Top 29 Taiwan Horror Movies Beyond 'Incantation' (2026): Zombie, Folklore & Ancient Curses

Forget everything you thought you knew about Asian horror being just about pale ghosts in wells. Modern Taiwanese filmmakers are pushing boundaries with a relentless mix of transgressive virus outbreaks, gritty police procedurals, and interactive psychological dread. While the viral success of Incantation put a global spotlight on Taipei’s supernatural storytelling, it is merely the tip of the iceberg for a region steeped in haunting traditions. From the chilling "Ghost Marriage" rituals seen in The Shuttered Room to the eerie mountain legends of The Tag-Along, Taiwanese cinema excels at turning everyday cultural taboos into visceral nightmares.  In this guide, we explore notable Taiwanese horror movies that move across subgenres such as the undead, folklore-inspired terror, and curse-driven narratives. Designed for both seasoned horror fans and newcomers, this list offers a practical way to explore Taiwan’s darker cinematic side with confidence.

🎬Must-Watch Taiwanese Horror Movies: Recent Hits & Timeless Classics

✴️Category 1:Early Taiwanese Horror & Folklore (Pre-1990)

(Limited in number, but important for understanding the roots of Taiwanese horror aesthetics)

✴️Category 2: High-Score Classics & Psychological Thrillers (2002–Present)

✴️Category 3: Modern Blockbusters & Recent Hits (2015–2025)

💻Top 10 Must-Watch Taiwan Horror Movies: Masterpieces and Modern Hits

Taiwanese horror has carved a unique niche in the global film market by masterfully blending ancient folk traditions, Taoist rituals, and bone-chilling modern urban legends. Whether you are looking for historical psychological thrillers or immersive modern curses, here are the top 10 must-watch films that define the genre.

1. Double Vision (双瞳, 2002) - Religious Symbolism × Psychological Horror

Director: Chen Kuo-fu

Cast: Tony Leung Ka-fai, Rene Liu, David Tao

Genre: Supernatural / Crime / Thriller

Key Features: A masterpiece blending Taoist mysticism with modern forensic investigation.

Why Watch: Often cited as the "Godfather" of modern Taiwanese horror, this film explores a series of bizarre murders linked to an ancient quest for immortality. Its high production value and deep philosophical roots set a bar that few have reached.

Where to Watch: Tencent Video | iQIYI

Plot Summary: Incantation (2022) follows single mother Li Ronan as she desperately tries to save her young daughter, Dodo, from a devastating curse triggered by a taboo violated six years prior while filming a mysterious Buddhist cult ritual for their YouTube channel; the film uses found footage, breaking the fourth wall to involve the viewer in chanting an insignia to spread the curse, revealing its true, horrifying purpose: to share the burden and save her child by making the audience complicit in worshiping an evil deity.  

3. Silk (诡丝, 2006) - Science Meets the Supernatural

Director: Su Chao-pin

Cast: Chang Chen, Yosuke Eguchi, Karena Lam

Genre: Sci-Fi / Horror / Mystery

Key Features: Capturing "ghosts" through scientific energy fields.

Why Watch: This film poses the question: "What if ghosts could be captured?" It blends cutting-edge (for its time) CGI with a touching story about grief and the "silk" of human connection that lingers after death.

Where to Watch: Tencent Video | Douban Info | Apple TV

Plot Summary:Silk (2006) is a Taiwanese sci-fi horror film where scientist Hashimoto uses a Menger Sponge device to capture a ghost child's energy in Taipei, enlisting lip-reading detective Tung to uncover the boy's tragic past—murdered by his mother and buried near a nuclear plant, leading to a vengeful spirit haunting those involved, tied by invisible silk threads.

4. Detention (返校, 2019) - Historical Trauma as Horror

Director: John Hsu

Cast: Gingle Wang, Tseng Jing-hua

Genre: Psychological Horror / Historical / Mystery

Key Features: Based on the hit video game; a chilling allegory for Taiwan's "White Terror" era.

