LIST: Pinoy throwback horror movies every scary film buff must see
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than with a marathon of classic Pinoy horror films?
Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or just looking for some spine-tingling nostalgia, these Filipino cult classics from the past are guaranteed to give you goosebumps—which is als why they have also been loved by Pinoys through the years.
This month is the perfect time to binge-watch these films not only because Halloween is coming right up, but also because Friday the 13th is falling close right to it.
Here are seven Pinoy horror movies that every scary film buff should start ticking off from their watchlist right now.
Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1974)
This psychological horror film follows Barbara (played by "Queen of Philippine Movies" Susan Roces) on her return home after her stepsister Ruth’s mysterious death.
She stays with her brother-in-law Fritz and niece Karen in a mansion she gave up when their parents died. Ruth's troubled marriage with Fritz ended in her suicide after suspecting infidelity. She haunts them through a doll for revenge.
This horror classic has been adapted into a TV series and a 1995 remake starring Lorna Tolentino. Watch it now on ABS-CBN Star Cinema's YouTube channel.
Shake Rattle and Roll 1 (1984)
Shake, Rattle & Roll 1 is a 1984 Filipino horror anthology film and the inaugural installment in the legendary Shake, Rattle & Roll series.
This spine-tingling trio of tales includes Baso, a chilling story of friends who dabble with the spirit of a glass game; Pridyider, a terrifying encounter with a malevolent refrigerator; and Manananggal, featuring a vampire-like creature from Philippine folklore.
Herbert Bautista's exceptional performance in the Manananggal segment earned him the Best Actor award at the 10th Metro Manila Film Festival.
While this was the only entry produced by Athena Productions, you can still catch it on YouTube via Regal Entertainment.
Tiyanak (1988)
The tiyanak, a demonic child, has long been a staple in Philippine horror folklore. In this 1988 film starring Janice de Belen, the tiyanak takes on a new dimension of terror.
De Belen portrays a woman who, after enduring numerous miscarriages, believes a random baby to be a divine gift, only to discover that it's a murderous monster.
Brace yourself for a nightmarish experience by watching Tiyanak on Regal Entertainment's YouTube channel or Amazon Prime Video.
Feng Shui (2004)
Feng Shui is a timeless horror classic that revolves around Joy (played by the queen of all media, Kris Aquino), who stumbles upon an ancient bagua mirror that brings her family good fortune but also heralds doom for those around her, each linked ominously to their Chinese zodiac signs.
The movie, directed by Chito Roño, is packed with a star-studded cast including Lotlot de Leon, Ilonah Jean, Jay Manalo, Cherry Pie Picache, Jenny Miller, and John Manalo. Stream it on Netflix or on ABS-CBN Star Cinema's YouTube channel for a hair-raising experience.
Sukob (2006)
Another Chito S. Roño classic starring Kris Aquino, Sukob is a captivating tale that follows two couples unwittingly bound by the superstitious "sukob" curse, which occurs when a marriage coincides with the death of an immediate relative.
As the curse tightens its grip, it brings death to those around them one by one. Get a chilling experience by watching Sukob on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video.
