This is the fourth in a series of articles where we’ll be covering the Top Films About Ghosts and Hauntings. This subgenre also includes Films About Haunted Houses, Films About the Paranormal, Films About The Supernatural, Films About Evil Spirits and Films About Séances. Also, because themes of the Supernatural and Paranormal can cover a broad range of Horror subgenres, we’ve tried to isolate films that specifically deal with Ghosts (and resulting Hauntings) for this list.
This fourth article will cover the Top Films about Ghosts and Hauntings You Haven’t Seen from 2000 – 2004 and you can check out additional articles by decade below. We are also going to include a Best Of subgenre article as a grand finale. There are so many great Ghost films over the last 60 years that we felt it best to break down some of the subgenre’s forgotten and lesser-known gems by decade before we give you the Best Of list which will likely feature many films you’ve already heard of or have seen.
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 1970’s
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 1980’s
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 1990’s
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 2000 – 2004
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 2005 – 2009
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 2010 – 2014
- Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen – 2015 – 2019
- Best Recent Films About Ghosts & Hauntings
- Best Films About Ghosts & Hauntings
Unlike the 1990’s, the 2000’s started a Golden Age of Films About Ghosts & Hauntings. There were so many subgenre films released during this decade that we had to split the decade in half to properly cover all the great films. This increase in Ghostly Horror was primarily driven by the rise of Asian Horror Films – specifically Japanese Horror (J-Horror) and South Korean Horror (K-Horror). Though Asian Horror was by far the most dominant theme of the subgenre, the early 2000’s would also see a few unique tales of Ghosts and Hauntings and the debut of one of the most prominent franchises in the entire Horror genre.
The rise of Asian Horror subgenre films began in the late 1990’s and accelerated in the early 2000’s. This wave of Asian Horror was primarily driven by notable J-Horror Films including Ringu 0 (2000), Séance (2000), Pulse (2001), Onmyoji: The Yin Yang Master (2001), Shadow of the Wraith (2001), Dark Water (2002), Ju-on: The Grudge (2002), Ju-on: The Grudge 2 (2003), One Missed Call (2003) and Marebito (2004). Most of these films would be helmed by some of the most prominent Japanese Horror directors of the era including Takasi Miike, Takashi Shimizu and Hideo Nakata.
Though K-Horror would feature more prominently in the latter half of the decade, there were still some notable South Korean subgenre horror from 2000 – 2004 including Sorum (2001), Phone (2002), Into the Mirror (2003), Bunshinsaba: Ouija Board (2004) and R-Point (2004). Additional Asian Horror of the subgenre would feature The Eye (2002) from Hong Kong, Double Vision (2002) from Taiwan and Evil (2004) and Shutter (2004) from Thailand.
Many of these classic Asian Horror Films from this period were also turned into Hollywood remakes. The Ring (2002) was a U.S. remake of Ringu (1998), Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) would be remade as The Grudge (2004) and The Eye (2002) would result in the much-maligned remake The Eye (2008). Pulse (2001), Dark Water (2002), One Missed Call (2003) and a few other early 2000’s Asian Horror films would also have remakes which we’ll cover in future articles of this subgenre.
Though the following films aren’t classics of the subgenre, they are notable for their unique settings or narratives within the subgenre. While John Carpenter couldn’t recapture the magic of his subgenre classic The Fog (1981) with Ghost of Mars (2001), the film did feature a unique Eco-Horror narrative with alien spirits unleashed via mining on the planet Mars. David Twohy’s Below (2002) would feature a World War II era submarine crew that slowly loses their sanity as they suspect their sub is haunted. And Ghost Ship (2002) was basically a haunted house in the form of a passenger ship at sea. Though the film is a bit predictable, it has some of the more effective jump scares of the subgenre.
Our final note of the subgenre includes the debut of Final Destination (2000). The film would combine themes of this subgenre with Slasher Films, Films About Psychic Powers and Films About Fate & Destiny on its way to blockbuster Horror franchise status. The initial entry would be followed by Final Destination 2 (2003) and three additional sequels over the decade. All told, the franchise has banked $666.7M worldwide with more films in development. Note: We’re aware we should round up to $667M but $666M just feels more appropriate for an entire film franchise about escaping the ghost of death.
Our complete list of Films About The Paranormal, Hauntings & Ghosts features over 526+ films from 1961 – 2023. This collection features almost every film involving a ghost, evil spirit, ghost possessing a person, haunted houses, hauntings and broader themes of the paranormal and supernatural. If you don’t see a film in our collection, it is likely in other collections such as Films About Gothic Horror, Films About Exorcisms & Possession and Films About The Devil, Demons & Hell. Also, as we’re always updating our collections and will be releasing additional articles of great Films About Ghosts & Hauntings, subscribe to our newsletter for our latest updates as we post them.