Why Watch: More than just a ghost story, this is a haunting reflection on historical trauma. Set in a 1960s high school, it uses surrealist horror to explore themes of guilt, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom.

Where to Watch: Netflix Official

Plot Summary: Detention (返校) is a Taiwanese horror story (game/film/series) set during Taiwan's 1960s "White Terror" martial law period, following students Fang Ray Shin and Wei Chung Ting trapped in their haunted high school after a typhoon, confronting surreal monsters and repressed histories as they uncover the dark truth behind a banned underground book club and their own tragic fates, blending historical political repression with psychological horror and supernatural elements. The scares stem from grotesque figures representing authoritarianism, while the core narrative explores themes of freedom, guilt, and betrayal.  

5. Who Killed Cock Robin (目击者之追凶, 2017) - Real-World Psychological Terror

Director: Leste Chen

Cast: Kaiser Chuang, Hsu Wei-ning, Alice Ko

Genre: Neo-noir / Crime Thriller / Horror

Key Features: Intense psychological dread and shocking plot twists.

Why Watch: While it lacks supernatural ghosts, the human depravity depicted here is far more terrifying. This hard-boiled thriller is a masterclass in suspense, revealing that the truth is often darker than any nightmare.

Where to Watch:Apple TV， Amazon Video，豆瓣信息页

Plot Summary: Who Killed Cock Robin (2017) is a Taiwanese neo-noir thriller about an ambitious journalist, Wang Yi-chi, who investigates a hit-and-run he witnessed years prior, only to discover the accident is connected to his own life and a complex web of secrets involving corrupt officials, an auto mechanic, and the sole survivor, revealing a dark conspiracy and his own unwitting role in the tragedy as characters tell conflicting stories.

6. The Bride (尸忆, 2015) - Folk Beliefs × Psychological Horror

Director: Lingo Hsieh

Cast: Chris Wu, Nikki Hsieh

Genre: Folk Horror / Supernatural

Key Features: Centered on the "Ghost Marriage" (冥婚) custom.

Why Watch: Ever been told not to pick up a red envelope on the street? This film brings that local taboo to life. Produced by J-Horror legend Takashige Ichise (of The Grudge), it combines Japanese pacing with Taiwanese folk tradition.

Where to Watch: Bilibili (Select Channels) | Douban Info | Apple TV

Plot Summary: The Bride (屍憶/Shi Yi, 2015) centers on a ghost marriage custom where a man, Hao, receives a red envelope, leading to nightmares and hauntings by a vengeful bride spirit, connected to a past tragedy at an old house, which is investigated by a high school girl with psychic abilities (Yin-Yin) who sees ghosts, uncovering dark secrets about Hao's family and the history of ghost marriages in Taiwan. The plot weaves together contemporary struggles with ancestral customs, focusing on how unresolved past lives and familial obligations manifest as supernatural horror in the present.  

7. The Tag-Along  (红衣小女孩, 2015) - Urban Legend Horror

Director: Cheng Wei-hao

Cast: Rainie Yang, Hsu Wei-ning, Kara Wai

Genre: Supernatural / Folk Fantasy

Key Features: Expanding the "Little Girl in Red" urban legend into a cinematic universe.

Why Watch: Superior to the first film, this sequel explores motherhood and trauma through the lens of the "Moxina" (mountain forest demons). Hsu Wei-ning’s performance is haunting and physically transformative.

Where to Watch: Netflix Official | Apple TV | Google Play Movies

Plot Summary:The Tag-Along (2015) follows property agent Wei and his girlfriend Yi-Chun as they confront a terrifying Taiwanese urban legend: a mischievous ghost girl in a red dress that preys on people's guilt, leading to disappearances and possession, particularly after Wei's grandmother vanishes and he later goes missing himself, prompting Yi-Chun to uncover the chilling truth rooted in local folklore and a mysterious viral video. 

