Beyond the Borders: The Global Influence of Horror
/Why limit your nightmares to just one corner of the world? Horror has always been a diverse genre that has intrigued people from all over the world. For many, though, the genre starts and finishes with Hollywood's most recent productions, missing out on a whole realm of horrific tales outside the Western perspective. Is Western horror different from international horror, or are they two sides of the same coin? As a fan of both, I'm here to dive into that debate and offer my reasons as to why you should branch out and embrace horror from all over the world.
The International Influence
image COURTESY of Black Swan, Perfect blue taken from metaflix
One of the most well-known examples of a Western director drawing inspiration from an international source is the connection between Perfect Blue and Black Swan. It’s safe to say that most people have either seen or at least heard of Black Swan—and for good reason. It’s a critically acclaimed film known for its psychological depth and haunting visuals. But what about Perfect Blue? Does that name ring a bell? For those unfamiliar, Perfect Blue is a Japanese anime psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon.
What many people may not realize is that Darren Aronofsky, the director of Black Swan, has acknowledged the similarities between the two films despite denying its obvious influence.
However, even when stated otherwise, the resemblance is uncanny. Both movies delve into similar themes of identity, obsession, and mental breakdown, with visually intense and unsettling storytelling. This cross-cultural inspiration enriches the experience of both films.
The Western Influence
image courtesy of psycho, parasite taken from IanMcClanan via youtube
A strong example of Western media that inspired international films is the connection between Psycho and Parasite. While Parasite, directed by South Korea’s Bong Joon-ho, isn’t strictly categorized as horror, its psychological tension and social critique make it a close cousin to the genre. Most people are familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic Psycho, but fewer may realize that Bong has cited the film as one of his many influences. The way Psycho manipulates audience expectations and builds suspense through layered storytelling can be seen in Parasite as well.
Claire Pak's article suggests that Director Bong drew architectural inspiration from Psycho. Both films employ crucial elements of the house to startle viewers and advance the plot. This shows that international filmmakers, like Bong, don’t create in isolation—they pull from the same Western classics that have shaped the genre, proving that horror is a truly global conversation.
Why Shared Inspiration Doesn’t Cheapen a Story
Just because a film or director takes inspiration from another doesn’t mean it’s a copy or any less significant. Quite the opposite, this exchange of ideas is one of the best parts of the creative process. Directors around the world are constantly moved by each other’s work, and in horror, this creates a dialogue filled with diversity. It’s what allows new interpretations, fresh perspectives, and new fears to be realized. So, rather than feeling like one culture is imitating another, it's more about giving tribute and spreading those stories to wider audiences.
Horror Has No Borders
image courtesy of getty taken from people.com
For those who swear by Western horror or stand firmly with international horror films, I offer this thought: it's not that deep, chill. Without International horror, we wouldn’t have many of the Western classics we cherish today, and vice versa. We wouldn’t have Black Swan without Perfect Blue. Much like how we wouldn't have Parasite without Psycho’s influence. Disregarding one genre in favor of the other is missing the bigger picture. I know there are a few individuals out there who think “horror is dead,” I urge you to watch films from other countries or at the very least look into them. There’s an entire world of horror waiting to be discovered, filled with entirely unique concepts that are sure to shock you to your core in ways you may not have experienced before.
Asian horror, for example, is known for its intense psychological terror, while Western films often rely on suspense, gore, or supernatural elements.
Will You Stick to What You Know, or Explore the Unknown?
In the end, horror fans may disagree on which is better—Western or international—but both are essential to the genre's growth. Horror is not about choosing sides; it's a conversation that crosses continents and cultures, influencing filmmakers and captivating audiences around the world. My advice for you is to not limit yourself. Venture into the unknown and watch films that challenge your boundaries. Will you continue consuming the familiar, or will you dare to explore the depths of horror waiting beyond your comfort zone?
Kyra Nehme is a 22-year-old, second-generation Lebanese immigrant born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Kyra is a Professional Writing student at Algonquin College who is a passionate and outgoing writer determined to share her works with the world with the goal of cracking a smile or touching a heart. She loves expressing herself through fashion, connecting with people, and talking about the things she loves. Those things just so happen to be everything that is dark, twisted, and wrong with the world!
