Folk Horror Movies

Updated May 1, 2024

Multiple creators have reported on Folk Horror Movies. Here are 16 of the best ones.

The Seventh Seal (1957)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Rated Not Rated

The Seventh Seal is a 1957 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows a knight, Max von Sydow’s Antonius Block, and his squire, Jöns, as they return from the Crusades in search of meaningful answers to the existential questions posed by life and death. They soon encounter Death, who challenges Block to a game of chess with his life and soul as the stakes. Themes of faith, religion, and morality are explored throughout the film, which also features a famous scene of a group of dancing peasants and a knight playing chess against Death. The Seventh Seal is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and has been immensely influential in cinema.

The White Ribbon (2009)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Michael Haneke, starring Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The White Ribbon is a 2009 German-language drama film written and directed by Michael Haneke. Set in a rural German village just before World War I, the film tells the story of a series of mysterious and violent events that take place in the community. The story follows the investigation that is conducted by the village schoolteacher, who tries to uncover what he believes to be a conspiracy behind the events. As the story progresses, the film reveals dark secrets from the past that are uncovered, and the consequences of these secrets on the lives of the villagers. Ultimately, The White Ribbon is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the dark forces that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful and prosperous communities.

The Wicker Man (1973)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Robin Hardy, starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland
Rated R

The Wicker Man is an iconic British horror film, directed by Robin Hardy and released in 1973. It follows the story of a devout Christian police officer, Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) who is sent to a remote island in search of a missing girl. Upon arriving, he discovers the islanders are following an ancient pagan religion and are not willing to share any information. As Howie digs deeper into the island's secrets, it becomes apparent that the girl's disappearance is connected to a ritual that is part of their religion. As Howie is gradually pulled further into the island's mysterious rituals, he is forced to confront his own faith and question his beliefs.