Our Favorite Foreign Horror Films

The Orphanage (2007)

A heartbreaking story coupled with a chilling ghost story make this more than just another horror film. Beautifully shot, it marked the first feature of an exciting new filmmaker, J.A. Bayona, and is a rare example where I was left feeling empathy for the "monster." — Michael

The Reflecting Skin (1990)

One of Viggo Mortensen's earliest movies, this film is a first look at the leading man he would become. While still chilling more than 25 years after its release, writer/director Philip Ridley's impressionistic take on life in 1950s America should continue to be celebrated for its goth/black comedy leanings. — Arno

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion (1972)

This movie sets into motion a four-film anthology that stars Meiko Kaji — also beloved for Lady Snowblood — as Nami Matsushima, an innocent woman who is sentenced to hard time at a women’s prison after being set up by her detective boyfriend. The physical and psychological horrors she endures throughout the movie extends into the overall series that all hinges on Kaji’s incredible repeat performances. This is exploitation moviemaking at its finest. — Arno

Ringu (1998)

This Japanese horror classic delivers heart-pounding scares with its chilling atmosphere and unnerving visuals, rather than blood and gore. Watching it alone, on a rainy winter’s night, was a bad idea as the surprising, terrifying denouement led to a sleepless night. — Michael

Let the Right One In (2008)

Although the English-language remake, Let Me In (2010), is itself a great film, the original Swedish version is even better. Two outcasts -- a bullied boy and a vampire girl -- find strength and love in each other. My favorite scene is when we see what happens when a vampire enters a home without an invitation, and seeing that Eli will do anything for Oskar. — Dan

Audition (1999)

I wasn’t familiar with Takashi Miike or his films when friends invited me to see Audition. This was the first (and only time) I was so uncomfortable I actually wanted to leave the theater. It’s been over 18 years since I saw the film, and the thought of it still freaks me out! — Michelle

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

A Korean psychological horror thriller that will keep you on your toes throughout the whole movie. You may think you have the movie figured out, but at the end you will definitely be thrown off guard. There are so many hidden messages and hints in the movie that you almost have to watch it several times to decipher all of them. The two actresses are very famous in Korea, and they do an amazing job in their roles with this movie. — Sarah

Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Goodnight Mommy is an Austrian horror film that is full of twists and surprises. This film will definitely make you second-guess wanting twins. The acting was great, and the story explores the dark side of human nature that can happens when something can’t be accepted. You’ll know what I mean once you watch it. — Sarah