Top 7 International Horror Series Streaming on Netflix

Article Overview

International horror shows on Netflix offer unique perspectives and storytelling styles that differ from American shows, contributing to a broader landscape of horror stories.

Shows like

Squid Game

and

All of Us Are Dead

successfully connect with American audiences and invite new viewers to their dark, twisted tales.

Girl from Nowhere

and

Sweet Home

both deliver stunning visuals and psychological horror, exploring sensitive issues like bullying and sexual assault, while

Alice in Borderland

Experience complex and high-stakes puzzles within a post-apocalyptic backdrop. Embrace the Netflix's highly acclaimed international horror shows that offer unique perspectives and an exceptional storytelling approach not commonly found in American series. These shows showcase creative styles influenced by their countries of origin, enriching the world of horror storytelling and pushing the boundaries of visual narratives.

7. All Of Us Are Dead (2022-Present)

With their unique perspectives on the horror genre, international shows have a remarkable ability to captivate American viewers. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds, these shows are able to present their chilling narratives in ways that have never been seen before. By pushing the boundaries of imagination, they create original storylines and dramatic presentations that leave a lasting impact. When an international horror show successfully breaks through, like the groundbreaking success of Squid Game, it not only attracts new audiences but also introduces them to a world of dark and twisted tales.

Country Of Origin: South Korea

In the gripping series All of Us Are Dead, a Korean high school is hit by a sudden and devastating zombie outbreak. With the infection spreading rapidly, a group of students must fight for their lives while desperately trying to stay away from the infected until help arrives. Their constant struggle for survival creates an atmosphere of intense fear and uncertainty, where nobody is truly safe.

All of Us Are Dead stands out in the genre of zombie survival. Its extraordinary achievements in sound, set design, and special effects combine to create a nightmarish world filled with terror and brutality. Alongside its gruesome visuals, the show features outstanding performances by the cast, who bring such authenticity to their roles that each zombie death becomes even more difficult to bear. While the show's exploration of themes like suicide, bullying, and sexual harassment may be triggering for some viewers, its chilling and impactful post-apocalyptic narrative has earned All of Us Are Dead widespread critical acclaim, establishing it as one of the finest international horror shows available on Netflix.

6. Squid Game (2021-Present)

Country Of Origin: South Korea

Squid Game, a highly influential Netflix series, has revolutionized the realm of international horror shows by surpassing its competitors in both viewership and popularity. The show revolves around a group of individuals who, trapped in dire circumstances, receive an invitation to participate in a treacherous survival game with an alluring cash prize. As the contestants progress through a series of children's games, the stakes intensify, plunging them into a chaotic environment that erodes their sense of humanity.

This Emmy Award-winning series captivates its audience with a tragic narrative of avarice and the will to survive. Its visually striking violence, distinct point-of-view, and outstanding on-screen performances have propelled it to unprecedented heights, setting a record that remains unchallenged. Squid Game's remarkable accomplishments in sound, set design, and cinematography mesh together to construct a vibrantly stylized world, where the walls are often tainted with the blood of the innocent. Unquestionably, it stands as the most-watched non-English show on Netflix.

5. Girl From Nowhere (2018-Present)

Country Of Origin: Thailand

The international series Girl from Nowhere has gained popularity for its breath-taking visuals and chilling psychological horror. Starring lead actress Kitty Chicha, the show portrays her character as the perfect embodiment of "cute but deadly." Girl from Nowhere revolves around the enigmatic Nanno, a mysterious girl who travels from one private school to another in Thailand, seeking to punish those who engage in immoral behavior. Though her actions may initially seem justified and heroic, the reality is much darker. Nanno extracts revenge on her victims through a range of torturous techniques, playing with their emotions and subjecting them to extreme and cruel forms of punishment.

4. Sweet Home (2020-Present)

Girl from Nowhere's self-contained episodes have an irresistible allure. The skillfully crafted stories of vengeance not only explore the complexities of morality but also portray the horrifying realities of high school life. This series delves into sensitive subjects such as suicide, bullying, and sexual assault, presenting them with unflinching realism that may be distressing for some viewers.

