events, and the cinematography and wonderful backdrop just add to the eerie tale. If you want to watch chilling movies inspired by true events, give this movie a shot.
5. Roohi
Release Date: March 11, 2021
Director: Hardik Mehta
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Sharma
IMDB Rating: 4.2/10
Run Time: 134 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
By the makers of Stree, Roohi is another horror comedy film about two friends who have to deal with a possessed woman. Although the film isn’t as successful as Stree, the unique plot, unpredictable scenes, and tints of humor make it worthwhile.
If you are looking for a light, spooky movie to watch this Halloween, then the lesser-known gem of Roohi is your choice. Also, its impressive performances and great music make it interesting.
6. Ek Thi Daayan
Release Date: April 19, 2013
Director: Kannan Iyer
Cast: 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 film based on Indian folklore? If so, you must watch Ek Thi Daayan, based on the folklore of witches (daayans) in India. The film is an interesting watch where Bobo is a magician who wants to marry his girlfriend. But he is secretly haunted by a sinister woman from his childhood, prompting him to seek psychiatric help.
Apart from witches, the film explored the concept of childhood trauma and supernatural elements. The film is a dark watch with impressive performances, a thrilling plot, and a flavor of romance, making it an interesting must-watch for Halloween.
7. Raaz
Release Date: February 1, 2002
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Cast: Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea, Malini Sharma
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Run Time: 151 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Raaz has a plot structure similar to 1920, where a married couple experiences strange things as they move into a new home. As they try to save their failing marriage, the new supernatural elements at the new home scare them and bring out some important secrets from the past.
Vikram Bhatt created an ideal eerie atmosphere where you will feel like you are a part of their world. Moreover, the wonderful soundtrack adds depth to the atmosphere, and their relationship struggles balance the plot. It’s a suitable watch if you’re in the mood for a quintessential Bollywood horror film.
8. Raat
Release Date: July 1992
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Revathi, 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. It has a similar plot where a family moves into a scary new home. However, it doesn’t have typical horror elements like the other movies, and it surprises you at every step.
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, it gradually explores the thrilling tropes that will continue to scare you throughout Halloween night. If you are looking for a classic horror film to watch, then Raat should be your choice.
9. 13B: Fear Has a New Address
Release Date: March 6, 2009
Director: Vikram K. Kumar
Cast: 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, watch 13B, a story similar to a family moving into a new home with strange experiences. However, those same scenes are showcased in a telecast TV show in their home, making it different and intriguing. The eerie connection between the events in a TV show and real life is unsettling and a unique watch for this spooky season.
10. Tumbbad
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Adesh Prasad
Cast: Sohum 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 stunning visuals, cinematography, and set design, where every scene is a perfect frame.
It is based on the story of a greedy man in the pre-independence era who periodically extracts treasure guarded by a cursed element. The undertone of greed, mythology, and mystery makes it a spine-tingling watch that won’t let you sleep this Halloween.
Every film in this list is different from one another and explores a different horror element. From period settings, ancient curses, and demonic possession to unpredictable mysteries, these films will give you constant goosebumps, creating an ideal Halloween atmosphere in your home. So, why wait? Choose your favorite watch, and be ready to celebrate Halloween night in true Bollywood style!!
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