Marathi cinema has long woven fear, folklore, and psychological suspense into stories that linger long after the screen fades to black. From eerie classics rooted in rural myths to modern thrillers that experiment with atmosphere and sound, the best Marathi horror movies offer audiences a distinctive blend of culture and chills. This genre of cinema does not merely frighten, but invites viewers into the haunting world of stories that are shaped by tradition, mystery, and human emotion. Check out this carefully curated list of some of the top Marathi horror movies that are iconic and absolutely worth watching.
Best Marathi horror movies worth adding to your watchlists
Marathi cinema may not produce horror films as frequently as mainstream industries, but when it does, the results are often bold, atmospheric, and rich in folklore. From psychological thrillers to cult classics, these Marathi horror movies showcase the diversity and creative depth of Marathi cinema and horror storytelling at its finest.
1. Lapachhapi (2017)
A rare gem of Marathi horror, Lapachhapi blends superstition, rural folklore, and spine-chilling tension into a tightly knit narrative. The film follows a pregnant woman who takes shelter in a remote farmhouse, only to uncover secrets that are darker than the surrounding sugarcane fields. What makes this Marathi horror movie unforgettable is its atmospheric storytelling, along with the long, almost claustrophobic shots, and eerie silences that turn the everyday sounds into harbingers of terror.
The movie was also remade in Hindi, as Chhorri, starring Nushrratt Bharuccha in the leading role. The Prime Video production comes highly recommended in the list of recent Bollywood horror movies.
2. Bali (2021)
A relatively new Marathi horror movie that taps into the universal fear of hospitals, Bali follows the story of a father who takes his son for routine treatment. Thereafter, he comes across an unsettling presence lurking in the paediatric ward, which then begins to unravel their reality. This film masterfully uses confined spaces, muted lighting, and an unsettling background score to deliver a horror experience that is roped in vulnerability and emotional depth.
3. Zombivli (2022)
A horror comedy, but with a sharp edge, this film is set in Dombivli, which is a typical suburb in Mumbai. The story follows a zombie outbreak that disrupts everyday life and the local milieu. Featuring humour, along with social commentary regarding themes of resilience, community, and survival which become key aspects amidst times of chaos, Zombivli perfectly blends genres, which makes it a horror movie that is fun, socially relevant, and broadly appealing.
4. Victoria: Ek Rahasya (2023)
Victoria: Ek Rahasya is a visually striking and new Marathi horror movie that is set largely in a remote, old hotel in Scotland. Following Ankita and Siddharth, who check in to the hotel only to realise that the place holds dark secrets, and perhaps a vengeful spirit, this Marathi horror movie cleverly plays with isolation and paranoia. The setting of a foreign land, away from home, further adds to the narrative, making it feel more sinister.
5. Adrushya (2022)
Adrushya is a gripping psychological horror film that thrives on tension, atmosphere, and the unnerving concept of being watched even when you cannot see. The remake of an acclaimed Spanish thriller, Julia’s Eyes, this film follows the story of Shubhra, a woman gradually losing her eyesight while simultaneously trying to uncover the truth behind her sister’s mysterious death.
6. Tumbbad (2018)
A true cult classic when it comes to the best Marathi horror movies, though Tumbbad is primarily recognised as a Hindi film, it was originally conceived in Marathi and includes significant Marathi dialogues and cultural grounding. One of the most visually stunning folk-horror films that has ever been made in Indian cinema, Tumbbad immerses its audiences in a rain-soaked world of myth, greed, and cursed deities. Featuring gothic storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, this film has earned significant global acclaim, which makes it an essential watch for anyone exploring Marathi-influenced horror cinema.
Recent Marathi horror movies for an exceptional spine-chilling experience
The latest Marathi horror movies showcase how Marathi horror is no longer limited to rural ghosts or classic haunted mansion tropes; rather, these are films that span across psychological horror, supernatural thriller, and horror comedies. With the ever-evolving horrorscape of Marathi cinema, here are some of the recently released Marathi horror films worth watching.
1. Jarann (2025)
Jarann is one of the latest Marathi horror movies and most talked-about horror thrillers. Built around a disturbing blend of black magic, family trauma, and psychological fragmentation. The story follows Radha, who returns to her ancestral home after her husband’s demise. What follows is a curse from her past that slowly begins to bleed into her present life.
2. Alyad Palyad (2024)
Another one of the new Marathi horror movies, Alyad Palyad, brings a lighter but spine-tingling flavour to Marathi horror. It centres around a group of friends who get stranded in a village temple during the days that are believed to be haunted by vengeful spirits. Building on traditional folklore and local superstitions, the mix of genres of comedy and horror is what holds the appeal of this film.