This curated selection of horror films delves into the dark side of folk customs and traditions from around the world. These movies not only provide spine-chilling scares but also offer a glimpse into the cultural practices that have inspired fear and fascination. Whether it's ancient rituals, pagan rites, or local legends, these films use folklore as a backdrop to deliver unique and terrifying tales, enriching the viewer's understanding of global cultural heritage through the lens of horror.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: This classic British horror film explores the sinister side of pagan rituals on a remote Scottish island, where a police sergeant investigates the disappearance of a young girl.
Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but has since gained a cult following. The ending was so shocking that it was changed for the American release.
Watch Now
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Description: Although not directly about folk customs, this found-footage horror film uses the legend of the Blair Witch, a local folklore figure, to create a sense of dread and mystery.
Fact: The film's marketing campaign was groundbreaking, using the internet to blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Watch Now
The Babadook (2014)
Description: While not explicitly about folk customs, the film uses the concept of a storybook monster to explore themes of grief and fear, akin to folklore's role in expressing societal anxieties.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense psychological horror elements.
Watch Now
The Invitation (2015)
Description: This film delves into the psychological horror of a dinner party where the host's new cult-like beliefs and rituals create an atmosphere of paranoia and dread.
Fact: The film was shot in one location to maintain a claustrophobic atmosphere, enhancing the tension.
Watch Now
The Hallow (2015)
Description: An English family moves to rural Ireland and encounters ancient folklore creatures known as the Sluagh, who are deeply rooted in Irish mythology.
Fact: The film's creatures were designed by a team that also worked on "Game of Thrones."
Watch Now
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While performing an autopsy, a father and son uncover the body of a woman with supernatural ties to witchcraft and folk magic.
Fact: The film's script was inspired by the real-life unsolved mystery of the "Jane Doe" found in the 1940s.
Watch Now
The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film tells the story of a Puritan family encountering witchcraft and folk horror, highlighting the clash between Christianity and pagan beliefs.
Fact: The film was shot in a remote forest in Canada to maintain historical accuracy, and the dialogue is based on period-appropriate language.
Watch Now
The Ritual (2017)
Description: Four friends on a hiking trip in Sweden encounter ancient Norse folklore and a terrifying entity known as Jötunn.
Fact: The film was shot in the Carpathian Mountains, which provided a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the story.
Watch Now
Midsommar (2019)
Description: A group of friends travel to Sweden for a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival, only to find themselves ensnared in a pagan cult's horrifying rituals.
Fact: The film was shot during the actual midsummer festival in Sweden, and the director, Ari Aster, meticulously recreated traditional Swedish folk art for the set.
Watch Now
A Field in England (2013)
Description: Set during the English Civil War, this film explores the dark side of alchemy and folk magic as soldiers encounter a mysterious figure in a field.
Fact: The entire film was shot in black and white, giving it a timeless, eerie quality.
30 Days Free
