After watching over 20 Asian horror films this month, I’ve come up with a list of five that, well, you probably haven’t seen but really, really should…

1. Alone (2007, Thai)
When Pim’s mother becomes seriously ill, she is forced to return to Thailand from her blissful life in Korea. Pim becomes increasingly disturbed as her childhood home brings back memories- and horrifying images- of her dead conjoined twin sister, Ploy.

Why you should see it: The quality cinematography and soundtrack create a dreary yet believable atmosphere to make you shudder, punctuated by some well-timed scares. The story is surprisingly good, too, making this film a great introduction to Thai horror.

2. Epitaph (2007, Korean)
In 1942 during the Japanese occupation, a chain of mysterious and bone-chilling events take place at a South Korean hospital. Three shockingly dark stories arc, twist, and weave together in a heart-breaking narrative.

Why you should see it: Excellent visuals create a haunting atmosphere true to the time period. The story is creative and terrifying, touching you in ways you never thought a horror movie would touch you.

3. Muoi (2007, Korean/Vietnamese)
Yun-hee is a desperate author in need of a story for her next book. Her old friend Seo-yeon invites her to visit her in Vietnam, where she has taken interest in a local folk tale about a girl named Muoi and her haunted portrait.

Why you should see it: Bringing Korean production standards to Vietnam is what made this movie worthwhile; what it lacks in scares, it makes up for with its illustration of a country, people and culture rarely seen in modern films.

4. Audition (1999, Japanese)
At his teenage son’s suggestion, widower Aoyama decides to remarry. With the help of a friend, he stages an audition to find his ideal match- and she is not who she appears to be.

Why you should see it: This movie has been my long-standing pick for “most terrifying Asian horror film.” Why? Because it’s 100% plausible- no suspension of disbelief required here. The last half hour is so intense you won’t know what hit you.

5. 2LDK (2003, Japanese)
Two young women share an apartment in Tokyo. Aside from both being aspiring actresses, they are opposites in every way. When they learn that they are competing for the same part in a film, the tension between them surpasses breaking point, and they become increasingly violent towards each other.

Why you should see it: Hilarious and mildly disturbing, this film doesn’t quite fit the bill for “horror,” but if you reflect on the fact that it could totally happen, it’s pretty darn creepy- especially if you’ve ever been in a tense roommate situation yourself. Gather a group of friends, bust out the popcorn, and prepare to pick sides.

Note: Click the movie titles to watch the trailer on YouTube; not all trailers have subtitles.