While the English language has the third-highest number of native speakers around the globe, trailing behind Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, most of the non-English films get swept into one big basket called "foreign films." After the success of "Parasite" in 2019, its South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho encouraged folks from around the world to expand their horizons beyond their native language.

"Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films," Joon-ho said after winning a Golden Globe award in 2020.

There's an entire world of incredible films, new and old, that movie fans might not have seen because of their subtitle anxiety, or even plain ignorance.

If you can get over having to do some light reading, these films are our picks for some of the most extreme, hardcore non-English (and one English language foreign) thrillers — with either kick-ass action or legit terror. If you have more recommendations, post them in the comments below.

'Bacurau' (2019)

Trying to describe the plot or genre of "Bacurau" is an impossible task. This is a satire, but also a drama. It's got action in it, but it's also funny. It's set in Brazil, but it casts a much wider international scope across American, German and French cultures too. There are drugs and guns, and it's just bananas. As you can see, the entire movie is indescribably off the rails.

This film has zero interest in being normal or understood, and it just vibes — so either you're checked in or you're checked out. But, if you do stick around past the initial set-up of this small town defending its home against invaders, you will be delighted to some truly unique and memorable ultra-violence.

'Thirst' (2009)

Park Chan-wook is the guy who most people only know as "the director who did 'Old Boy'" — and while you would be correct in saying that, he's also made other good movies that scratch the same twisted, bloody itch.

"Thirst" might be the most accessible of films in his particular brand of thrills. It follows a Catholic priest who turns into a vampire and preys on both human blood, as well as a young woman. Yeah, the "thirst" in that title does have two meanings. This is a thirsty ass movie, in every sense of that word.

'Cronos' (1992)

Speaking of off-kilter and subversive vampire stories, Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro's indie flick "Cronos" is right up there. del Toro, an Oscar winner, is one of the most successful genre filmmakers working today, and he deserves the world for making, both, home run blockbusters and indie artistic masterpieces.

"Cronos" is del Torro's first movie that he wrote and directed, and it's mainly in Spanish. Ron Perlman shows up too, and the two have since collaborated on numerous occasions. It's only 90 minutes long, but packs a fun punch in a short time. You can really hone in and see del Toro at work here — figuring out how what wanted to shape his career into, eventually making the movies he wanted to with bigger budgets and more famous actors.

'Let The Right One In' (2008)

One last vampire pick, promise.

"Let the Right One In" is about a pre-teen vampire, but it's more of a romantic drama than outright horror — it does deliver on the gore, don't worry. We'd like to steer you towards this Swedish original version, and not the Hollywood remake "Let Me In" (although that one has its merits). The movie won't outright scare you, but that's not really the point. The point is that puberty sucks, and you lose your innocence upon exiting childhood. Also, holy cow did that guy's leg fly off into that swimming pool?

'City of God' (2002)

This might be the best-edited film of all time; it's an absolute marvel in taking a gigantic story and fitting it into a two hour run time — but it also has a frenetic pace with quick cuts and smart juxtapositions.

Covering a whole generation of impoverished street gangs in Rio de Janeiro, "City of God" flies through the lives of several young men as they get caught up in petty crimes, murder, drugs and love. This movie rocks, it's as close you'll get to seeing "The Wire" done as a feature film. Instead of Idris Elba doing a Baltimore accent, it's fresh-faced and talented actors speaking Portuguese.

'Talk to Me' (2022)

The indie YouTube filmmaker to A24 directing pipeline is now well established, so if you have the goods and a smart idea, you too can follow in the footsteps of the Philippou brothers.

What started as a neat short, it turned into a smash hit — and now it's a franchise that has an active sequel in the works. "Talk to Me" blends the social media age with a new twist on séances and the Ouija board. New Zealand teens get possessed by a ghost for a short time, and as long as you stop after a minute, you'll be fine.

If you stay possessed for longer, though... bad things can happen (and will).