The Lunchbox (2013) isn’t your typical love story. In fact, I’d argue it’s not a love story at all—it’s a pre-love story, the kind that shows how two people, broken in different ways, can find comfort in each other’s company without necessarily ending up together.
Did you know that some of Hollywood’s most beloved films—like Inception, Reservoir Dogs, and The Lion King—were actually inspired by (or outright copied from) Asian films? We’re not talking about official remakes with proper licensing and credit. These are cases where Hollywood took themes, stories, and even entire scenes and passed them off as their own. Here are 10 Hollywood films that bear striking similarities to Asian originals.
There Is No Evil is a deeply moving Iranian film that not only tells a poignant story but also sheds light on the painful history of state-sponsored executions in Iran. The film had to be smuggled out of the country, and while it may sound like a controversial or explicit topic, there's actually no nudity or sex scenes involved. Yet, the raw emotion and powerful message are impossible to ignore.
Published April 10, 2025
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10 Must-Watch Asian Thrillers on Netflix That Will Keep You Hooked
Asian thrillers have a unique way of lulling you into a sense of comfort before delivering twists that leave you breathless. By grounding horror and suspense in the relatable, these stories turn ordinary moments into nightmares, making the unexpected even scarier.
For those who love exploring the dark side of human nature, here are 10 must-watch Asian thrillers on Netflix that will have you hooked from the first episode.
1. Delhi Crime (India)
Do you like true crime? Think carefully before answering.
Based on real-life events, Delhi Crime follows the relentless efforts of the Delhi Police as they investigate one of India’s most harrowing cases. Season 1 revolves around the infamous 2012 Delhi collective sexual assault case, also known as the Nirbhaya case, which shook the world. The series is gripping, emotional, and offers a raw look at the challenges law enforcement faces while seeking justice.
2. Alice in Borderland (Japan)
If you love Battle Royale or The Hunger Games, this is a must-watch.
This mind-bending survival thriller transports you to a dystopian Tokyo where people are forced to participate in deadly games to stay alive. Each challenge tests intelligence, teamwork, and willpower, unraveling deeper mysteries with every twist. Packed with heart-stopping action and emotional depth, Alice in Borderland is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
3. The Forest of Love: Deep Cut (Japan)
Dark, twisted, and unsettling.
Directed by the legendary Sion Sono, this psychological thriller follows a charismatic conman who manipulates a group of young people into a terrifying web of lies and violence. With its unflinching storytelling and gritty cinematography, The Forest of Love is a haunting exploration of human nature at its darkest.
4. Strangers from Hell (South Korea)
The ultimate nightmare fuel.
A young man moves into a rundown apartment complex, only to find that his neighbors are anything but ordinary. As eerie events unfold, paranoia takes hold, and reality begins to blur into horror. With a claustrophobic setting and nerve-wracking suspense, Strangers from Hell will make you question just how well you know the people living next door.
5. The Stranded (Thailand)
Survival thriller meets mystery.
After a tsunami leaves a group of elite high school students stranded on an island, they must work together to survive. However, strange occurrences suggest that the island holds secrets far more sinister than they imagined. If you enjoyed Lost or The Society, The Stranded is right up your alley.
6. On the Job (Philippines)
A crime thriller inspired by real events.
This gritty movie follows prisoners who are temporarily released to carry out assassinations for powerful figures. As law enforcement, politics, and crime intertwine, On the Job exposes the harsh realities of systemic corruption. If you love Narcos or The Wire, you’ll appreciate this gripping thriller.
7. Girl from Nowhere (Thailand)
Mystery, social commentary, and psychological twists.
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Nanno, a mysterious girl, transfers to different schools, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption of students and teachers alike. Each episode serves as a dark reflection of society, making Girl from Nowhere both captivating and thought-provoking. If you enjoy morally ambiguous characters, this one’s for you.
8. Deep (Thailand)
What happens when sleep deprivation turns deadly?
When four medical students join a sleep experiment for quick cash, they don’t expect the consequences to be life-threatening. As the experiment spirals out of control, Deep turns into a psychological thriller that will have you questioning the limits of human endurance.
9. Shards of Her (Taiwan)
If you love plot twists, add this to your list.
A strong-willed career woman wakes up from a coma and starts uncovering chilling secrets about her past. The deeper she digs, the more unsettling the truths become. Shards of Her is an emotional rollercoaster that blends mystery with psychological depth.
10. Copycat Killer (Taiwan)
For fans of Dexter and Criminal Minds.
A serial killer is on the loose, using the media to spread fear and chaos. A determined prosecutor races to unmask the murderer before more lives are lost. With intense pacing and psychological depth, Copycat Killer is a gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Asian thrillers have a way of getting under your skin, making you question everything while keeping you glued to the screen. Whether you love survival horror, psychological thrillers, or crime dramas, there’s something on this list for every fan of the dark and twisted.
So, which one are you watching first?