Balaraw: Blood Island: Netflix's Filipino Folk Horror Arrives Tomorrow

What Is It?

Balaraw: Blood Island is a Filipino folk horror series from Netflix, and it premieres tomorrow, Thursday 29 October 2026, just in time for Halloween. The first season has 8 episodes, so it's a one-weekend binge if you're brave, or a two-weekend binge if you need the lights on.

What's in a Name?

A balaraw is a dagger used in the pre-colonial Philippines. Put a blade in the title and add "Blood Island", and you can guess this isn't a cosy rom-com.

Folk horror takes its scares from old beliefs, island communities and the things locals warn you not to do after dark. Filipino folklore has a huge supply: aswang, manananggal, tikbalang and plenty more. Netflix hasn't said which of these, if any, the show uses, so we'll find out together.

Is There a Trailer?

Yes. Netflix released an official teaser on 17 September 2026, and you'll find it on our countdown page. Watch it in daylight.

When and Where?

Premiere: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Where: Netflix, worldwide
Episodes: 8 in the first season
Language: Filipino

How to Survive It

Watch with a friend. Ideally one who screams louder than you.
Do not go to any islands this week. Just a precaution.
Learn one bit of folklore first. Read up on the aswang and you'll get every jump scare before it happens. Or at least you'll feel like you will.

FAQ

When does Balaraw: Blood Island come out?

Thursday, 29 October 2026, on Netflix.

How many episodes are there?

Eight in season one.

Is it scary?

It's billed as folk horror, a genre built on slow-burn dread. We'll report back once we've stopped hiding behind a cushion.

Follow the live countdown to Balaraw: Blood Island on Byte of Humor.