1. Krishna Cottage (2004) by Balaji Films Ltd. exemplifies Bollywood's unique approach to the horror genre, particularly during the 2000s. This Hindi-language cult classic delivers a gripping narrative filled with the customary elements of Bollywood storytelling. It weaves together romance, desire, envy, and an eerie backstory that captures the essence of spine-chilling campfire tales.

The plot revolves around a circle of college friends led by engaged couple Manav and Shanti. Their tranquil lives take a tumultuous turn with the arrival of the enigmatic student Disha. The mysterious bond shared between Disha and Manav sparks conflict in his relationship with Shanti, yet the group faces even graver concerns as death and paranormal occurrences unfold.

2. 1920 (2008) from BIG Pictures draws clear parallels with classic Hollywood possession films like The Exorcist, yet uniquely tailors its horror elements to resonate with the Indian audience. This Bollywood horror flick, set in the year 1920, inaugurated an entire franchise. It narrates the story of a young man who forsakes his faith to marry his beloved, an architect commissioned to renovate an ancient mansion in a distant town. However, supernatural forces lurk within the manor, eventually possessing the wife with haunting consequences.

3. Chhorii (2021), available on Amazon Prime Video, is a Hindi remake of the 2017 Marathi film Lapachhapi. This rendition garnered acclaim for its portrayal of the challenges faced by women in rural India. It begins with a couple seeking refuge in a remote village to escape debt. The pregnant wife, played by Nushrratt Bharuccha, unknowingly confronts horrifying supernatural threats endangering her unborn child within the village's clutches.

4. Bulbbul (2020), a period horror film, presents a captivating twist within the Bollywood horror landscape. Set in the 1880s, it delves into Indian folklore by exploring the tale of the chudail, a demonic entity born from the violent demise of women. Tripti Dimri stars as the wife of a feudal lord, unveiling a hidden creature preying on the men in her community amidst the confines of oppressive village politics.

5. Makdee (2002) by Percept Picture Company, while featuring dated creature designs, profoundly affected an entire generation of Indian children. This film follows twin siblings Chunni and Munni in a seemingly idyllic village, except for a rumored haunted mansion. The narrative unfolds as one of the sisters transforms into a rooster after a prank gone awry within the mansion's confines.

6. Raaz (2002) stands as a pinnacle of Bollywood horror under the directorial vision of Vikram Bhatt. Starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea, the film embodies the quintessential essence of Bollywood horror with its mysterious exorcist, hair-raising backstories, and chilling ambiance crafted through impeccable sound design and desolate settings. As a couple seeks to rekindle their romance on a vacation, they encounter eerie incidents and a malevolent spirit that haunts their destination. This film is remembered for its iconic moments, from spine-chilling whispers to the ghost's distinct claw marks.

7. Vaastu Shastra (2004), produced by K Sera Sera and helmed by Bollywood director Ram Gopal Verma, remains a topic of legendary discussion in today's context, mainly due to Verma's revolutionary work in the crime action genre that reshaped the industry. Yet, lesser-known are his contributions to the iconic horror genre during the early 2000s. This low-budget horror flick from 2004 has earned recognition among millennial audiences as a genuinely terrifying film, primarily due to its compelling visual design. Memorable scenes, such as the eerie haunted tree, have left a lasting impression on many viewers.

Under Verma's production and Saurab Narang's direction, the movie drew evident inspiration from films like The Grudge, particularly in its character design. However, it embedded these influences within an entirely Indian narrative context. Vaastu Shastra takes its name from a traditional Indian architectural system akin to Chinese feng shui. The story kicks off when a family relocates to a new home plagued by ominous vaastu shastra signs.

8. Haunted – 3D (2011), another acclaimed horror venture by Vikram Bhatt, garnered immense attention upon its release, notably for being India's first 3D film. The storyline mirrors 1920, featuring Mahaakshay Chakraborty's character moving into an old mansion for renovation before putting it up for sale. Supernatural disturbances, such as disjointed screams and haunting violin sounds, disrupt his peace. His discovery of an old letter hidden within a book in the mansion's library unveils a tragic suicide note written by a young woman, revealing the torment she endured at the hands of her perverse violin instructor. Determined to bring solace to the tormented soul, Chakraborty's character embarks on a quest to ease the ghostly anguish caused by the music teacher.

