We’re starting our journey into Asian Horror with a trip to China and its territories. China isn’t usually the first country people think of when it comes to horror movies, but believe it or not, there are some chilling gems waiting to be discovered. From what I’ve seen, Chinese Horror often leans toward thought-provoking stories that keep you guessing rather than relying solely on gore. There are exceptions of course — plenty of unsettling ghost stories have made their way out of the region. Whether eerie folklore, disturbing body horror, or supernatural experiments, Chinese filmmakers bring a unique flavour to the genre that stands apart from the typical Western style.
So, let’s dive into five of the best entries in Chinese Horror.
5. Gau Ji / Dumplings (2004) – Not Rated
Aunt Mei’s dumplings are famous for their age-defying qualities — but a fading actress is determined to uncover their secret ingredient.
We’re kicking things off with a notorious entry. If you’ve seen the anthology Three… Extremes, this story may be familiar — Dumplings expands it into a full-length feature. Be warned: it’s grisly, unsettling, and downright stomach-turning. Once you learn what’s inside those dumplings, you’ll never look at them the same way again. If you’re squeamish, maybe skip it. If you’re curious, this is Chinese Horror at its most grotesque.
4. Geung si / Rigor Mortis (2013) – Not Rated
In a public housing complex, supernatural chaos erupts in an eerie homage to 1980s Chinese vampire movies.
Rigor Mortis is stylish, creepy, and action-packed. Ghosts, zombies, vampires — it’s a love letter to the golden era of Hong Kong horror with a modern twist. While not as shocking as Dumplings, it’s a highly entertaining blend of nostalgia and supernatural action. If you’re looking for an accessible introduction to Chinese Horror, this is a solid pick.
3. Gui si / Silk (2006) – Not Rated
Scientists capture the ghost of a young boy, hoping to use its energy to power a groundbreaking device.
Silk is part mystery, part sci-fi, and part horror, making it one of the most intriguing Taiwanese entries in the genre. It asks big questions — why does this boy’s spirit remain, and what happens when science tries to manipulate the supernatural? Blending ghostly chills with speculative technology, Silk keeps you engaged from start to finish. A clever and memorable slice of Chinese Horror.
2. Zong xie / The Rope Curse (2018) – Not Rated
A couple livestreams a rope ritual tied to suicide — and unleash a deadly curse.
Based on a chilling real-life ritual from Fujian Province, The Rope Curse takes a unique approach to cursed-object horror. The premise is both creepy and culturally rooted: ropes used in suicides are believed to carry deadly curses, only lifted through ancient ceremonies. Naturally, our protagonists meddle where they shouldn’t — with predictably terrifying results. Taiwanese horror has been thriving in recent years, and The Rope Curse is proof that Chinese Horror can still find fresh ground.
1. Gin gwai / The Eye (2002) – Rated R
After a cornea transplant, a young blind woman discovers she can see the dead.
Forget the bland Jessica Alba remake — the original The Eye is a masterpiece of atmospheric horror. Blending tragedy, suspense, and chilling ghost encounters, it asks: would you trade blindness for the ability to see spirits? Hong Kong directors the Pang Brothers delivered not just one classic but a trilogy, with sequels that expand the world in fascinating ways. This is the pinnacle of Chinese Horror, and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Final Thoughts on Chinese Horror
China may not have the global horror reputation of Japan or Korea, but Chinese Horror has carved out its own identity with clever, atmospheric, and often disturbing films. From grotesque body horror in Dumplings to the supernatural spectacle of The Eye, these movies prove that China and its territories deserve a place in the global horror conversation.
And remember, this is just the beginning. This series will also explore the unique terror of Japanese Horror, the intensity of Korean Horror, and the folklore-driven chills of Thai Horror. Taken together — and alongside the classics of the 1940s through the 1980s, plus our deep dives into Italian, Spanish, and French Horror — they show just how rich and varied the genre truly is.
