When we think of Spain, what are the first foods that come to mind? Tortillas? Jamón? Or churros?! But in the realm of Spanish cinema, it’s not the food that have things stirring—it’s the best Spanish horror movies that crank up the real screams, chills, and, yes, even some laughs.
So, grab your bravest tapas (and maybe skip the chickpeas if there are demons about!), and let’s explore a world where the only thing more intense than the flavors is the frights!
El Espinazo Del Diablo (The Devil’s Backbone) (2001)
Who needs a typical ghost story when you can have spectral kids and unexploded bombs? Guillermo del Toro’s “El espinazo del diablo” (The Devil’s Backbone) is not your average horror film. It tosses you into a Spanish Civil War-era orphanage where the young Carlos not only has to navigate the social minefield of new roommates but also dodge the ghostly antics of Santi, a previous resident with unfinished business.
Imagine trying to get some shut-eye when your dorm’s previous occupant floats about, moaning about the good old days! Del Toro crafts this chilling tale with a twist, weaving historical depth with ghostly encounters. One last thing! Don’t forget to say “goodnight” to Santi!
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
“Pan’s Labyrinth,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, blends a dark fairy tale with the grim realities of post-Civil War Spain. The story centers on young Ofelia, who encounters a mystical labyrinth and a faun who reveals her possible royal lineage from an underground kingdom.
Tasked with completing three challenges to prove her identity, Ofelia navigates a world filled with both fantastical creatures and the harshness of her stepfather’s military tyranny. The film is celebrated for its visual depth and poignant narrative, seamlessly combining historical context with magical elements, earning it critical acclaim and several Academy Awards.
Los Ojos de Julia (Julia’s Eyes) (2010)
Ever wondered what it’s like to see through someone else’s eyes—literally? “Los ojos de Julia” (Julia’s Eyes) might just be your next spooky favorite. Under Guillem Morales’ direction and the ominous shadow of producer Guillermo del Toro, this film is a psychological thriller with a haunting edge. The story follows Julia, played by Belén Rueda, as she untangles the mysterious circumstances of her twin sister’s death—all while her own sight is fading fast.
The film cleverly pulls viewers into Julia’s increasingly blurry world, using a limited visual field to amp up the tension and fear. Imagine trying to solve a mystery when you can’t even trust your own eyes! Morales masterfully crafts scenes filled with shadow and uncertainty, heightening the suspense as Julia’s world darkens.
Tesis (Thesis) (1996)
“Tesis” (Thesis), directed by Alejandro Amenábar, is a chilling Spanish thriller about a film student, Ángela, who stumbles upon a snuff film featuring a murdered student from her university. Her quest to uncover the truth leads her into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront her own fascination with violence. The film cleverly critiques societal obsession with violent media, blending suspense with a deep moral inquiry.
Amenábar’s debut won several Goya Awards, praised for its sharp narrative and powerful performances, particularly by Ana Torrent as Ángela. “Tesis” is both enthralling and thought-provoking, making it a standout film for those interested in the psychological impact of media violence
[REC] (2007)
Looking for a horror film that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go? “[REC]” should be on your watchlist. This Spanish horror gem, directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, tosses you into the chaos of a quarantined apartment building teeming with a mysterious and deadly infection. Filmed in the found-footage style, it captures the raw fear and adrenaline of the residents and emergency responders trapped inside.
The plot kicks off with Angela Vidal, a television reporter, and her cameraman, who are documenting a night shift with local firefighters. What begins as a routine emergency call spirals into a nightmare when they find themselves locked in with residents turning violently infectious.
La Madre Muerta (The Dead Mother) (1993)
“La madre muerta” (The Dead Mother) is a haunting Spanish drama directed by Juanma Bajo Ulloa. It tells the unsettling story of Leire, who becomes mentally impaired from a traumatic incident during her childhood involving a robbery that also claimed her mother’s life. Years later, the paths of Leire and Ismael, the gunman, intersect again, leading to a complex mix of dark events and psychological twists.
The film is celebrated for its surreal atmosphere and intense performances, drawing comparisons to the dark narratives of David Lynch. It explores deep themes of violence, memory, and redemption, challenging the audience to ponder the nature of guilt and forgiveness.
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The Platform (2019)
Looking to lose your appetite in more ways than one? “The Platform” might just do the trick. Imagine a vertical prison where a food-laden platform descends level by level each day. If everyone ate only what they needed, there’d be enough for all. But guess what? That’s not what happens. The folks on the upper levels feast, and by the time the platform hits the bottom, it’s picked clean
Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, this film blends dystopian horror with a sharp social commentary on human greed and the dark side of societal structures. Each resident is allowed one personal item which reveals their character, ranging from weapons to a single book, and yes, even a surfboard! Despite the grim setup, the film carries a sliver of hope that humans might just figure out how to coexist without consuming each other—literally and metaphorically.