9. Durgamati (2020), a remake of the 2018 Telugu horror film Bhaagamathie, captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and impressive special effects. Bhumi Pednekar steps into the leading role originally portrayed by Anushka Shetty, and the remake retains and amplifies the visual opulence and horror elements typical of South Indian horror titles. The film revolves around Pednekar's character, a principled government officer ensnared in political intrigue. Falsely implicated and transferred to a decrepit mansion, she becomes a pawn in her political adversaries' quest for information. However, their plans go awry when the officer falls under the possession of the formidable spirit of a queen named Durgamati.

10. Darna Mana Hai (2003), a groundbreaking cinematic endeavor during a time when such innovations were rare, stands as the pioneering horror anthology in Hindi cinema and holds cult classic status. Produced by Ram Gopal Verma and directed by Prawaal Raman, the film comprises seven interwoven stories. It commences with a group of friends stranded in a forest after their car breaks down, seeking refuge in an abandoned house. Around a campfire, they share horror tales, each becoming an individual story within the movie.

11. Bhoot (2003), the second horror film directed by Ram Gopal Verma, stars Ajay Devgn and Urmila Mandotkar as a married couple moving into a new home. Initially thrilled about their affordable luxury apartment, they soon discover the unsettling reason behind its bargain price: a woman had committed suicide in the same apartment after murdering her child. Despite their efforts to make the best of the situation, Mandotkar's character begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior, creating an eerie atmosphere that seeps into viewers' consciousness. Mandotkar's portrayal of a possessed woman leaves an indelible mark, making it a hauntingly unique horror experience unlike any other.

12. Stree (2018), produced by Jio Studios, became a sensation upon its release, delighting audiences with its blend of humor and a captivating horror narrative. Set in the quaint town of Chanderi, plagued by the local folklore of a chudail named "Stree" who vanishes men wandering alone at night, the movie unfolds the tale of a tailor, portrayed by comedic maestro Rajkummar Rao. His fervent desire to marry leads him to encounter a mysterious young woman who only appears after dark, sparking an unconventional relationship. Enchanted by her beauty, he dutifully fulfills her peculiar requests, including gathering uncommon items like lizard tails and cat fur.

13. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), an Akshay Kumar-starrer horror comedy, stands as a quintessential Hindi movie in the genre, offering a unique and engrossing storyline. Seamlessly blending suspense and thriller elements, the film navigates through a vibrant backdrop, juxtaposing traditional superstitions against progressive ideologies. The narrative commences as a young, educated scion of a former royal family returns home, triggering family tensions by opting to reside in the purportedly haunted ancestral mansion. As eerie occurrences escalate during renovations, Akshay Kumar's character, an eccentric psychologist, is summoned to investigate the paranormal phenomena.

Inspired by the style of Paranormal Activity, Ragini MMS (2011) swiftly gained cult status for its attempt to replicate a realistic found-footage format. Set within a remote house during a night of romantic escapade planned by a couple, Rajkummar Rao and Kainaz Motivala portray the lead roles, their intimacy disrupted by a malevolent spirit.

14. Ek Thi Daayan (2013) presents a complex narrative woven with supernatural entities and imaginative concepts like infernal elevators. The story orbits around Bobo, portrayed by Imran Hashmi, a renowned magician plagued by haunting visions of his deceased sister from childhood. During therapy, a disturbing repressed memory resurfaces, unearthing a realm inhabited by daayans (witches) and demons.

15. Paheli (2005), though more of a poignant fable than a straightforward horror flick, earns its place on this list due to its exquisite storytelling and supernatural elements. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, the film, based on a Rajasthani short story, unfolds in the arid expanse of Rajasthan. Lachchi, a young bride excited for her new life, is disheartened when her newly-wed husband departs for a long business trip immediately after their marriage. The tale takes a mystical turn as a djinn, infatuated with Lachchi during her journey to her husband's home, assumes his guise, leading to an unexpected and magical union.