8. The Bridge Curse (女鬼桥, 2020) - Campus Ghost Story

Director: Lester Hsi

Cast: J.C. Lin, Vera Yen

Genre: Supernatural / Slasher / Mystery

Key Features: Modern campus urban legends meets live-streaming culture.

Why Watch: It starts as a typical "teens in danger" flick but utilizes a brilliant non-linear timeline to pull off a jaw-dropping finale. It’s fast-paced, meta, and perfect for fans of modern horror.

Where to Watch: Netflix Official | Apple TV

Plot Summary:The Bridge Curse (2020) is a Taiwanese horror film based on a campus urban legend where a vengeful female ghost haunts a bridge, killing those who perform a specific ritual involving counting steps, with the curse activating every leap year; the plot follows a documentary crew investigating the deaths of students who tested the legend, unraveling past events and facing the ghostly wrath themselves.  

9. The Rope Curse (粽邪, 2018) - Advanced Folk Ritual Horror

Director: Liao Shih-han

Cast: Kimi Hsia, Jason Tsou

Genre: Folk Horror

Key Features: The "Sending off the Meat Zongzi" ritual of Changhua.

Why Watch: This film focuses on a unique funeral ritual used to appease the souls of those who died by suicide. It skillfully ties ancient exorcism rites to the modern-day horror of cyberbullying.

Where to Watch: Netflix Official  | Apple TV

Plot Summary:The Rope Curse (2018) centers on Jia-Wei, a live-streamer who, while covering the traditional Taiwanese "Rope Ritual" (burning ropes from suicides to appease spirits) with his girlfriend Shu-Yi, unleashes a vengeful ghost, forcing him to uncover Shu-Yi's past trauma and a forgotten secret involving a bullied girl who committed suicide, as the curse targets them and escalates, requiring an exorcism to stop the spirit's revenge fueled by the cursed rope. The film blends Taiwanese folklore about cursed ropes from hanging suicides with modern themes of viral fame and personal secrets, leading to supernatural terror as the spirit seeks  retribution.

10. The Sadness (哭悲, 2021) - A Tansgressive Virus Horror Film

Director: Rob Jabbaz

Cast: Berant Zhu, Regina Lei

Genre: Horror / Thriller

Key Features: A transgressive virus horror film that explores extreme violence and the distortion of human nature.

Why Watch: Rob Jabbaz's The Sadness is an extreme, no-holds-barred vision of a pandemic that turns the infected into violent, sadistic maniacs. Following a couple (played by Regina Lei and Berant Zhu) trying to reunite, the film is an onslaught of graphic, visceral horror that pushes boundaries.

Where to Watch: YouTube | Shudder | Amazon Prime

Plot Summary:The Sadness is a 2021 Taiwanese body horror film written, directed, and edited by Canadian filmmaker Rob Jabbaz in his feature directorial debut.[3] It stars Berant Zhu and Regina Lei as a young couple attempting to reunite amidst a viral pandemic that turns people into homicidal maniacs.[4] It is heavily inspired by Garth Ennis' comics Crossed. 

📝Viewing Guide: How to Choose the Right Taiwan Horror Movie

Taiwanese horror movies cover a wide range of styles—from folk religion and urban legends to psychological thrillers and social realism. If you’re not sure where to start, use the guide below to find the type of film that best matches your taste.

✴️Identify the Type of Horror You Enjoy Most

⏩For the "Atmosphere & Depth" Seekers

If you prefer high production values and complex narratives over simple jump scares, look toward the psychological and investigative classics.

• Double Vision (2002): The ultimate classic for those who want a gritty police procedural mixed with Taoist mysticism.

• Detention (2019): Best for viewers who appreciate historical context, as it uses supernatural elements to explore Taiwan's "White Terror" era.

• Silk (2006): A great choice if you enjoy sci-fi elements blended with the supernatural.

⏩For the "Folk Horror" Enthusiasts

Taiwan excels at "Folk Horror," which draws from real local customs and religious taboos.