Ahí Va El Diablo (Here Comes the Devil) (2012)
“Ahí va el diablo” (Here Comes the Devil) is a haunting horror film directed by Adrián García Bogliano. It follows a couple, Felix and Sol, whose children disappear in Tijuana’s hills and return under mysterious circumstances. The film explores the terrifying changes in the children upon their return, hinting at supernatural influences. Critics have given mixed reviews, noting the film’s atmospheric tension but questioning its ambiguous plot.
When Evil Lurks (2023)
“When Evil Lurks” (2023), directed by Demián Rugna, tosses us into a tale where a family vacation goes from zero to demonic faster than you can say “What’s in the cave?” Two brothers poke the proverbial beast when they stumble upon a demon-infected chap in a quaint village. What follows is less a ghost story and more an all-you-can-eat buffet of nightmares, spiced up with an impressive array of supernatural frights and sibling bickering.
Critics are split, with some applauding the film’s commitment to the horror genre, while others feel it’s a bit like being hit over the head with the scary stick—one too many times. The movie’s approach? Less chitchat, more splat-splat. If you’re in for a few chills, some thrills, and okay with not entirely understanding why that guy’s head just did that, “When Evil Lurks” might just be your ticket to a delightfully dreadful evening.
Los Sin Nombre (The Nameless) (1999)
“Los sin nombre” (The Nameless), directed by Jaume Balagueró, centers on Claudia, who is drawn into a harrowing quest after receiving a call from someone claiming to be her presumably deceased daughter. This launches her into a sinister world of cults and dark rituals. Praised for its haunting atmosphere and compelling cinematography, the film intertwines deep emotional turmoil with chilling suspense, earning accolades for its lead actress and visual storytelling.
El Orfanato (The Orphanage) (2007)
Ever thought about turning your old childhood home into a haunted house? “El Orfanato” (The Orphanage) does just that. Directed by J.A. Bayona and nurtured by horror virtuoso Guillermo del Toro (of course in a list of best spanish horror movies, he is in here twice), the film plunges Belén Rueda, playing Laura, back into the orphanage of her youth, this time with her family, hoping to start a new chapter. But as her son starts chatting up invisible pals and vanishing into thin air, the orphanage reveals its sinister secrets, pulling Laura into a ghostly mystery tangled with her past.
The film blends subtle psychological thrills with spectral surprises, thereby crafting a story that’s as emotionally gripping as it is spooky. Moreover, Laura’s quest to solve the orphanage’s dark mysteries drives a story that explores themes of loss and the eternal search for belonging. Ready to check in? Just beware, it’s not the kind of place you can easily check out from.
Verónica (Veronica) (2017)
If you’ve ever thought that summoning spirits with a Ouija board under a solar eclipse might be a fun idea, “Verónica” by Paco Plaza will make you think twice. Set in the backdrop of 1991 Madrid, this film follows young Verónica as she attempts to contact her deceased father and, instead, invites unwelcome spectral guests. The supernatural soon crashes into her day-to-day life, turning her reality into a terrifying ordeal that blends teenage woes with true horror, offering a new twist on the demonic possession narrative. Verónica’s story is a spooky reminder that some family reunions are better left to the imagination, especially when they involve the undead.
Hermana Muerte (Sister Death) (2023)
“Sister Death” (Hermana Muerte), directed by Paco Plaza, is your ticket to a hair-raising evening. A precursor to the unsettling “Verónica,” this film introduces Sister Narcisa, a novice with a knack for the supernatural, who finds herself teaching at a school that was once a convent. As she settles into her mysterious new surroundings, she begins to peel back layers of ghostly mysteries that seem to permeate the walls.
Set in the somber shadows of post-war Spain, “Sister Death” weaves historical gloom with spectral chills. It promises a rollercoaster of dread, steering clear of cheap thrills to focus on a more creeping, crawling horror that crescendos into a nail-biting finale.
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Piggy (2022)
“Piggy” (2022), directed by Carlota Pereda, is a Spanish horror thriller that spins a vivid tale of revenge and survival. In a rural Spanish town, the film tracks Sara, a teenager relentlessly bullied because of her weight. The plot thickens as Sara witnesses her tormentors being kidnapped, prompting a complex moral dilemma about whether to intervene or not.
The film has received positive reviews for its smart blend of horror and social commentary, effectively using its genre trappings to explore deeper themes of body shaming and revenge. Critics have particularly praised Laura Galán’s performance as Sara, noting that her portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of adolescence and trauma.
Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil (2017)
“Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” (2017) is a dark fantasy film that weaves Basque folklore into a tale of a blacksmith’s pact with a demon. Set in 19th century Spain, the story explores themes of redemption and the supernatural through the interactions between the blacksmith, a mysterious demon, and a curious orphan girl. Furthermore, the film is recognized for its rich atmosphere, blending horror elements with a mythical narrative and themes of sin and salvation. Moreover, the visually striking portrayal of this folktale is complemented by strong performances and a unique take on traditional storytelling.
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