Movies Like Stree

When Stree hit theatres in 2018, it redefined Indian horror. Directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, Stree delivered a rare blend of horror, humor, and social satire. Set in the small town of Chanderi, the film tapped into a local legend — a vengeful female spirit — and cleverly inverted gender roles, offering commentary on consent and patriarchy.

It wasn’t just a horror movie; it was a cultural moment. And if you, like many, fell in love with Stree’s mix of chills, laughs, and meaning, you’re likely wondering: what next?

Luckily, the Indian film industry has been experimenting in this space. From horror-comedies to folklore-based thrillers, here are films that echo Stree’s spirit — movies that tickle your funny bone even as they raise your hair.

Horror Meets Humor in Indian Cinema – Movies Like Stree

Roohi (2021)
Also directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by the same team behind Stree, Roohi was promoted as part of the same cinematic universe. It stars Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Varun Sharma, and follows a similar supernatural setup: a ghost named Afza possesses brides on their wedding night. While it didn’t quite achieve Stree’s finesse, it played with interesting themes like duality, identity, and female agency — and had its share of quirky, eerie moments. The horror-comedy genre was very much alive.

Bhediya (2022)
Bhediya is the third installment in what fans now call the “Stree Universe” (Stree, Roohi, Bhediya). With Varun Dhawan in the lead, it dives into werewolf folklore rooted in Arunachal Pradesh. The story mixes ecology, myth, and humor — adding layers about environmental destruction and local legends. The film stands out for its impressive VFX and the way it continues Amar Kaushik’s trend of embedding deeper themes within commercial horror-comedy frameworks. There’s even a mid-credit cameo that connects the threads between Bhediya and Stree, teasing a crossover.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)
While Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) had a psychological horror angle, its sequel dives straight into the realm of supernatural with comic timing and high-energy scares. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, it follows the familiar haunted haveli formula but with a Gen-Z makeover. The film doesn’t try to be too deep — but if you’re looking for something entertaining and spooky, this one’s a worthy weekend pick. It shares Stree’s desire to make horror fun and family-friendly.

Phone Bhoot (2022)
Starring Katrina Kaif, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Ishaan Khatter, Phone Bhoot is perhaps the most self-aware horror comedy on the list. It blends ghostbusters-style tropes with Indian-style humor and superstition. The film doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s part of the charm. With silly dialogues, bizarre characters, and campy fun, Phone Bhoot is a good choice for fans of Stree who enjoy over-the-top storytelling with paranormal chaos.

Laxmii (2020)
A remake of the Tamil hit Kanchana, Laxmii stars Akshay Kumar in a role that involves possession by a transgender ghost seeking justice. The film leans heavily into slapstick comedy and high drama. While its message on gender identity and social ostracism is commendable, its execution drew mixed responses. Still, if you appreciated Stree for addressing deeper issues within a horror wrapper, Laxmii is worth exploring.

Go Goa Gone (2013)
Though it predates Stree, Go Goa Gone deserves a mention as one of the earliest Indian horror comedies. This zombie apocalypse set in Goa stars Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu, and Vir Das, and is equal parts stoner comedy and survival horror. What it lacks in jump scares, it makes up for in hilarious one-liners and genre-breaking innovation. For fans of Stree looking to see where Indian horror-comedy really found its feet, this is a must-watch.

Munjya (2024)
A fresh entry in the Stree universe, Munjya is based on the Maharashtrian folklore of a child ghost. Though details are still unfolding, it promises to follow the horror-comedy formula with Amar Kaushik’s creative fingerprint. With Stree 2 also in the works, Munjya adds depth and range to this growing cinematic world of desi ghosts and grounded laughs.

Pisaasu (2014)
If you’re open to venturing beyond Hindi, Pisaasu (Tamil) by Mysskin offers a deeply emotional horror story. It’s about a ghost that protects rather than haunts, and blends tragedy with the supernatural in a way that feels both fresh and haunting. The film’s tonal play between suspense, grief, and dark humor aligns well with what Stree attempted, though Pisaasu leans more dramatic than comic.

Ammoru (1995)
A Telugu classic that blends fantasy, myth, and horror. While older in its visual style and pacing, Ammoru remains memorable for its use of divine vs. demonic themes. It lacks Stree’s modern humor but shares the fascination with feminine spiritual power, social tension, and supernatural justice.

Chandramukhi (2005)
Technically a psychological thriller more than horror, Chandramukhi became a cultural phenomenon. It shares thematic DNA with Stree — a woman wronged, a lingering spirit, and a blend of performance and possession. Rajinikanth’s charisma and Jyothika’s transformation anchor this eerie crowd-pleaser.

Why These Films Resonate

What makes Stree special is not just the scares — it’s the relevance. Its success lies in using folklore to challenge societal norms, entertain the masses, and provoke thought. These films continue that tradition in different ways: by giving voice to the voiceless, reimagining local myths, or just making the haunted house trope enjoyable again.

They also mark a departure from outdated horror clichés — no longer are female spirits just vengeful banshees. In many of these stories, they’re symbols of justice, resistance, or trauma. Comedy isn’t just a sidekick; it’s a tool for storytelling, for creating accessibility and relatability.

If Stree has sparked your interest in Indian horror with substance and soul, these films should be on your radar. They may not all reach Stree’s heights, but they each carry a spark of its energy — that delicate mix of fear and fun, of folklore and feminism, of screams and smirks.

🎬 Watch Stree officially on JioCinema

With Stree 2 on the horizon, the genre is only going to grow. And who knows — the next ghost in your town might just come with a warning written in blood… “O Stree, kal aana.”