Netflix will release a new Filipino horror series called Balaraw worldwide on September 24, 2026. The show tells the story of a supernatural mystery rooted in Filipino folklore. It joins several other new Philippine shows and movies Netflix announced for this year.
The series is directed by Rae Red, who also co-created the show with Jericho Aguado. In the story, a woman named Sabina searches for her mother who disappeared years ago. Her journey leads her to a strange and uncharted island, where she must deal with dark family secrets and supernatural dangers.
Balaraw Release Date and Streaming Information
The series will start streaming on Wednesday, September 24, 2026. It will be available to Netflix subscribers everywhere on that date.
Balaraw is part of Netflix Philippines’s 2026 lineup, which is its biggest yet. The service is releasing five new Filipino originals this year, including three series and two films. The new series will explore horror and mystery in a way that is connected to Filipino culture.
“We are excited to continue growing alongside the industry, strengthening partnerships, and supporting more ambitious ideas from script to screen,” said Vitto Lazatin, Netflix’s Content Lead for the Philippines.
Cast and Characters of the Horror Mystery
The series features well-known Filipino actors.
- Janine Gutierrez plays the lead role of Sabina. Gutierrez said the project was kept secret for over a year before its announcement.
- She is joined by Charlie Dizon and award-winning actress Agot Isidro, who also appears in another 2026 Netflix film called Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon.
While full character details are still under wraps, the story focuses on Sabina’s difficult search. Her mission to find her missing mother pulls her into a world filled with mystery and elements of Philippine myth.
Filipino Folklore and Supernatural Story Inspiration
Balaraw draws deep inspiration from Filipino folklore to build its unsettling world. The title itself refers to a mythical, dagger-like weapon often linked to legendary creatures in Philippine stories.
The series creators have described it as an “atmospheric horror-mystery” that weaves an ensemble story. Some reports compare its mysterious island setting and group storytelling to shows like Lost, but note it is fully grounded in Filipino ideas and style.
Actress Charlie Dizon has expressed hope that international audiences will see the strength of Filipino family values within the scary story.
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Netflix Philippines 2026 Lineup and Other Releases
Balaraw is one highlight in a strong year for Filipino content on Netflix. The platform has seen great success with local stories, as over 90% of its members in the Philippines watched local content last year.
The 2026 slate includes other major projects:
- BuyBust: The Undesirables (Series): A dystopian action show starring Anne Curtis, serving as a follow-up to the 2018 film.
- 18th Rose (Film): A young adult romance starring Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri, coming to Netflix on April 9, 2026.
- The Master Cutter (Series): An action drama starring Dingdong Dantes as a tailor and bounty hunter, premiering April 17, 2026.
- Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon (Film): A family drama starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro, set for release on August 13, 2026.
- Someone, Someday (Series): A romantic thriller series top-billed by Philippine cinema star Kathryn Bernardo, alongside James Reid and Maja Salvador.
These new shows and movies are part of Netflix’s ongoing work with the local creative industry. This includes partnerships with major networks like GMA and ABS-CBN to premiere episodes of their dramas on Netflix before they air on free TV.
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