Australian horror movies have a unique feel that you can’t always find in Hollywood offerings. With the country harboring some of the most unforgiving and dangerous landscapes out there, many Aussie flicks feature humans facing off against nature or the deadly consequences of wandering beyond the safety of civilization. Other films trade the terror of isolation for something more supernatural or cerebral, and some take aim at the violence and darkness that came from colonization.
With Bring Her Back proving to global audiences that Aussie horror is nothing to trifle with, let’s revisit some of the classics. Whether you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned slasher or you want to delve a little deeper with thought-provoking mysteries, here are the 10 best Australian horror movies in order of release date and where to stream them online.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Beautiful and hauntingly eerie. Really, that’s all you need to know before going into Picnic at Hanging Rock. Based on the 1967 novel by Joan Lindsay, the movie delves into the disappearances of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher out in Victoria, Australia, on Valentine’s Day. Largely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, Picnic at Hanging Rock offers a compelling mystery set during the Victorian era. Altogether unsettling, the atmospheric horror is top-notch.
Wolf Creek (2005)
When it comes to Aussie horror, Wolf Creek is a bona fide classic. Greg McLean’s beloved slasher sees a group of backpackers cross paths with a sadistic serial killer roaming the Australian Outback. Played with devilish delight by John Jarratt, Mick Taylor deserves a spot right next to other horror icons like Jason and Freddy. While Wolf Creek earns the slasher title in of body count, Mick’s weapon of choice certainly sets him apart from other villains of the subgenre. Carrying around a vintage Remington, Mick is a bit like Crocodile Dundee broke very, very bad.
Rogue (2007)
You could fill an entire list with killer crocodile movies from the Land Down Under. However, if you’re looking for one of the best, say hello to Rogue. The poster screams cheesy B-movie movie, but it doesn’t take long to realize Rogue contains one heck of a plot. Loosely inspired by a true story, the film sees a group of tourists and their tour guide come face to face with a man-eating crocodile. Stranded on a small island, the motley crew must work together to escape the jaws of their stealthy enemy. Wolf Creek director Greg McLean ditches his slasher roots for something much more grounded. Rogue knows how to drum up suspense and immerse the audience, even if it gets a tad wild by the end.
Lake Mungo (2008)
Lake Mungo isn’t your typical found footage film. It takes a pseudo-documentary approach, chronicling the supernatural events surrounding a family after their daughter’s death. The movie plays out like a documentary you’d catch on TV, and that realism adds another layer of creepiness over a slow-burn mystery brimming with atmospheric horror. There are no jump scares here. Instead, the film excels at creeping dread and emotional reveals. Since its Sydney Film Festival debut, Lake Mungo has amassed a well-deserved cult following extending far beyond Australia.
The Loved Ones (2009)
Prom Night but with an abduction twist.
Cargo (2013)
Martin Freeman stars in one of the more unique zombie movies of the 21st century. Set in the wilderness of remote Australia, Cargo reveals its hook pretty much from the start. After becoming infected by a zombie bite, Freeman’s Andy races against the clock to find someone capable and trustworthy to take care of his infant daughter with the help of a young Aboriginal girl. As one of the more underrated Netflix originals, Cargo carries a more profound message about the erasure of Australia’s Indigenous people. For those who like their horror, thought-provoking and heartbreaking, this one is well worth the watch.
The Babadook (2014)
If giant crocodiles aren’t your thing, The Babadook offers twisty scares and psychological terror. Jennifer Kent comes out swinging with a directorial debut about a monster from a children’s book who seemingly jumps from page to reality to torment a widowed mother and her troubled son. Essie Davis delivers a perfectly unhinged performance alongside Noah Wiseman, adding to the film’s aura of spooky uneasiness. However, the film’s real draw is its deeper messaging about grief. While The Babadook initially didn’t have much success in its native Australia, it found an audience overseas, where it still reigns as a cult favorite and horror hit.
Boar (2017)
Aussie horror movies and big, scary animals go together like cookies and milk—and Boar is no exception. This gory little horror has a simple enough premise: A giant, bloody-thirsty boar stalks a family in the Outback. Serving up practical effects and violence that tetter into B-movie territory, Boar best suits audiences looking for fun creature features with a little campiness thrown into the mix. Wolf Creek fans will also recognize John Jarratt among the cast, although this time, he trades his expected antagonistic role for something a lot more heroic.
The Nightingale (2018)
Those who enjoyed Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook will find something much darker and violent in her next film. The Nightingale shines a light on the dark side of Australia’s history—emphasis on dark. At its simplest, it’s a revenge story about an Irish convict seeking vengeance against the colonial forces of Tasmania with the help of an Aboriginal tracker. However, it also offers heavy commentary on racial inequality, genocide, and gender disparity. The Nightingale is a tough watch. It’s uncomfortable, disturbing, and terribly violent, but it’s also thought-provoking and educational. There’s nothing supernatural here. The horror comes from the brutal reality of historical atrocities.
Talk To Me (2022)
Bring Her Back’s Danny and Michael Philippou first jumped from YouTube to the big screen with great success. Their directorial debut, A24’s highest-grossing horror movie and a critical hit. This supernatural number appears like any other teen horror movie before transforming into a chilling exploration of grief. The plot centers on a group of teens forced to contend with dark supernatural forces after attempting to communicate with the dead. While that summary seems cliche, Talk To Me is anything but. Imbued with that quirky, thought-provoking style A24 is known for, the movie excels at delivering edge-of-your-seat scares.
Where To Watch The Best Australian Horror Movies Online
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