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A binge-worthy list of homegrown horrors to stream post-Halloween

The Halloween season is never complete without a good scare—or five. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, snuggling under the covers, or simply in the mood for something spine-tingling, there’s no better way to set the mood than a spooky marathon.

Over the past few weeks, I found myself scrolling through Netflix and revisiting some of the most compelling Filipino horror titles available right now. They come packed with local superstition, Catholic guilt, social commentary, and a touch of mystery. So grab your popcorn, turn the lights down low, and cue up your watchlist.

Here are five Filipino horror films on Netflix that I’ve watched, loved, and recommend for your next fright-night lineup. Don’t worry—no spoilers here, just enough nudging to hit “play!”

 

‘Seklusyon’ (2016)

Official poster of Seklusyon (2013)
Seklusyon official poster

Filipinos’ deep-rooted Catholic faith has always been fertile ground for horror, and “Seklusyon” turns that devotion into a chilling moral test. Directed by Erik Matti, the film explores what happens when faith, fear, and evil all live under the same roof. 

The story is set in 1947 and  follows a group of deacons sent to a remote monastery to spend their final week of seclusion before ordination—a sacred ritual meant to shield them from temptation. But what should be a time of reflection slowly unravels into something far darker with the presence of Angela, a mysterious young girl with supposed healing powers, played hauntingly well by Rhed Bustamante. 

“Seklusyon” was an official entry to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where it won several major awards including Best Director (Matti), Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

 

‘Bliss’ (2017)

 

Official poster of Bliss (2017)
Bliss official poster

There’s a line from “Bliss” that unexpectedly became a meme in social media—“P*ta, eto na naman!” It is delivered by Iza Calzado, who plays Jane Ciego, a former child star trying to reinvent herself through a daring film project. But what starts as a bold creative project soon takes a dark turn after an on-set accident leaves her crippled. 

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Bliss” is a psychological thriller that toys with perception and fear in unsettling ways. Initially slapped with an X-rating by the MTRCB for its nude scenes, the film was later reclassified as R-18 and earned praise for its bold storytelling and Calzado’s fearless performance. The film screened at the Osaka Asian Film Festival, where Calzado bagged the Yakushi Pearl Award.

 

‘Eerie’ (2018)

Official poster of Eerie (2018)
Eerie official poster

We all have a bit of school lore that we yap about with friends, but in “Eerie,” the story takes a terrifying turn. Directed by Mikhail Red, the film is set in an all-girls Catholic school shaken by the mysterious death of a student. When the guidance counselor, played by Bea Alonzo, begins to investigate, she uncovers secrets that test both her faith and her sanity, with Charo Santos-Concio delivering a quietly chilling performance as the school’s formidable head nun.

Visually moody and emotionally tense, “Eerie” balances supernatural suspense with psychological weight. It went on to reach international audiences after screening at the Singapore International Film Festival that year.

 

‘Clarita’ (2019)

Official poster of Clarita (2019)
Clarita official poster

Based on a chilling true story, “Clarita” takes inspiration from one of the most infamous possession cases in 1950s Manila. Director Derick Cabrido first discovered the story while working on the GMA television series Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), where he came across old newspaper clippings detailing the harrowing experiences of Clarita Villanueva, a young woman imprisoned at the old Bilibid Prison who claimed to be tormented by unseen forces.

That initial curiosity led Cabrido to dig deeper, blending investigative detail with atmospheric horror to bring the story to life on screen. His effort paid off—”Clarita” earned him the Best Director Award at the 2019 Mirabile Dictu International Film Festival in Rome.

 

‘Mallari’ (2023)

Mallari
Mallari official poster

Another masterful piece from director Derick Cabrido, “Mallari” takes an investigative look into the dark legacy of a family cursed across generations. Written by Enrico C. Santos, the film stars Piolo Pascual in a standout triple role, portraying three members of the Mallari bloodline—each living in a different era and bound by the same haunting fate.

Blending period mystery with psychological and supernatural horror, “Mallari” unfolds in a nonlinear narrative. It premiered as an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where it won multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actor (JC Santos), Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design. It later swept the 72nd FAMAS Awards, winning six major awards out of 14 nominations.

If you’re hunting for a good scare, look no further than local cinema. These films are proof that Filipino horror has all the right ingredients for a perfect scary night! 

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