Classic Films About Ghosts & Hauntings from 2000 – 2004: Final Destination (2000), What Lies Beneath (2000), The Others (2001), Dark Water (2002), The Eye (2002), Ju-on: The Grudge (2002), The Ring (2002), Dead End (2003), The Eye 2 (2004) and Shutter (2004).
Lesser-known Films About Ghosts & Hauntings from 2000 – 2004 that didn’t make our list: Ringu 0 (2000), Tomie: Replay (2000), Séance (2000), Onmyoji: The Yin Yang Master (2001), Shadow of the Wraith (2001), Sorum (2001), Thir13een Ghosts (2001), 2002 (2001), Phone (2002), Darkness (2002), They (2002), Into the Mirror (2003), One Missed Call (2003), Marebito (2004), House of Voices (2004) and Riding the Bullet (2004).
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Here is our list of the Top Films About Ghosts & Hauntings You Haven’t Seen from the 2000 – 2004:
#10
Evil
Plot: After losing both her parents in a horrific tragedy, a young girl ends up with her aunt, a printing house owner and a part-time spiritual medium.
KBZ’s Take: This little seen Thai subgenre film was overshadowed by another classic film of the subgenre released the same year – Shutter (2004) – which was also from Thailand. While Evil is not as good as Shutter, it still has some very creepy moments.
Like other Thai films of the period, it takes its time building up the story, characters and atmosphere so might be slow for some viewers. But it’s worth watching for the final 20 minutes when all hell (literally) breaks loose.
We can’t find a streaming (or DVD) link at this time, but we will update this article when we do as it’s recommended for every fan of the subgenre (and Asian Horror).
Where to Stream / Buy: N/A
Plot: Yu-jin and her blind mother move to a small village from Seoul. On her first day at the new school, Yu-jin gets picked on by her classmates. Along with other victims of hatred, Yu-jin puts a curse on the four girls tormenting them through a Ouija Board. On her second day at school, one of the spellbound bursts into flames and dies just as she sits down where Yu-jin used the board. The next day, another victim burns to death, and now the school is enclosed by horror.
KBZ’s Take: Also known Witch Board, Bunshinsaba was a K-Horror film released at the tail end of the first wave of Asian Horror films in the 2000’s. Basically a Ghostly Revenge story (which is a common theme for Asian Horror), the film features basic “Mean Girls” segments before Yu-jin begins her fiery revenge tour.
While the film flips back and forth between time periods to explain the story (which can get confusing if you’re not paying attention), it does feature some of the more gruesome kills of the subgenre. Not the best K-Horror film out there (or even in the Top 10 of all time) but one of the better subgenre films of its time.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/441Ok4a
Plot: An FBI Agent pairs with a troubled Taiwan cop to hunt for a serial killer who’s embedding a mysterious fungus in the brains of victims.
KBZ’s Take: Heavily influenced by Se7en (1998) and Fallen (1998), this Taiwanese film is a mashup of Chinese mythology, serial killers and the supernatural. It’s also one of the better films of the initial Asian Horror wave that has been lost to time.
The film’s strengths are its storyline and acting. While the storyline will initially remind you of Se7en, by the second act, it introduces supernatural elements similar to Fallen. And that’s when the film carves out its own unique path with dark mythology, suspense and gore.
The film also features the great Tony Leung (The Lover (1992) & Three… Extremes (2004)) partnered with the underrated David Morse (12 Monkeys (1995) & The Green Mile (1999)). They have great chemistry as the law enforcement agents who slowly realize they’re not dealing with an ordinary serial killer.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XiTCGj
#7
Below
Plot: In the dark silence of the sea during World War II, the submarine USS Tiger Shark prowls on what should be a routine rescue mission. But for the shell-shocked crew, trapped together in the sub’s narrow corridors and constricted spaces, this is about to become a journey into the sensory delusions, mental deceptions and runaway fears that lurk just below the surface of the ocean.
KBZ’s Take: Fans of War Horror and Aquatic Thrillers have likely already seen this film, but it’s a subgenre film from the 2000’s that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
This film is all about claustrophobic atmosphere and suspense. While some people might be turned off by the “haunted submarine” narrative, we would strongly advise checking it out. The director, David Twohy, was also responsible for The Arrival (1996) and Pitch Black (2000). And like those films, he brings his mastery of mystery and suspense to this film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3CDAnO8
#6
Pulse
Plot: In the immense city of Tokyo, the darkness of the afterlife lurks some of its inhabitants who are desperately trying to escape the sadness and isolation of the modern world.
