30 Essential Films in Folk Horror
30 titles
- 1
PyewacketMovie · 2017 · 88m · Horror, ThrillerA teenage girl, consumed by anger and frustration, accidentally unleashes a dark force in the woods when she performs a ritual to summon a witch, hoping to harm her mother.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 2
HagazussaMovie · 2018 · 102m · Horror, Drama, FantasyIn 15th-century mountains, a solitary goatherd in a remote hut senses a sinister presence lurking in the woods.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7 - 3
The Virgin SpringMovie · 1960 · 90m · Drama, HistoryTwo young girls, Karin and her foster sister Ingeri, are sent by their religious parents on a candle delivery to a distant church. Their journey through the woods takes a dark turn when they encounter a group of violent goat herders. Karin is brutally attacked, while Ingeri hides and witnesses the horror.
The girls' lives are shattered when the attackers seek refuge at Karin's parents' home. Karin's father, Töre, plans a vengeful response against those who destroyed his family. This drama examines faith, revenge, and redemption in the wake of a terrible crime and the lengths a father will go to avenge his daughter.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 4
The Widowed WitchMovie · 2018 · 140mA widow who has lost three husbands is ostracized by her community. Facing a harsh winter and needing shelter, she fabricates stories of mystical abilities to secure a home. Unexpectedly, her lies begin to manifest as genuine power, transforming her into a real shaman.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 5
The WitchesMovie · 1967 · 111m · Comedy, DramaThis anthology film presents five interconnected stories exploring the many roles women play and the challenges they face. Each story features different characters, but together they create a portrait of women’s strength and resilience.
The first story centers on a famous actress at a secluded mountain resort, where her presence stirs jealousy and attraction among the other guests. This introduces themes of societal expectations and gender dynamics that run throughout the film.
Another story examines human connection when a compassionate woman offers to drive an injured man to the hospital, leading to a test of their trust. Simultaneously, a widowed father and son search for a new wife, revealing the difficulties of rebuilding a family.
As the stories unfold, themes of revenge, honor, and societal pressures emerge. One man seeks to restore a woman’s reputation, while another tries to win his wife's affection. These narratives are skillfully woven together to create a compelling cinematic experience.
Ultimately, this anthology film encourages viewers to consider the varied experiences and emotions of women today, highlighting their strength and determination in the face of societal pressures.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 6
ViyMovie · 1967 · 76m · Drama, Fantasy, HorrorIn a remote village, a young priest is asked to lead the funeral vigil for a woman rumored to be a witch. He must spend three nights alone with the body in the church, a decaying building in a desolate landscape. As night falls, unsettling whispers and visions begin to challenge his faith and his mind. This story examines superstition, fear, and the boundaries of belief in a world where old traditions persist and reality feels uncertain.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 7
Wake WoodMovie · 2011 · 90m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerAfter their daughter's tragic death in a dog attack, the parents are given a chance to spend three days with her spirit.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.6 - 8
The RitualMovie · 2017 · 94m · Horror, MysteryCollege friends gather for a forest getaway, only to find themselves hunted by a sinister force within the woods.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 9
Cry of the BansheeMovie · 1970 · 91m · HorrorIn 17th century England, Lord Whitman relentlessly hunts for witches, casting a shadow over nearby villages. Driven by fear and prejudice, his pursuit inflicts hardship on innocent people. But one victim uses occult powers to exact revenge, cursing Whitman's family. Unknowingly, a household member becomes involved in this dark plot, linking their destiny to the victim's. The film explores vengeance and superstition during a turbulent time, providing a captivating cinematic experience.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.3 - 10
NovemberMovie · 2017 · 115m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceIn a struggling Estonian village, a community relies on magic and traditional healing to endure the harsh winter. Amidst this, a young woman navigates the complexities of winning the affection of a young man.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 11
Night of the DemonMovie · 1980 · 96m · HorrorAn anthropology professor leads his students on a dangerous expedition to find Bigfoot, the legendary creature linked to a string of violent deaths. As they venture into remote forests, following clues and investigating reported sightings, they discover something far more sinister than cryptozoology. The team uncovers a disturbing plot connected to ancient myths and hidden secrets. This suspenseful story blends adventure, horror, and mystery, exploring humanity's fascination with the unknown and our fear of what lies beyond.IMDb 4.7TMDB 4.9 - 12
