Filipino horror films to watch (or not), based on what scares you
Still from “Wag Kang Lilingon” (2006)
It’s the (spooky) time of the year again. Some folks are trying to finalize their low-budget-slash-last-minute Halloween costumes, but the rest can’t wait to stay in and watch a scary flick while curled up in a blanket—which also means placing it near enough so covering eyes would be convenient during an impending jumpscare.
While deciding on what movie to watch isn’t an easy feat either, you can start with asking yourself, “What scares me?”
Are you part of the population who appreciates a warning pre-horror film viewing, just to ensure you’ll be able to handle the level of terror? Or are you the type who gets adrenaline from devouring a horror tale that won’t let them sleep? Whoever you are in the options, we might just have what you need for Halloween.
From movies about haunted dolls to creepy mirrors, we try to give you a recommendation the rich Filipino film pool.
“Deleter” (2022)
Dir. Mikhail Red
It only makes sense that the multihyphenate Nadine Lustre bagged a best actress award for this film. Portraying the role of Lyra, a mysterious and seemingly desentisized “deleter,” she’s able to portray feelings of numbness, guilt, and panic, among others—especially when the story takes a darker turn involving Lyra’s co-worker.
Before watching, make sure you’re in the right headspace to consume heavy media, as it will try to place you in the POV of an online content moderator, rummaging through the murkiest parts of the web with every click.
But in terms of the film’s fright-o-meter, it can be a bit more achievable to go through this than most horror flicks, especially if you’re an enthusiast of the genre yourself. What you’ll probably feel more, though, is anger.
Do (or don’t) watch if: You’re scared of the dark, like, “I can’t walk one step forward or even move an inch of my body, as long as the lights are out” kind of scared. Some parts of the film can look too dim that it almost feels claustrophobia-inducing. Or, if your daily routine involves walking empty hallways at ungodly hours, and that’s also unfortunately the time when your imagination goes haywire.
Where to watch: Prime Video
“Maria, Leonora, Teresa” (2014)
Dir. Wenn V. Deramas
People love emotional support toys, but this film just takes it to a whole new level.
After a tragic field trip accident, the parents of Maria, Leonora, and Teresa channel their grief through talking dolls—who are as disturbing as they can get—as recommended by a psychiatrist. Little do they know that these inanimate objects would take drastic control of their lives.
While the idea of sinister dolls being substitutes to actual human beings is bothersome, there’s also a chance that how they act and speak could turn your goosebumps into giggles. Also, you might get fixated more on the underlying issues in this Filipino horror film, like those involving family.
Do (or don’t watch) if: You’ve always been creeped out by dolls. That’s pretty much it.
Where to watch: YouTube
“Feng Shui” (2004)
Dir. Chito S. Roño
From Halloween specials on TV to a random film viewing inside the bus, it’s hard not to catch this iconic Y2K Filipino horror film at least once in your life. It’s pretty much a pillar of pop culture—especially when you realize that even as an adult, this can actually still be your nightmare fuel.
This box office hit follows the journey of Joy (played by Kris Aquino) as she finds out the unfortunate effects of a cursed bagua mirror. Soon, death follows her path—will she be able to save her family?
Do (or don’t watch) if: Screw this. Just watch it.
Where to watch: YouTube
“Wag Kang Lilingon” (2006)
Dir. Quark Henares
Feeling like your short attention span won’t make it through another full-length film? You can consider this Filipino horror anthology film divided into three parts: “Uyayi,” (what causes the mysterious deaths at a hospital?) “Salamin,” (what’s up with the mysterious mirror in the basement?) and the epilogue.
Whether you’ve seen it in your childhood or are giving it a shot for the first time, this might just be that film that would creep into your dreams.
Also, this Filipino horror film’s title itself is something you’d still hear as a running gag now, whether you’re pulling off an impromptu “ghost hunt” in an abandoned neighborhood space, or suddenly stuck in a strange spot mid-roadtrip. Intriguing, isn’t it?
Do (or don’t) watch if: Your room is full or mirrors, and they seem to be more unavoidable at 3 a.m.
Where to watch: YouTube
You may also like: Bakunawa, Minokawa, and other creatures in Philippine folklore you probably don’t know
“TxT” (2006)
Dir. Michael Tuviera
Does this thriller-drama give a new spin to the wedding vow line, “‘Til death do us part?”
Despite getting killed in a car accident, Roman (Oyo Boy Sotto) keeps his ties with his living lover Joyce (Angel Locsin) through disturbing text messages. What’s worse is she eventually also receives “death photos” involving her new partner.
Do (or don’t) watch if: You feel uneasy with chain messages or anonymous calls… or just fear being “ghosted.”
Where to watch: YouTube
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