The Telugu film industry has always enjoyed experimenting with different genres, and horror is one space where it has quietly built a loyal audience. From spine-chilling thrillers to entertaining horror-comedy blends, Telugu horror movies today offer far more variety than just haunted houses and ghost stories. In recent years, filmmakers have found clever ways to mix fear with humor, emotion, and strong storytelling.
Let’s look at some of the most memorable and impactful horror films from Telugu cinema that continue to attract viewers.
1. Arundhati (2009)
Few films have left as strong an impact as Arundhati. A young woman visits an ancient fort and slowly discovers she is the reincarnation of a royal princess who once defeated a sadistic tantric. As the evil spirit begins to rise again, she must confront a terrifying past life to protect her present. The film blends royal drama, black magic, and revenge into a powerful horror epic. Its haunting background score, powerful visuals, and Anushka Shetty’s commanding performance made it a classic that fans still revisit. This movie is available on YouTube.
2. Raju Gari Gadhi (2015)
A television channel hosts a reality show inside a haunted bungalow infamous for multiple mysterious deaths. When a contestant joins the show to uncover the truth behind his brother’s unexplained death, the house begins to reveal its dark secrets. What starts as a media spectacle slowly turns into a terrifying investigation into vengeful spirits, hidden crimes, and unfinished business. You can watch this movie for free on Jio Hotstar.
3. Masooda (2022)
A modern psychological horror, Masooda stands out because it relies more on atmosphere and emotion than jump scares. The story follows a single mother whose teenage daughter starts behaving strangely after being influenced by an unseen entity. What begins as stress slowly turns into something far more sinister. The film focuses on emotional fear and family trauma rather than loud jump scares. It is often counted among the best horror movies in Telugu latest era for its mature storytelling.
4.Virupaksha (2023)
One of the most talked-about recent horror films, Virupaksha blends mythology, superstition, and village folklore into a gripping narrative. Set in a remote village where mysterious deaths occur every year, the story follows a man who uncovers a dark ritual connected to superstition and hidden sins. As the village turns paranoid, the film builds tension through fear of the unknown and shocking revelations. This movie is now available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
5. Prema Katha Chitram (2013)
This film changed the way people looked at horror in Telugu cinema. The story revolves around four young people who visit a farmhouse for a fun getaway, unaware that it is haunted by a ghost with unfinished business. As the spirit starts revealing its tragic past, the tone shifts between comedy and emotional horror. Mixing romance, humor, and spooky moments, it became one of the most popular comedy horror movies in Telugu. Its lighthearted approach made it a huge youth favorite.
6. Geethanjali (2014)
Another successful horror-comedy, Geethanjali added clever writing and quirky characters to its supernatural theme. The movie is about a young filmmaker who moves into a supposedly haunted house, only to realize that the spirit haunting it is actually a lonely woman with a painful backstory. The film uses humor, romance, and ghostly elements to tell a surprisingly touching story, making it another fan-favorite comedy horror movie in Telugu.
7. Awe (2018)
Awe is a psychological horror thriller about a woman suffering from multiple personality disorder, where every character inside a restaurant represents a fragment of her broken mind. As violence unfolds, the film slowly reveals that fear, trauma, and guilt are driving everything we see. Instead of ghosts, the movie creates horror through human psychology, making it one of Telugu cinema’s most unsettling experiences.
8. Kanchana (2011)
Yet another horror-comedy in our list, the story of Kanchana revolves around a timid man who becomes possessed by the spirit seeking justice for her brutal past. What begins as comedy slowly turns dark and emotional. The film uses horror to talk about social injustice, making it both scary and meaningful. This movie is available on YouTube.
9. Bhaagamathie (2018)
Starring Anushka Shetty, the movie blends politics and supernatural elements. The story is about an IAS officer who is locked inside a haunted palace during a political investigation. Soon, a ghost takes control, turning the tables on everyone present. The movie was released in both Tamil and Telugu, and it was a commercial success.
10. Deyyam (1996)
A cult classic from Ram Gopal Varma, the movie is about a married couple and their young child who move into a new house. What starts as a normal family life slowly turns disturbing when a supernatural presence begins targeting their child, and the mother realizes that something deeply evil is attached to the home. The horror comes from maternal fear, possession, and the threat to a child, not from strangers or random people.
Conclusion
Telugu horror movies have come a long way: from simple ghost stories to layered tales filled with emotion, mystery, and psychological depth. Whether you enjoy spine-chilling haunted houses, comedy horror movies in Telugu, or darker, more intense thrillers, this genre offers something for every kind of viewer. The Telugu movie industry showed us that fear can be entertaining, meaningful, and unforgettable all at once. So if you’re in the mood for something eerie yet engaging, these films deserve a spot on your watchlist. For more such movie recommendations, please visit DHOOMDB today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Telugu horror movies different from other Indian horror films?
Telugu horror movies often mix fear with emotion, family drama, and even comedy. Instead of just jump scares, many stories focus on relationships, revenge, and unfinished emotions, which makes the fear feel more personal.
2. Are comedy horror movies in Telugu worth watching?
Yes, they’re extremely popular because they balance fear with fun. These films let you enjoy spooky moments without feeling too tense, making them perfect for group or family viewing.
3. Are there good recent horror films in Telugu?
Absolutely. The latest horror movies show better storytelling, stronger visuals, and more creative plots compared to older films. The genre is evolving fast.
4. Do Telugu horror movies focus more on ghosts or psychological fear?
Both. Some films rely on haunted houses and spirits, while others explore fear through the human mind, trauma, and hidden secrets, giving viewers different kinds of scares.
5. Where can I watch Telugu horror movies online?
Most popular Telugu horror films are available on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Aha, and JioHotstar, making them easy to stream anytime. Some of them are even available on YouTube.
