Nine Is Lucky

#9. Trolljegeren (The Troll Hunter) - Norway

While I wouldn’t consider this film horror by traditional means, I would think it’s worthy enough to warrant recognition as a sci-fi thriller that cooks enough action and suspense for the average movie thrill seeker. All the little monsters you read about as a child comes to life (some much bigger than you’d think) in this Norwegian flick. My favorite part(s)? The gigantic troll scene. Fascinating.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate it at 82% Fresh.

#8. Jian Gui (The Eye) - Hong Kong

I have yet to see the American or Indian remake of this Pang Brothers-directed film, but I’m sure it doesn’t compare to the original. It has all the elements of a classic Asian horror film: long haired apparitions, grotesque images, and folklore all meshed into one movie. My favorite part(s)? The creepy sounds from the hospital post surgery.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate it at 69%.

#7. El Orfanato (The Orphanage) - Spain

Spain, for me, is quickly rivaling horror power houses Korea and Japan in horror cinema as seen in The Orphanage. The often told tale of ghosts in the house is told with interesting twists and powerful acting, which by itself is worth the mention. My favorite part(s)? The part where they unravel the mystery.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate it at 86%.

#6. Honogurai Mizu No Soko Kara (Dark Water) - Japan

There are so many worthy Japanese horror movies that I’d need to call this Nine Top J-Horror Films instead. However, that’d be unfair. Dark Water is directed by Hideo Nakata who is the same guy that did the original Ring movie. Enough said. My favorite part(s)? The creepy child that wants to hug you.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate it at 77%.

#5. *REC (REC) - Spain

All the cliches of a typical airborne pathogen zombie movie seems to be abundant in this first-person perspective film, but directors Balaguero and Plaza really capitalize on sudden attacks and palpable tension between the characters. It was brilliantly executed. My favorite part(s)? The chase scenes.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate this at 96% FRESH.

#4. A L’interieur (Inside) - France

This movie will make you uncomfortable. My favorite part(s)? The fighting.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate this at 83%

#3. El Espinazo Del Diablo (The Devil’s Backbone) - Spain

Another Spanish horror involving another orphanage, however it’s directed by del Torro himself. The story telling is quite good. My favorite part(s)? The beginning all the way through the end.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rate this at 91%.

#2. Janghwa Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) - South Korea

The pace of the original really helped build the suspense on this beautifully haunting film. My favorite part(s)? The revelation.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rates this at 87% FRESH.

#1. Lake Mungo - Australia

I first took notice of this fictional documentary when it debuted in the After Dark Horror Fest. It starts off incredibly slow, but once the ball gets rolling it really captures your attention. It’s definitely a very underrated film and has not enjoyed commercial success like Paranormal Activity. For now, it takes the number one spot as my top favorite international horror film. My favorite part(s)? The video found in the girl’s cellphone.

• Rotten Tomatoes critics rates this at 93% FRESH.