The Devil Rides OutMovie · 1968 · 96m · HorrorThe Duc de Richelieu faces a desperate fight to save his friend from Mocata, a powerful and mysterious Satanist. Mocata uses dark forces to torment those within a protected area, escalating the horrors they experience. With time running out, a final confrontation arrives that will decide the fate of everyone caught in this suspenseful story.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 13
The Blood on Satan's ClawMovie · 1971 · 96m · HorrorIn 17th century England, a quiet village experiences a terrifying shift when children discover what seems to be the remains of Satan. Their innocent discovery leads them down a dark path, transforming them and drawing them into devil worship. The village, once bound by faith, is horrified as its youngest members become a coven of devil worshippers. Fear spreads, forcing the community to confront a timeless struggle between good and evil and fight back against the darkness consuming them.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 14
The DevilsMovie · 1971 · 114m · Drama, History, HorrorThis film is set in 17th-century France and follows Father Urbain Grandier as he clashes with Cardinal Richelieu, who aims to control the town of Loudun. The story intensifies when Sister Jeanne accuses Father Grandier of witchcraft, sparking widespread hysteria. The film centers on Grandier's fight for justice against Richelieu's ruthless power. It explores themes of power, religious hypocrisy, and redemption, all within a compelling historical backdrop.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 15
Until the Light Takes UsMovie · 2008 · 93m · Documentary, MusicThis film explores the history, beliefs, and artistic style of Norwegian black metal, a musical subculture known for both its distinctive sound and a series of infamous crimes, including murders and church arsons. It's the first film to offer an in-depth look at this movement, moving beyond rumors and misleading portrayals. Featuring exclusive interviews with the musicians involved, *Until the Light Takes Us* examines every facet of this controversial phenomenon that has captivated global attention.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 16
Witchfinder GeneralMovie · 1968 · 87m · Drama, History, HorrorEngland, 1645. Amidst the civil war, a dangerous atmosphere develops where ambitious people exploit frightened people. Matthew Hopkins, a clever and cruel man who profits from superstition, travels the country as a witch hunter. As the nation descends into chaos, Hopkins uses people's fears to chilling effect, showing how easily greed and violence can take hold during crises.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 17
Penda's FenMovie · 1974 · 88m · TV Movie, Drama, FantasyA young man undertakes a deeply personal journey, questioning his faith, beliefs, and sense of self through strange encounters and discoveries connected to England's past. As reality and imagination intertwine, he challenges the political views instilled in him by his religious upbringing and comes to terms with his sexuality. This story explores the complexities of faith and self-discovery, combining fantasy with honest human emotion for a film that is both thought-provoking and deeply affecting.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.5 - 18
Kill ListMovie · 2011 · 95m · Horror, Thriller, CrimeA hitman, still recovering from a failed previous job, accepts a new contract: three kills for a substantial reward. The assignment begins simply enough, but quickly spirals out of control, drawing the killer into a dangerous and disturbing world.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 19
A Field in EnglandMovie · 2013 · 90m · Horror, Thriller, FantasyIn 17th-century England, amidst the Civil War, a handful of deserters escape a fierce battle and stumble into an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, they are compelled to help him locate a buried treasure he's convinced lies within. After sharing their first meal at a mysterious mushroom circle, the group quickly unravels, consumed by arguments, violence, and suspicion. As the true nature of the treasure becomes unclear, they gradually fall prey to the field's terrifying, trapped energies.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 20
Robin RedbreastMovie · 1970 · 76mFollowing the end of a long relationship, city-dwelling Norah retreats to a secluded house in the countryside.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.5 - 21
Errementari: The Blacksmith and the DevilMovie · 2018 · 98m · Drama, Fantasy, HorrorIn 1843, in the Basque Country of Spain, a police constable travels to a remote village in Álava. His mission: to investigate a solitary blacksmith who dwells deep within the woods, shrouded in mystery.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 22
Eye of the DevilMovie · 1966 · 96m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerIn a small French village, a respected nobleman discovers a shocking family secret, forcing him to choose between love and his family's traditions. Torn between his feelings for his wife and his duty to his heritage, he makes the painful decision to leave her, hoping to safeguard their futures while searching for his own identity.
