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Think Bollywood is only about love songs and family drama? Think again! From eerie mansions to supernatural legends, here are 10 Hindi horror films that will haunt your mind and redefine what “scary” means in Indian cinema.
1920 blends gothic horror with a doomed love story.
Mumbai: For decades, Bollywood has been known for its romance, music, and grandeur. But hidden in its cinematic vault are stories that will make your spine tingle and your heart race. From psychological thrillers to horror-comedies, Indian filmmakers have mastered the art of creating terror that feels close to home, rooted in myths, beliefs, and everyday fears. These 10 horror movies stand out not just for their scares, but for their storytelling and craft.
Director: Rahi Anil Barve | Cast: Sohum Shah | Available on: Prime Video
A haunting blend of mythology and greed, Tumbbad tells the story of a man obsessed with uncovering a demon’s treasure. With its stunning visuals and eerie soundtrack, it’s not just horror, it’s poetic dread.
Director: Amar Kaushik | Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor | Available on: Netflix
A perfect mix of laughs and chills, Stree is inspired by an urban legend of a ghostly woman who abducts men at night. Witty dialogues and a strong message on gender roles make it unforgettable.
Director: Prosit Roy | Cast: Anushka Sharma | Available on: Prime Video
Pari offers a fresh take on horror with a dark fairytale touch. Anushka Sharma’s haunting performance and the film’s atmospheric tone make it one of Bollywood’s boldest supernatural stories.
Director: Vikram K. Kumar | Cast: Madhavan, Neetu Chandra | Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
When a TV serial starts mirroring a man’s life, reality turns sinister. 13B cleverly uses technology and paranoia to create modern horror rooted in psychological tension.
Director: Kamal Amrohi | Cast: Ashok Kumar, Madhubala | Available on: YouTube
India’s first gothic romance, Mahal is a timeless classic about reincarnation and doomed love. Madhubala’s ethereal presence and the song “Aayega Aanewala” still send chills down the spine.
Director: Ram Gopal Varma | Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Ajay Devgn | Available on: ZEE5
Set in a haunted Mumbai apartment, Bhoot relies on mood, performance, and psychological depth rather than clichés. Urmila’s terrifying portrayal remains one of Bollywood’s best.
Director: Akshay Akkineni | Cast: Akshay Oberoi | Available on: Disney+ Hotstar
A pizza delivery boy trapped in a supernatural mansion — with a twist you won’t see coming. Pizza smartly plays with perception and fear, blending horror with suspense.
Director: Ram Gopal Varma | Cast: Revathi | Available on: YouTube
A cult classic of Indian horror, Raat is about possession and evil forces. Its minimal effects and intense storytelling prove you don’t need blood to create fear.
Director: Vishal Furia | Cast: Nushrratt Bharuccha | Available on: Prime Video
A social-horror drama that tackles female infanticide under a ghostly veil. Chhorii uses horror as a medium for social reflection, unsettling yet powerful.
10. 1920 (2008)
Director: Vikram Bhatt | Cast: Rajneesh Duggal, Adah Sharma | Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Vikram Bhatt’s 1920 blends gothic horror with a doomed love story set in colonial India. The film follows a young couple who move into a haunted mansion, only to face demonic possession and spine-chilling exorcism sequences. Its eerie sound design, haunting visuals, and period setting make it a standout in modern Indian horror. The movie’s success also spawned multiple sequels, cementing 1920 as a cult franchise for horror lovers.
From Ramsay Brothers’ campy 1980s flicks to today’s high-concept thrillers, Bollywood horror has transformed from pure fright to layered storytelling. Modern filmmakers now explore trauma, mythology, and identity, proving that fear in Indian cinema has grown more intelligent and immersive.
Whether you’re into haunted mansions, mythic demons, or feminist ghosts, these films promise a thrilling watch. Dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and brace yourself, Bollywood’s dark side awaits.
