Folk horror is the kind of slow-burning, atmospheric nightmare that creeps into your bones and stays there. If you’re into ancient rituals, isolated villages, and the eerie beauty of rural landscapes with a sinister twist, then folk horror is the genre for you. Here’s a roundup of some of the best folk horror films that will leave you haunted long after the credits roll. Grab some snacks, dim the lights, and let’s dive into the world of chilling folklore!
1. The Wicker Man (1973)
No folk horror list is complete without this iconic film. In The Wicker Man, a police officer travels to a remote Scottish island in search of a missing girl, only to discover a strange community with pagan practices. The way this film blends the beauty of nature with unsettling pagan rituals will make you rethink your next countryside vacation. The ending? It’s legendary and horrifying in the best way possible.
Make sure you watch the original if you want genuine scares. If you're looking for a laugh, you can view the remake starting Nicholas Cage.
2. Midsommar (2019)
Ari Aster’s Midsommar is a modern folk horror masterpiece. Set in broad daylight, the film follows a group of friends attending a rural Swedish festival that takes a dark turn. While everything is bathed in sunlight, the tension is palpable, with every bizarre ritual creeping under your skin. The contrast of beauty and terror in this movie is something you’ll be thinking about for days.
3. The Witch (2015)
If you love eerie period settings and atmospheric dread, The Witch is an absolute must-watch. Set in 17th-century New England, this film follows a family banished from their village and living on the edge of a dark forest. Witchcraft, possession, and religious paranoia blend to create a slow-burn descent into madness. The movie’s chilling atmosphere and creeping sense of doom will make your skin crawl.
4. Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)
This underrated gem is an essential folk horror film that plays on fear of the unknown and rural superstition. Set in 17th-century England, it tells the story of a village terrorized by an evil force unearthed in the fields. The film’s unsettling tone and creepy imagery make it a perfect example of the folk horror genre.
5. Kill List (2011)
Part hitman movie, part folk horror nightmare, Kill List is a British film that takes you on a psychological ride before plunging into full-blown horror. What starts as a crime thriller quickly spirals into a terrifying exploration of secret societies and ancient rituals. The final act will leave you speechless and disturbed, lingering long after the movie ends.
6. The Ritual (2017)
Based on the novel by Adam Nevill, The Ritual follows a group of friends on a hiking trip in the remote forests of Sweden. After a wrong turn, they find themselves in a place filled with ancient Norse mythology and creepy symbols. The film’s tense atmosphere and psychological horror will have you thinking twice about your next camping adventure.
7. A Field in England (2013)
If you’re in the mood for something truly bizarre and mind-bending, A Field in England is a trippy folk horror set during the English Civil War. A group of deserters stumbles upon a mysterious alchemist in a field, and things get progressively weirder and more unsettling. The film’s unique visual style and disturbing narrative make it an unforgettable folk horror experience.
8. The Hallow (2015)
This Irish horror film brings folklore and mythological creatures to the forefront. A couple moves into a remote house near a forest, only to discover that the land is home to dark and ancient forces. The film’s tension escalates as the couple finds themselves in a nightmarish struggle against these primal creatures. The Hallow perfectly blends folk mythology with spine-chilling horror.
9. The Lighthouse (2019)
While The Lighthouse leans more toward psychological horror, its isolation, madness, and eerie atmosphere tap into folk horror roots. Set on a remote island where two lighthouse keepers gradually descend into paranoia and hallucinations, this film blurs the line between reality and nightmare. With its dreamlike visuals and creeping dread, it’s a haunting experience that sticks with you.
10. Hagazussa (2017)
This slow, atmospheric film is a haunting exploration of isolation, superstition, and madness in a remote Alpine village. Set in the 15th century, Hagazussa is a visually stunning yet deeply unsettling film that delves into the psyche of its protagonist as she succumbs to the horrors around her. It’s a slow burn, but one that builds a chilling sense of dread.
Conclusion
Folk horror isn’t about jump scares or fast-paced action—it’s about atmosphere, dread, and the haunting realization that some things are ancient, powerful, and beyond human understanding. These films will give you a good dose of that eerie, creeping terror that stays with you long after the screen goes dark. Which one are you watching next?
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