Folk Horror

Updated October 1, 2024

Thinking about Folk Horror, there is no limit to the movies exploring this topic. Here are 16 of the top 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 film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It tells the story of a knight, Antonius Block, returning home from the Crusades and encountering Death on the beach. Block challenges Death to a chess game for his life, vowing to spend the time gained in search of answers to his spiritual doubts. Along his journey, Block encounters a group of traveling players, who provide comic relief and serve as a mirror to his own struggles. Ultimately, Block and his companions must confront their own mortality in a world that no longer seems to care about religion or faith. The film is a reflection on mortality, faith, and the human condition, and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

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 directed by Michael Haneke. Set in Germany before World War I, it tells the story of a series of mysterious and increasingly disturbing events that take place in a small rural village. It follows the lives of the villagers, focusing in particular on the children of the village, who are caught up in the events. As the story unfolds, the villagers are forced to confront the darkness within themselves and their community and the sinister forces at work behind the scenes. The film is a powerful meditation on the nature of evil and the roots of violence, and won the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

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 a 1973 British cult horror film directed by Robin Hardy. The film tells the story of a police officer, Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward), who is sent to a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison. He discovers a pagan cult worshipping the ancient Celtic gods and believes that the missing girl is a sacrifice to their gods. Howie attempts to save Rowan but ultimately fails and is himself sacrificed in the Wicker Man, a giant wicker effigy. The film is considered a classic of British horror cinema and is noted for its portrayal of traditional pagan beliefs.