Every August, Chinese-Filipino communities observe what’s commonly known as Ghost Month. According to tradition, the gates of heaven and the underworld open during this time, allowing spirits to roam the world of the living. Some are said to seek closure or sustenance—and may even bring bad luck. That’s why many people avoid making big decisions like moving, traveling, or starting a business during this period and instead offer food and drink to their ancestors.

So here at PULSE, we say: why not embrace the eerie vibe of Ghost Month with some truly chilling Filipino films about ghosts and the supernatural?

Get into the ghostly spirit this August with these five Pinoy horror films that dive into the world of spirits and the unknown:

1. Eerie

In Mikhail Red’s Eerie, a school guidance counselor named Pat (Bea Alonzo) finds herself caught in a chilling mystery after a student dies under strange circumstances. Suspecting that the strict and mysterious nun Mother Alice (Charo Santos-Concio) had something to do with it, Pat begins digging and soon uncovers the dark and terrifying secrets hiding within the school.

2. Dementia

Starring the late icon Nora Aunor, Dementia follows a woman who returns to her ancestral home in a remote village after being diagnosed with the illness. But her homecoming stirs up more than just memories and ghosts from her family’s past begin to emerge in terrifying ways. Jasmine Curtis also stars in this film that has jump scares not for the faint of heart.

3. TxT

One of the first local films to mix technology with the spirit world, TxT tells the story of Joyce (Angel Locsin), who breaks up with her boyfriend Roman (Oyo Sotto) right before a tragic car accident takes his life. After his death, Joyce and the people around her begin receiving creepy text messages and phone calls—assumed to be Roman’s spirit—bringing death and destruction to all who answer.

4. Spirit Warriors

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, check out Chito S. Roño’s 2000 horror-comedy classic. Spirit Warriors follows a group of high school friends who hunt ghosts for fun until they encounter an ancient spirit born from humanity’s collective negativity and evil. Now, they must work together to stop it in this fun but still spooky adventure.

5. Itim

Mike de Leon’s 1976 horror classic uses religious imagery, Filipino folklore, and cultural beliefs to creep out its audience. A photographer returns to his hometown in Bulacan during Holy Week and meets Teresa, a young woman mourning her sister, a nun who mysteriously vanished. Through séances, possessions, and unsettling visions, they begin to piece together the haunting truth behind her disappearance.

Skip the chaos and bad luck this Ghost Month by curling up indoors with one of these chilling Pinoy horror movies. Just remember to leave an offering for your ancestors unless you want some unexpected guests watching with you!