The second half of August is shaping up to be very spooky and Fringey. Ghost Month 2025 starts on Aug. 23 and runs until Sept. 21. As for Hungry Ghost Festival, that will be on Sept 6!
Although there’s no mandate about releasing films during this time–that’s reserved for Chinese New Year–some fans of horror always like to look at what’s on the cinematic slate to be reminded about what the Hungry Ghost Festival will entail. Some years have seen releases made specifically for this celebration as it’s a time not to be afraid of, but honour!
But for those who want to know what’s happening this year, we got a guide!
Folk Horror & Myth-Infused Thrillers for Ghost Month 2025
| Title | Plot Synopsis | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Cursed Village (阴山异闻录) | Plot details remain under wraps. Described as a mystery/thriller with folk-horror elements, set in the Republican era. | Feb 7, 2025 |
| Atrocious (穷凶极恶) | In wartime Sichuan, Bashu Village is shrouded in fog and legend. Treasure-seekers are hunted by an unseen force near a tomb, dying one by one in grisly ways. | 2025 |
| The Shallows (鲨滩) | Surfer and scientist Li Qiang wakes adrift in the open sea, a shark circling. Rumors hint at sci-fi twists—AI and VR—woven into this relentless survival tale. | 2025 |
| Folk Tales of Chu Maxian / The Horse Immortal (民俗怪闻录之出马仙) | In the Republic era’s turmoil, a village is haunted by the “Grey Immortal.” Forensic exorcist Fang Tianyi braves a cursed forest to uncover the truth behind the deaths. | 2025 |
| Midnight Game (午夜游戏) | A midnight spirit-summoning ritual goes wrong, unleashing a curse and a vengeful ghost that stalks a young woman in every shadow. | 2025 |
| Fox Demon Legend (狐妖传说) | Women vanish from a rural village, rumored taken by fox demons. A man rescues his sister, only to find she’s changed in ways both disturbing and dangerous. | 2025 |
| Snake Woman (蛇女) | Legend speaks of a serpent woman in the Lost Forest who devours intruders. A man seeking revenge for his brother’s death uncovers a truth stranger than the myth. | 2025 |
Discover more from Otaku no Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
