Folk horror is a spine-chilling subgenre that blends ancient rituals, rural superstitions, and eerie landscapes to create something truly unsettling. If you've ever felt a strange unease watching villagers in remote towns perform creepy ceremonies or when a seemingly peaceful countryside turns sinister, you've already stepped into the world of folk horror.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best folk horror movies that defined and expanded the genre, from early classics to modern masterpieces. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned fan, this list will immerse you in the atmospheric dread that makes folk horror films so captivating.
What is Folk Horror?
Folk horror revolves around themes of paganism, isolation, superstition, and nature-based terror. These movies often take place in rural settings where ancient traditions clash with modern sensibilities, leading to terrifying consequences.
Some defining elements include:
- Remote villages or countryside locations
- Ancient rituals and folklore
- Cults or secret societies
- A sense of doom and cosmic horror
Best Folk Horror Movies to Watch
1. The Wicker Man (1973)
Arguably the godfather of all folk horror movies. A police sergeant travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate a missing girl, only to uncover a pagan society with dark secrets.
2. Midsommar (2019)
A stunning and disturbing modern take on folk horror. When a group of friends attends a midsummer festival in Sweden, they quickly realize they’ve entered a world of ritualistic horror.
3. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1600s New England, this slow-burn horror film follows a family banished from their Puritan colony who face evil forces in the woods. It's atmospheric and steeped in religious paranoia.
4. Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)
A classic British folk horror film featuring a cursed town, demonic possession, and chilling rituals. It helped shape the subgenre alongside The Wicker Man and Witchfinder General.
5. The Ritual (2017)
When a group of friends hikes through the Scandinavian wilderness, they stumble upon an ancient Norse entity. Creepy forests and cultish villagers await.
6. Apostle (2018)
A gritty Netflix film where a man travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a mysterious cult. It’s moody, violent, and full of eerie folklore.
7. Witchfinder General (1968)
Set during the English Civil War, this film follows a ruthless witch hunter exploiting fear for power. It’s grim, brutal, and essential to understanding early folk horror.
8. The Borderlands (2013)
Also known as Final Prayer, this British found footage film mixes religious mystery with folk horror. A team investigates strange occurrences in a rural church.
9. Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse (2017)
A German horror film steeped in pagan mythology, isolation, and psychological horror. It’s slow, atmospheric, and visually stunning.
10. The Other Lamb (2019)
A disturbing tale of a young girl growing up in a cult led by a single male leader. Dark, feminist folk horror at its finest.
Honorable Mentions
- Kill List (2011) – A hitman job turns into a cult horror nightmare.
- Pyewacket (2017) – A teenager summons a witch to kill her mother… then regrets it.
- The Wind (2018) – A psychological horror set on the American frontier.
- Shepherd (2021) – Grief and isolation in a bleak, haunting landscape.
Why Folk Horror Is So Effective
Folk horror taps into our primal fears—fear of the unknown, the old ways, and being out of place. There’s something deeply disturbing about small communities bound by ancient rules that outsiders can’t understand—or escape from.
Where to Watch Folk Horror Films
You can find many of these titles on:
- Shudder (especially good for cult and indie horror)
- Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
- Tubi (great for classics)
- Arrow Player (for British folk horror)
FAQs About Folk Horror
Is folk horror the same as supernatural horror? Not always. While many folk horror movies involve supernatural elements, the defining factor is the presence of folklore, ancient traditions, and isolation.
Are folk horror movies always set in the past? No. Some, like Midsommar and The Ritual, are modern but rooted in ancient beliefs and practices.
Why is British cinema important to folk horror? British filmmakers helped define the genre in the 60s and 70s with films like The Wicker Man and Blood on Satan’s Claw.
Whether you're drawn to atmospheric dread, creepy cults, or folklore-infused fear, these best folk horror movies are guaranteed to leave you unsettled. So dim the lights, grab your favorite blanket, and prepare to get lost in the woods of folk horror.