The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and family history as the nobleman's journey unfolds. It blends historical details with modern drama, creating a captivating atmosphere. Beautiful cinematography of rural France and strong performances from the cast deliver a moving and thought-provoking story about belonging.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 23
The Reflecting SkinMovie · 1990 · 95m · Drama, Thriller, HorrorSet in rural America during the 1950s, the film follows a young boy as he navigates the world around him. He uses his imagination to understand what's happening. After his father tells him stories about vampires, the boy believes the local widow is one. Fearing for his older brother, he tries to keep them apart.
The story explores themes of innocence, fear, and how imagination shapes our perception. As the boy journeys through the countryside, the film reveals both the beauty and hidden darkness within people. This interplay between reality and fantasy creates a compelling narrative that prompts reflection on childhood and the power of the mind.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 24
The Castle of the Living DeadMovie · 1964 · 90m · HorrorCount Drago invites a group of performers to his castle, but they soon discover they are trapped. Hidden within the castle are sinister secrets: Drago has a disturbing habit of mummifying animals and people. This psychological thriller explores fear, control, and deception as the artists fight to survive. The audience is drawn into a suspenseful story, wondering if any of them will escape Drago's clutches.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 25
The Wicker ManMovie · 1973 · 93m · HorrorOn a remote island, Police Sergeant Neil Howie investigates the disappearance of a young woman. The investigation becomes unsettling as he uncovers a disturbing local belief: the girl may have never existed. As Howie explores the island's traditions, he begins to doubt what is real, finding a community filled with secrets and hidden truths. This suspenseful story examines trust, conformity, and the darker aspects of human nature in an isolated environment.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 26
OnibabaMovie · 1964 · 105mDuring the war, a mother and daughter-in-law live in a swamp, surviving by killing samurai who wander into their territory and selling their belongings. They are heartbroken by news of their son Kichi's death. Soon after, Kichi’s wife begins an affair with Hachi, a neighbor who also survived the war. The mother disapproves of the relationship and, unable to have Hachi for herself, attempts to frighten her daughter-in-law with a strange mask taken from a deceased samurai.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 27
The WitchMovie · 2016 · 92m · Horror, Drama, MysteryIn 1630, a farmer moves his family to a secluded farm bordering a forest, where unsettling events begin to occur. As suspicion grows, the family's faith, loyalty, and love are severely tested by shocking circumstances.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 28
The Wicker TreeMovie · 2011 · 96m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerGospel singer Beth and her cowboy boyfriend Steve travel from Texas to Scotland to preach. After facing hostility at first, they are warmly received in Tressock, a border region ruled by Sir Lachlan Morrison. There, they discover what it truly means to make sacrifices.IMDb 3.8TMDB 4.0 - 29
ApostleMovie · 2018 · 129m · Horror, MysteryIn 1905, a man journeys to a secluded island to find his sister, who has been abducted by a secretive religious group.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 30
Mark of the DevilMovie · 1970 · 96m · Horror, Drama, HistoryIn 18th century Austria, a young apprentice joins a famed witch-hunter. As he becomes more involved, he faces the brutal realities of the job: violence, injustice, deceit, and executions masked as a fight against evil. Witnessing these atrocities firsthand, the apprentice begins to doubt his initial beliefs about witch-hunting. Haunted by what he sees and questioning the morality of their actions, he struggles with his conscience in this story about morality, power, and cruelty in a time of superstition and fear.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
