[ajzepp]

If I had to pick one genre of film that frustrated me to no end, I wouldn't even have to think about the answer...it's horror films. For whatever reason, however, I still hold out hope that from time to time there will be one that comes along and really impresses me. Well, one of my closest friends is a huge horror fan, and she has reinvigorated my interest in the genre. It seems that there is a lot of activity abroad with regard to horror flicks, with Japan being one of the more notable hotbeds. I was wondering if you guys could recommend some good ones so that I can start compiling a rental list. We already got the ball rolling this week by watching "Audition", and I was impressed enough with the film that I want to see more. By the way, I'm focusing on Japanese films, but if there is something you've recently seen that you feel is exceptional, by all means throw it out there. And lastly, I'm trying to focus more on contemporary films...not so much the classics.

Thanks!

[Bemopti123]

The classics that began the whole Jhorror wave:

Ringu (inspired the Hollywood version)
Ringu 2 etc...
Juon AKA:  The grudge, the original J version is fabulous.

I did not check the rest of the Juon series.

From across from Japan ( Korea ):

A Tale of Two Sisters
Into the Mirror
The Red Shoes

and many more...

[mcullinan]

I love horror movies. I love being on the edge of my seat and there arent that many great ones that do that. Though I have lowered my standards and enjoy quite a few new ones. Hostel, Black Sheep (humor), Shaun of the dead (humor), SAW, Seven (1990s), Teeth(humor), 28 days later, 1408, wolf creek. To get you started... These are all relatively new.
More here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/horror-movie-on-dvd.html
Mike
Addndum:
Oops I should read a lil more. I dont think any of these are Japanese... they are very good though. I wasnt that impressed by the Japanese horror. Some tension... the original versions were definitely better than the American remakes. Eh .. not my thing I guess, Im more of a gore person.. and I love zombies.

[Jon L]

The classics that began the whole Jhorror wave:

Ringu (inspired the Hollywood version)
Ringu 2 etc...
Juon AKA:  The grudge, the original J version is fabulous.

The original Japanese Juon is some cold-blooded, nightmare-inducing stuff.  Eeeks.  Highly recommended, but make sure you get your woman's consent before watching together; otherwise, you will hear about it for years to come.  "Why did you make me watch that.   I can't sleep," etc.

Strangily, the Korean version of Ringu is the scariest of all (Japanese original, American).

"The Audition" (Japanese) is some creepy, snap-your-fingernail-off entertainment as well..

[gitarretyp]

I agree that american horror has gone way down hill and prefer foreign films. Several of my favorites have already been mentioned, but i'll toss in a few more:

Three Extremes (Japan, Korea, and China)
Dark Water (Japan)
High Tension (French)
The Host (Korean horror comedy)
The Happiness of the Katakuris (Japanese horror, comedy musical)
Dawn of the Dead (the remake)
Shutter (Thai)
Funny Games (German)
Caché (French)

The last two are by the same director and aren't quite horror, but they are disturbing thrillers.

[Bemopti123]

Although American films were some of the scariest at a time, now they have degenerated into plain gorefest foregoing what is most important, basic story telling.  That is where the early Japanese classics that began the latest wave picked up with vengeance.  The same goes for most other Asian horror. 

PS:  Personally I cannot stand those horror flicks that attempt to add humor to splatter in the screen.  The insinuation of gore or something disturbing through symbolism and flashbacks is most effective WITHOUT the need to wasting paint or dye in the screen

[launche]

Funny Games (German)
Caché (French)

The last two are by the same director and aren't quite horror, but they are disturbing thrillers.

Funny Games wasn't funny, I sold my vacation house after this one  .  Too real, too simple, too bad life's so fragile.

[The_KiD]

I am a big fan of the HORROR genre but find myself always drawn back to the staples. I did find "The Ring" which was based on the Japanese film "Ringu" absolutely chilling the when I saw it in the theater. I thought "The Grudge" was just okay. I also agree with some of the comments above that some of the newer horror moves go for just plain gore and forget what makes a horror movie special.

Here are some rentals which are fairly recent and not really considered classics which I found pretty good.

The Ring
The Decent
1408
Shutter
Frailty
The Mothman Prophecies
Wolf Creek
The Host
Wrong Turn
High Tension

Cheers,

-Chris

[ajzepp]

Thanks guys, that's awesome feedback...I knew I could rely on ya!