We know, we know - Bollywood usually does a terrible job when it comes to horror films. For more than half a century, the films that Bollywood and most other leading film industries have served us have been comical at best, or a sleaze fest at worst, made for a public who couldnât afford internet back in the day and would visit the theatre for their dose of erotica. Not to mention they had some hilariously ominous-sounding name and unbelievably bad visuals.

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With that being said, there have been a few Bollywood horror films that were legitimately scary, and perhaps as scary as anything that Hollywood has to offer, and are a must-watch for Indian cinephiles. Honestly, after watching the films on the list, youâll stop saying that we do not have the potential to make good horror films.

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Here are 5 Bollywood films that legitimately sent shivers down our spine. Mind you though, if youâre looking purely for jumpscares, then this list is not something that would interest you.

Tumbbad is a properly scary horror film, that has been shot beautifully, and has an amazing sound design. But then, you really canât expect anything else from a film that has Anand Gandhi at the helm. Tumbbad works on a number of levels; it is a properly, scary-looking film, with its fair share of surprises, while also diving much deeper into the human psyche. Also, the background scores of the film deserve a special mention. Certainly one of the best sounding films on this list.

If you thought that a Horror film absolutely has to show a ghost to be considered scary, 13B proves you wrong. There certainly are some issues with the film - it has some eerie similarities to a lot of Hollywood horror films that came out in the 60s, and at times feels a little slow-paced. However, R Madhavanâs acting chops, plus the proper manner in which it toys with your mind is worth the watch. The film has a really hard-hitting twist ending which has been the subject of debate for the filmâs fans. 

Technically, Ghoul isnât a, but a mini-series. However, given the fact that it comprises of 3 episodes of 45-50 mins each, and it was intended to be released as a film, is the reason why we have placed it on the list. Just like Tumbbad, Ghoul too works on a number of films and very saliently hints at what effects certain factors can have on the mind, especially when it is not in a healthy space. Again, the film has its fair share of jumpscares and some cliched elements from the horror genre, but most of the fear that one experiences while watching the film, do not come from the surprise elements, but the narrative of the film, and the manner in which certain aspects within the narrative are treated with. And we have to mention just how eerie the visual aspects and the sound design of the film is, which adds its own character to the film.

People who say that Bollywood filmmakers cannot possibly match the craft with which Australian and Hollywood filmmakers make horror films, ought to watch The House Next Door. The film has everything that you would expect from a top-notch horror film - a genuinely scary plot, some really masterfully created CGI & sound design, and a number of performances that leave you gasping for breath. Honestly, guys, if youâre a fan of horror films and havenât watched this one, you donât know what youâre missing out on.

Before Ram Gopal Verma went batshit crazy, he did give us a few really good and critically acclaimed films, that went on to become cult classics. Bhoot, is one of those cult classics. The film is properly scary, with a very tight and well-written screenplay, contrite cinematography, and an amazing performance by Urmila Matondkar. The sound design could have been better, but at least it isnât comical and does its job just well enough.

Trust us, if youâre looking for a viewing list that sends shivers down your spine throughout the weekend, this list pretty much sorts you out.

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