Country Of Origin: South Korea

Netflix's Sweet Home embodies international horror at its core. Adapted from a beloved webtoon, the series takes place in a reality where ordinary individuals morph into ferocious creatures driven by an insatiable desire to obliterate humanity. Faced with the dire fate of mankind, a solitary high school student defies insurmountable odds in an attempt to salvage what remains of the human race.

Delve into the wickedly captivating realm of Sweet Home, a dark fantasy that is delightfully macabre. Its spine-chilling visuals and remarkable special effects seize the imagination, forming a nightmarish landscape. Serving as one of Netflix's most exemplary international horror productions, Sweet Home fearlessly delves into graphic depictions of self-inflicted harm, nudity, and violence that may prove unsettling for sensitive viewers. Nevertheless, beneath the bloodshed and brutality lies a captivating tale of survival, a grim world and terrifying monsters that both captivate and haunt the mind.

3. Alice In Borderland (2020-Present)

Country Of Origin: Japan

Alice in Borderland has quickly gained popularity on Netflix, with two seasons already released and a third one announced. Its captivating narrative and exceptional production quality have propelled it to become a global sensation. Set in a dystopian Japan, the majority of the population has inexplicably vanished, leaving behind a post-apocalyptic society. To survive, the remaining individuals are thrust into a series of terrifying games where any misstep could result in their demise.

Alice in Borderland offers a riveting and thrilling experience with its challenging and intense high-stakes puzzles. Each nail-biting and anxiety-inducing deadly game captivates viewers. The series boasts an exceptional cast, featuring a diverse and well-portrayed roster of characters. However, viewers are cautioned not to become too attached as the show is notorious for its heart-wrenching character deaths. Additionally, it is important to note that the series contains graphic depictions of death and violence, and viewer discretion is advised.

2. Diablero (2018-2020)

Country Of Origin: Mexico

Netflix's Diablero offers a captivating twist on supernatural horror, injecting it with a refreshing dose of humor and Mexican cultural elements. The series follows the fascinating journey of a fallen priest who teams up with a group of demon hunters to combat the formidable forces of darkness. Featuring an enchanting mix of witchcraft, shamanism, and otherworldly themes, Diablero strikes a perfect balance between tension and light-hearted moments. With its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, the show has received widespread praise from viewers as a captivating depiction of the timeless battle between good and evil.

1. Kingdom (2019-2021)

Country Of Origin: South Korea

Kingdom stands as a global standout in the realm of zombie horror. Its awe-inspiring, film-like approach to depicting history entwined with the undead sets it apart from all others. The narrative of Kingdom revolves around a nation plagued by an enigmatic outbreak that transforms its victims into ravenous flesh-devouring creatures. This chilling revelation propels a young prince on a perilous expedition to salvage his people from annihilation.

The visually stunning and intricately designed costumes in Kingdom captivated audiences around the globe. Its tale of horror, politics, and the strength of the human spirit has made it a must-see on Netflix. Kingdom is acclaimed for its unique take on horror, presenting gripping scenes of bloodshed, warfare, and brutality while abstaining from explicit sexual content or nudity.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have a few thoughts on the increasing popularity of international horror series on Netflix.

Firstly, I believe that these shows offer a unique and refreshing perspective on the horror genre. They often explore different cultural beliefs and superstitions, which can be both fascinating and terrifying. For example, the South Korean series "Squid Game" incorporates elements of Korean folklore and mythology into its story, creating a truly unique and unsettling experience.

Secondly, I appreciate that international horror series are often more willing to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in terms of violence and gore. This can make for some truly intense and disturbing viewing, but it can also be a great way to get a real adrenaline rush. For example, the Japanese series "Alice in Borderland" features some incredibly graphic and violent scenes, but they are also incredibly well-done and serve to create a truly immersive and terrifying experience.

Overall, I think that the increasing popularity of international horror series on Netflix is a great thing. These shows offer a unique and refreshing perspective on the genre, and they can be both terrifying and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend checking out some of these shows if you are a fan of horror.