10 Films About Rituals You Must See

Description: This British horror film follows a police sergeant investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, where he encounters a pagan community practicing ancient rites. The film's climax involves a chilling ritual that has become iconic in horror cinema.

Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since gained a cult following. It was remade in 2006 with Nicolas Cage, though the original is considered far superior.

Description: This found footage horror film documents three student filmmakers who hike into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to film a documentary about the local legend, the Blair Witch. Their journey becomes a terrifying ordeal involving ritualistic elements.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of around $60,000 and grossed over $248 million worldwide, becoming one of the most profitable films ever made.

Description: A hospice nurse working in a remote mansion in Louisiana discovers that the house holds dark secrets involving hoodoo rituals. The film blends Southern Gothic with supernatural horror, focusing on rituals of protection and possession.

Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, utilizing the city's rich history of voodoo and folk magic.

Description: Based on a true story, this film explores the legal and spiritual ramifications of an exorcism gone wrong, delving into the rituals of exorcism and the debate over possession versus mental illness.

Fact: The film was inspired by the case of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent 67 exorcisms before her death.

Description: A single mother and her son are haunted by a sinister presence from a pop-up book, which involves rituals to summon or banish the entity. The film uses these elements to explore themes of grief and mental health.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries for its depiction of supernatural horror.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where the guests are introduced to a new cult-like group with their own rituals. The film's tension builds around the ambiguity of these rituals and their intentions.

Fact: The film was shot in one location, a house in Los Angeles, to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere.

Description: Two coroners perform an autopsy on an unidentified woman, uncovering evidence of witchcraft and ritualistic practices. The film's slow build-up and the revelation of the rituals make it a chilling watch.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its authenticity and eerie atmosphere.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family banished from their Puritan plantation, where they encounter witchcraft and dark rituals. The film's meticulous attention to historical detail and its portrayal of folk horror make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialects for dialogue, adding to its eerie authenticity.

Description: After the death of their friend, four college friends reunite for a hiking trip in Sweden, where they encounter an ancient ritual that turns their trip into a nightmare. The film explores themes of guilt, friendship, and the unknown.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Adam Nevill and was shot in Romania to replicate the Swedish wilderness.

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 rituals. The film's daylight horror and exploration of grief and community make it a modern classic.

Fact: The film was shot during the actual midsummer season in Sweden, with many scenes filmed in natural light.