When it comes to horror, Hollywood’s The Conjuring franchise is often considered one of the scariest. However, Indonesia has been quietly producing some of the most terrifying horror films in recent years, rooted in local folklore, dark myths, and chilling atmosphere. For fans who crave spine-tingling stories beyond Hollywood, Indonesian horror cinema offers experiences that can rival — and sometimes surpass — The Conjuring. Here are 10 Indonesian horror movies better than The Conjuring that you should add to your watchlist.
1. Satan’s Slaves (2017)
Directed by Joko Anwar, Pengabdi Setan (Satan’s Slaves) is often hailed as one of the scariest Asian horror films of all time. It blends supernatural dread with strong emotional storytelling. The movie tells the story of a family haunted after the death of their mother, leading to horrifying discoveries. The terrifying sound design, religious undertones, and local myths make it more unsettling than many Western horror classics.
2. May the Devil Take You (2018)
This gruesome film by Timo Tjahjanto feels like a nightmare come alive. When Alfie and her step-siblings visit her father’s old villa, they encounter vengeful spirits linked to his dark past. With gore, jump scares, and relentless pacing, May the Devil Take You offers raw terror that easily outshines The Conjuring’s polished scares.
3. Impetigore (2019)
Another gem from Joko Anwar, Impetigore was Indonesia’s official entry for the Oscars. It follows Maya, a young woman who returns to her ancestral village, only to find out about a terrifying family curse. The mix of rural superstition, skin-crawling imagery, and shocking revelations make this film a standout in modern horror.
4. Satan’s Slaves: Communion (2022)
The sequel to Satan’s Slaves, this movie pushes the boundaries of fear even further. Set in a gloomy high-rise building, the film intensifies the claustrophobia and supernatural horror. With stunning visuals and deeply disturbing sequences, it delivers the kind of relentless fear that horror fans crave — something even The Conjuring films rarely maintain.
5. Kafir: A Deal with the Devil (2018)
Kafir is a chilling tale about black magic, family secrets, and supernatural revenge. Unlike Western horror that often focuses on haunted houses, this movie dives deep into Indonesian mysticism, presenting rituals and curses that feel both authentic and terrifying. The emotional weight combined with sinister visuals makes it unforgettable.
6. The Queen of Black Magic (2019)
Directed by Kimo Stamboel, this remake of a 1981 cult classic is loaded with shocking gore and occult horror. It tells the story of childhood friends visiting an orphanage where unspeakable secrets resurface. With intense body horror, disturbing rituals, and a sense of hopeless dread, it goes far beyond the subtle scares of The Conjuring.
7. Takut: Faces of Fear (2008)
This horror anthology includes six short stories directed by prominent Indonesian filmmakers. From psychological terrors to supernatural hauntings, Takut showcases different flavors of fear. Its unpredictability and variety make it scarier than traditional haunted house stories we often see in Hollywood.
8. Kuntilanak (2006)
One of Indonesia’s most iconic horror films, Kuntilanak is based on a well-known folklore ghost — a female spirit with long hair and a terrifying laugh. The film cleverly uses this legend to create spine-chilling moments that are deeply connected to Indonesian culture. While The Conjuring may scare with ghostly nuns and haunted dolls, Kuntilanak taps into primal local fears that hit harder.
9. Macabre (2009)
Directed by the Mo Brothers, Macabre is a brutal and bloody horror that feels like Indonesia’s answer to Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It follows a group of friends trapped in a house of cannibals, blending slasher and supernatural horror. Its intensity, gore, and shocking twists make it a horror masterpiece not for the faint-hearted.
10. Pocong 2 (2006)
The Pocong ghost is one of Indonesia’s most feared spirits, wrapped in a burial shroud. Pocong 2 taps into this folklore with horrifying visuals and bone-chilling suspense. Unlike The Conjuring’s jump scares, this movie sustains fear throughout, leaving you restless even after the credits roll.
Why Indonesian Horror Outshines Hollywood?
While The Conjuring series relies on polished cinematography and jump scares, Indonesian horror stands out for its cultural depth, raw storytelling, and fear rooted in local folklore. These films explore themes like family curses, black magic, rural myths, and death rituals that Hollywood rarely touches. The result is horror that feels more real and disturbing.
The Rise of Indonesian Horror Cinema
Indonesian horror has gained massive popularity over the past decade, both domestically and internationally. Unlike Western horror, which often relies on jump scares and slasher tropes, Indonesian horror thrives on mythology, folklore, and spiritual beliefs, blending supernatural terror with cultural storytelling.
Key Features of Indonesian Horror Films
- Rooted in Folklore & Mysticism
- Many films draw inspiration from Javanese, Balinese, and Sundanese myths.
- Ghosts like Pocong (shrouded ghost), Kuntilanak (female spirit), and Wewe Gombel (child-snatching ghost) appear frequently.
- Blend of Horror & Melodrama
- Indonesian horror often mixes emotional family drama with supernatural terror, making the stories more relatable.
- Atmospheric Horror Instead of Pure Gore
- While gore exists, many films rely more on rituals, curses, haunted houses, and possession to build fear.
- Religious and Spiritual Undertones
- Since spirituality is deeply tied to everyday life, exorcisms and prayers often play key roles in resolving conflicts.
Popular Indonesian Horror Movies (Internationally Acclaimed)
- Satan’s Slaves (Pengabdi Setan, 2017)
Directed by Joko Anwar, this film revived global interest in Indonesian horror. It’s a terrifying remake of a 1980 classic and blends family drama with bone-chilling supernatural horror. - Impetigore (Perempuan Tanah Jahanam, 2019)
Another Joko Anwar masterpiece, this psychological folk-horror combines village curses, family secrets, and disturbing rituals. It was Indonesia’s Oscar submission and gained international praise. - May the Devil Take You (Sebelum Iblis Menjemput, 2018)
A Netflix-favorite horror about a young woman confronting her father’s dark past and demonic deals. Its sequel (2020) was equally terrifying. - The Queen of Black Magic (2020)
A modern reimagining of the 1981 classic, filled with gory sequences and creepy supernatural elements. - Kuntilanak Series
A popular franchise featuring the vengeful ghost Kuntilanak. Often mixes traditional myths with modern horror storytelling.
Why Indonesian Horror Stands Out?
- Cultural Uniqueness – Unlike Western horror, the stories feel fresh because they tap into Indonesian folklore unknown to global audiences.
- Strong Directorial Voices – Directors like Joko Anwar and Timo Tjahjanto have helped bring Indonesian horror to international platforms like Netflix, Shudder, and film festivals.
- Global Accessibility – With OTT releases, Indonesian horror films are now watched across the world, often being compared favorably to Hollywood’s The Conjuring franchise.
The Future of Indonesian Horror
With streaming platforms investing heavily in Indonesian content, more folk-horror, supernatural thrillers, and anthology series are expected in the coming years. Upcoming films like Satan’s Slaves 2: Communion have already shown that global audiences are hungry for Indonesian supernatural stories.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve only experienced Hollywood’s version of horror, you’re missing out on the terrifying brilliance of Indonesian cinema. From the haunting atmosphere of Impetigore to the relentless scares of Satan’s Slaves, these movies deliver fear in its purest form. For true horror fans, these 10 Indonesian horror movies better than The Conjuring are must-watch masterpieces that will linger in your nightmares long after the screen goes dark.