KBZ’s Take: Pulse (Kairo) was one of the B-tier J-Horror films that was released in the 2000’s. It was also another film from this initial wave that was remade as Pulse (2006). And like these other J-Horror films, the original is much, much better than its subpar remake.
While it has the creepy and disturbing atmosphere of other J-Horror films of the time, it’s really a story about the internet and isolation – all tied together with a ghostly spin. It also differentiates itself from other J-Horror with its themes of Cosmic Horror, Techno Thrillers and Sci-Fi Apocalypse Films.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XclbRN
#5
Session 9
Plot Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.
KBZ’s Take: Session 9 has elements of Psychological Horror and Exorcism & Possession Films, but at its core, it’s a film about a haunting. Specifically, the haunted Danvers State Mental Hospital and its protective ‘spirit’.
Though it doesn’t have many of the shock effects, gore or jump scares of other films in the subgenre, it’s creepy atmosphere and psychological breakdown of Gordon (Pete Mullan) builds up slowly and is very reminiscent of The Shining (1980). Highly recommended, underappreciated film of the subgenre that’s been lost to time but deserves subgenre classic status.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3JlFVAW
#4
R-Point
Plot: A platoon of South Korean soldiers falls victim to a curse while searching the jungle for the source of a mysterious distress call.
KBZ’s Take: Another K-Horror film on our list that’s likely been seen by fans of War Horror Films. Like most War Horror themes, the horror in these films comes from both external forces and internal psychological breakdowns (often under the stress of war-time conditions).
R-Point does take its time building atmosphere and characters. But, after the first act, the film starts unveiling the mystery when the platoon reaches the French Plantation. Trust us when we say once you make it to that point in the film, it has some great K-Horror moments of the subgenre leading to a crazy finale.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://youtu.be/DBfxDhmUwDI
#3
Dark Water
Plot: A woman in the midst of an unpleasant divorce moves to an eerie apartment building with her young daughter. The ceiling of their apartment has a dark and active leak.
KBZ’s Take: Most American filmgoers are likely familiar with the U.S. remake Dark Water (2005) starring Jennifer Connelly. While the remake isn’t bad (compared to other J-Horror remakes), it just can’t compete with the original film.
The original is both a classic of J-Horror and this subgenre for many reasons. First and foremost, it excels in creating an eerie atmosphere that is effectively tied together with parental pain and loss. The film hits you with the ongoing emotional impact of Yoshimi’s (Hitomi Kuroki) pending divorce, struggle for independence and love for her daughter Ikuko (Rio Kanno).
Secondly, Kanno’s performance in this film is one of the best by a child actor in any film. The film relies heavily on the performance of Ikuko and Kanno delivers by having viewers of any age relate to the fear and confusion of the 6-year-old.
Even if you’ve seen the U.S. remake, it is worth seeing the original film to get a better sense of why it was remade in the first place. It’s a great, heartbreaking film that’s a must-see film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3NzFwxa
#2
The Eye
Plot: A blind concert violinist gets a cornea transplant allowing her to see again. However, she gets more than she bargained for when she realizes her new eye can see ghosts. She sets out to find the origins of the cornea and discover the fate of its former host.
KBZ’s Take: Of all the Asian Horror remakes that flooded cinema in the 2000’s, The Eye (2008) was the least effective in recreating the horrifying scares of the original.
The Pang Brothers out of Hong Kong created something very special within the subgenre with The Eye. This is one of the scariest films you’ll ever see. Yes, it has jump scares like other films of the Horror genre, but how they’re used in this film is both effective and frightening.
It’s one of a handful of films we always recommend to others when asked, “What’s one of the scariest movies I haven’t seen?”. Even if you are averse to subtitles, this is one film you should just watch if you want a night of pure horror.
Note: This film is followed by an above average sequel in The Eye 2 (2004).
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3NENa9G
Plot: Volunteer home-care worker Rika is assigned to visit a family, she is cursed and chased by two revengeful fiends: Kayako, a woman brutally murdered by her husband and her son Toshio. Each person that lives in or visits the haunted house is murdered or disappears.
KBZ’s Take: Like The Eye (2002), Ju-On had a subpar remake in The Grudge (2004) even though it was also directed by Takashi Shimizu (director of the original). It’s also one of a handful of films that we recommend to others when they’re looking for one of the scariest films of all time.
As for the original, it doesn’t have the high production values or level of acting as the remake, but it makes up for it with its unique combination of unsettling sense of dread, creepiness and shock scares. Why Shimizu couldn’t translate this to the remake, we’ll never know but the original film stands alongside Ringu (1998) as two of the best J-Horror subgenre films of all time.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/4333iWZ
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