3 Best Indonesian Horror Movies Like Satan’s Slaves (2025 Must-Watch List)
If you’re searching for the best horror movies to watch in 2025, chances are you’ve already seen Satan’s Slaves (Pengabdi Setan)—the Indonesian horror classic that shocked audiences worldwide. With its mix of folklore, ghosts, and family drama, it has become one of the scariest Indonesian horror films of all time.
But the good news is—there are more gems like it! Here are 3 must-watch Indonesian horror movies in 2025 that horror fans shouldn’t miss.
1. Impetigore (2019)
Directed by Joko Anwar (yes, the same genius behind Satan’s Slaves), Impetigore is a slow-burn horror masterpiece.
Plot: A young woman named Maya returns to her ancestral village, only to discover dark secrets about her family’s past. What starts as a journey of self-discovery quickly turns into a fight for survival against a horrifying village curse.
Why Watch It:
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Creepy rural setting and eerie atmosphere.
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Rich use of Indonesian folklore and black magic.
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A mix of suspense, mystery, and bloody horror.
If you liked the family-driven dread in Satan’s Slaves, you’ll definitely feel the same chills here.
2. The Queen of Black Magic (2019)
A remake of the 1981 classic, this modern version is directed by Kimo Stamboel and written by Joko Anwar.
Plot: A group of adults reunites at their childhood orphanage. What seems like a happy visit turns into a living nightmare as they confront a terrifying force tied to the orphanage’s dark past.
Why Watch It:
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Creepy setting with non-stop supernatural terror.
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Shocking deaths and gruesome effects.
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A story that blends guilt, revenge, and black magic.
This one is more intense than Satan’s Slaves—if you enjoy gore with your ghost stories, this film won’t disappoint.
3. Sewu Dino (2023)
Based on a viral Twitter horror thread, Sewu Dino (translated as “A Thousand Days”) is one of the most popular Indonesian horror movies in recent years.
Plot: A young woman is hired to perform a mysterious ritual for a cursed family. As she digs deeper, she realizes the horrifying extent of the curse, and survival becomes almost impossible.
Why Watch It:
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Unique story inspired by modern folklore.
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Filled with rituals, black magic, and chilling visuals.
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A fresh take on Indonesian horror that feels just as scary as Satan’s Slaves.
Mini Review: Satan’s Slaves
Before you dive into these recommendations, let’s quickly revisit why Satan’s Slaves made such a big impact.
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Premise: A grieving family is haunted by dark forces after their mother’s death.
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Strengths: Atmospheric horror, emotional family drama, creepy ghosts, and well-placed jump scares.
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Impact: It became the highest-grossing Indonesian horror movie of 2017, proving that local folklore has universal appeal.
This film set the stage for modern Indonesian horror—and the three recommendations above are its spiritual companions.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed the creepy folklore and terrifying suspense of Satan’s Slaves, then Impetigore, The Queen of Black Magic, and Sewu Dino should be on your watchlist. Each of them blends supernatural horror with uniquely Indonesian cultural elements, making them must-watch gems for any true horror fan.
So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a pillow to hide behind) and prepare yourself for some of the scariest Indonesian horror movies ever made!
