If You Love a Good Scare, These Pakistani Horror Movies and Shows are a Must-Watch

Tired of watching the same cookie-cutter jump-scare Hollywood horror? Pakistan’s movies and shows are cooking up something eerie with our traditional folklore.

Yes, we may be more known for our rom-coms and family dramas, but don’t sleep on our horror industry (or a churail will visit you at night).

Here is a list of the best, most praised horror movies and shows made in Pakistan. I can guarantee you one thing: If you are a horror buff, you are going to love these.

Deemak

Let’s start with Deemak, because honestly, this movie is what made people sit up and realise that Pakistani horror might just be onto something.

At first glance, it looks like a typical domestic drama. A newlywed couple moves into their dream house… and then all hell breaks loose. Literally.

The walls creak, shadows linger, and there’s an eerie presence that seems to be watching. But what really sets Deemak apart is its deeper message. The “deemak” isn’t just in the furniture. It’s a metaphor for the emotional rot, family secrets, and unspoken traumas eating away at the core of the characters.

The movie balances psychological tension with supernatural horror so well, and the production quality is top-tier for a local movie. If you haven’t watched Deemak yet, this is your sign. Don’t sleep on it.

Siyaah

Ah, yes, the OG. Siyaah was one of the first proper horror films from Pakistan that didn’t look like it was trying to imitate Bollywood. And that’s what made it so refreshing.

The film revolves around dissociative identity disorder.

It tells the story of a couple dealing with the loss of their child, and how that grief leads them to adopt a little girl, who isn’t quite what she seems. What follows is a haunting mix of emotional breakdown, black magic and paranormal disturbances.

The horror here is slow and unsettling. There aren’t any loud jump scares or over-the-top makeup like one might expect, but just a creeping sense of dread that gets under your skin. And if you’ve grown up hearing stories about jinns, Siyaah will hit even harder.

Maya 

Maya didn’t get the hype it deserved, but if you’re into classic haunted house stories, this one’s worth a watch.

The film follows a journalist who gets drawn into a murder investigation that leads him to a house with a sinister past. Strange noises, chilling apparitions, and secrets buried within the walls — it’s a story that builds its horror slowly, but keeps you invested.

The real highlight? The film draws inspiration from actual events, which makes everything feel a bit too real. It’s not the most polished horror film ever made, but it definitely gives your spine literal chills.

Aks

If you were a 90s or early 2000s kid in Pakistan, chances are you remember being traumatised by the eerie opening of Aks.

This anthology-style horror series aired on Indus Vision and was way ahead of its time. Each episode had a new story, and the plots ranged from haunted dolls and possessed brides to cursed jewellery and spirits that refused to leave.

Even though the production wasn’t super slick (hello, rubber masks), the storytelling was gripping, and the cultural references made it all the more relatable — and terrifying.

Aks walked so that newer horror content could run.

Chalawa 

Chalawa takes a slightly more stylised, fantasy-horror route. It’s centred around a young girl possessed by a chalawa, which is a demonic entity from local folklore.

This one’s less gory and more dramatic, but still creepy enough to give you goosebumps. Think of it as the Pakistani version of The Vampire Diaries meets The Exorcist, but with cultural depth.

If you’re someone who enjoys horror with a bit of flair and mysticism, this one delivers. The CGI might not be Hollywood-level, but it gets the job done. Plus, the storyline actually dives into traditional beliefs, which makes it more grounded than you’d expect.

Honourable Mention

If you missed Woh when it aired, do yourself a favour and find it online.

This was a two-part telefilm that stood out in an era where horror on TV usually meant dramatic eye zooms and wind machines. Woh gave us a mysterious, well-paced supernatural thriller that kept us hooked. The acting was solid, the mood was eerie, and it managed to do justice to its genre, which is rare for Pakistani television.

Another one is the Siyah Series on Green TV.

Featuring popular names like Hania Aamir, Faysal Quraishi, Shahveer Jafry, and more, this series offers a unique story in every episode. With top-notch production quality and out-of-the-box storytelling, it explores a range of horror, from supernatural to psychological. There’s something for every horror fan.

It’s Not Gore But It Has Folklore

Horror doesn’t always need blood, gore, or Hollywood-level budgets to be effective. Sometimes, all it takes is a good story, rooted in our fears, folklore, and family trauma.

Pakistani horror might not be mainstream (yet), but it’s evolving, and if you give these titles a chance, you’ll see just how far we’ve come.

So next time you’re in the mood for a scare that’s a little closer to home, you know where to look.

Now, sleep tight or maybe… don’t.