• Incantation (2022): Choose this if you want an immersive, found-footage experience centered on forbidden cult rituals.

• The Bride (2015): Ideal if you are curious about the chilling tradition of "Ghost Marriage".

• The Rope Curse Series (2018–2023): Recommended for fans of ritualistic horror, specifically the "Sending off the Meat Zongzi" tradition.

⏩For "Urban Legend" & Campus Fans

These films are often faster-paced and revolve around modern myths or student experiences.

• The Bridge Curse (2020): Perfect for fans of campus urban legends and live-streaming culture with clever plot twists.

• The Tag-Along Series (2015–2017): A must-watch for those interested in famous Taiwanese urban legends like the "Little Girl in Red".

⏩For the "Extreme & Transgressive" Fans

If you have a high tolerance for violence and want to see the darker side of human distortion, there are modern entries that push boundaries.

• The Sadness (2021): A visceral virus-horror film for viewers who want extreme violence and intense sensory impact.

• Who Killed Cock Robin (2017): While technically a crime thriller, choose this if you believe human nature is scarier than ghosts.

✴️Consider Your Tolerance Level

Not all horror is equally intense. Taiwanese films often scare through mood rather than shock, but some still push boundaries.

💡 If you dislike jump scares, avoid found-footage horror at first.

✴️Use Ratings as a Guide — But Don’t Rely on Them Alone

Platforms like Douban are useful, but ratings don’t tell the whole story.

✔ Look for consistent audience reviews, not just scores
✔ Older films may score lower due to pacing differences
✔ Folk horror often divides audiences unfamiliar with local culture

👉 A 6.5+ rating is often a safe pick for Taiwanese horror.

✴️Where to Watch Taiwanese Horror Movies

Most must-watch titles are available on major legal streaming platforms, depending on your region:

• Netflix – Incantation, Detention

• Apple TV / Google Play Movies – Many classic and modern titles

• Amazon Video – Region-dependent rentals

• YouTube (official uploads) – Some older films or limited releases

💡 Availability may vary by country, so searching the movie title + platform name usually works best.

✴️Essential Viewing Tips for the Best Experience

To get the most out of Taiwanese horror, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Pay Attention to Sound: Recent hits like Incantation use advanced binaural audio; wearing headphones is highly recommended for the full, terrifying experience.

• Understand the "Taboos": Taiwanese horror is unique because it feels "everyday." Knowing simple cultural rules—like why you shouldn't pick up a red envelope on the street or answer a call in the mountains—makes the movies much scarier.

• Look for Uncut Versions: Some platforms may censor folk rituals or graphic scenes. Always aim for the original, uncut versions (often found on Netflix) to ensure you see the director's full vision.

📌Summary of Choice by Vibe

If you want...	Then watch...
A Masterpiece of Mystery	Double Vision
To feel "Cursed"	Incantation
Historical & Emotional	Detention
Fast-paced Campus Scares	The Bridge Curse
Pure Folk Taboos	The Bride or The Rope Curse

🔎FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Taiwanese Horror Movies

When exploring the world of Taiwanese horror cinema, many viewers encounter similar cultural hurdles and logistical questions. Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions and their practical solutions to help you navigate this unique genre effectively.

💡 Pro-Tips for a Better Experience

• "Bullet Chat" (Danmu) Mode: If you are easily frightened, watching on platforms like Bilibili with comments enabled can dilute the terror through humorous real-time social interaction.

• Optimal Lighting: Many of these films use extremely dark color palettes. To see hidden details—like the ghosts in The Shuttered Room—ensure your room is completely dark to avoid screen glare.

• Watching Order: If you are a beginner, start with "Classic Logic" films like Double Vision, move to "Urban Legends" like The Tag-Along, and save "Extreme Folk Horror" like Incantation for last.

The best Taiwanese horror movie isn’t always the scariest—it’s the one that matches your expectations and comfort level. Whether you prefer folklore, psychology, realism, or raw tension, these Taiwan’s horror cinema offers something distinct and memorable.