7 Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix that will give you nightmares (2024)

When you read the term ‘Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix’, your expectation bar is almost immediately lowered. However, you may be mistaken. While we know Bollywood doesn’t excel at this genre, there are some diamonds in the rough that you come across from time to time. Netflix, which possesses the best library for horror content, has quite a few options in its Indian section too. But before you pick a show or a movie that confirms your stereotype, we’ve found 7 Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix that can actually scare the bejesus out of you. Check them out, if you dare.

7 Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix will give you nightmares

1. Tumbbad – Netflix

Out of all the Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix, this one is our favourite. Set in Maharashtra, between 1918 and 1947, Rahi Anil Barve’s directorial debut follows three generations of a Konkanastha Brahmin family who seek an ancestral treasure that has been jinxed by the gods. If for nothing else, watch this film to get familiar with the brilliant acting chops of Sohum Shah.

2. Stree – Netflix

Based on a true story, in this film, the town of Chanderi constantly lives in the fear of an evil power that resides there. However, this evil power is the strongest during a particular festival and only prays on single young men. This film will scare you but has plenty of comic relief, making it the perfect watch for those who aren’t big fans of the genre. The film stars Rajkkumar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Aparshakti Khurrana, among others.

3. Pari – Netflix

In this film, Anushka Sharma plays the role of Rukhsana, the daughter of a woman who fell victim to a satanic ritual. When her mother accidentally passes away, a kind-hearted man gives her place in her house as he believes that she is a victim of abuse. However, things aren’t what they seem with Rukhsana. Be sure to keep the night light on because Anushka’s performance in this film will surely give you nightmares. You should watch Pari before Anushka Sharma’s production Bulbbul joins the list of horror shows and movies on Netflix.

4. Ghoul – Netflix

On a dark, rainy night, a dangerous terrorist arrives at a high-security military detention centre. A brilliant young officer, who has proven her loyalty to a dystopian version of India, is sent in to interrogate him. But when the terrorist reveals a secret from the officer’s past, tables turn. Locked in a facility no one has ever broken out of, the military personnel find herself being hunted and come to realise that something amongst them is not human. If you still haven’t watched Ghoul, it should be your pick among all the horror shows and movies on Netflix.

5. Lupt – Netflix

On first look, you’d be quick to pass on this movie, however, we’d advise you not to. With a 7+ rating on IMDb, this film’s plot revolves around a ruthless business played by Javed Jaffery who goes on a vacation with his family and is haunted by a sin of his past. It is a remake of the 2003 film Dead End and is based on a true story. Among all Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix, this one will take you by surprise the most.

6. Anjaan: Rural Myths

One title that you may find trending among all the shows and movies on Netflix is Anjaan: Rural Myths. This show is mainly based on the encounters with ghosts, ghouls and witches that are experienced in the rural counterparts of the country. The show promises that these stories are real, but if you believe that, be sure to sleep with the lights on today.

7. Betaal – Netflix

Horror isn’t a new genre for Bollywood, however, our past experiences have rarely resulted in hits. Betaal, a zombie-horror series, joined the list of new shows and movies on Netflix last month. This one is bankrolled by Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment. The plot revolves around a group of army officials who find themselves fighting a huge battalion of centuries-old British soldiers-turned-zombies, when they accidentally unearth an old curse.

Watch these Indian horror shows and movies on Netflix