Exploring the Genre of Folk Horror: 12 Movies Like The Wicker Man
If you’re a fan of the unsettling and atmospheric genre of folk horror, The Wicker Man is likely one of your favorites. This genre blends elements of the supernatural with rural settings and ancient traditions, creating a unique and haunting experience. Here are 12 movies that capture the same eerie essence.
1. Midsommar
Ari Aster’s Midsommar is a chilling tale of a group of friends who travel to Sweden for a festival that only occurs every ninety years. Starring Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor, the film delves into themes of grief, cult behavior, and the unsettling beauty of pagan rituals.
2. The Witch
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch follows a family torn apart by paranoia and witchcraft. Directed by Robert Eggers and featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in a breakout role, this film is a masterclass in building tension and dread through historical authenticity and atmospheric storytelling.
3. Apostle
Directed by Gareth Evans, Apostle tells the story of a man who travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a mysterious cult. Starring Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen, the film combines elements of horror and thriller with a deeply unsettling narrative.
4. The Ritual
A group of friends embark on a hiking trip in Sweden to honor a deceased friend, only to find themselves stalked by a sinister presence. Directed by David Bruckner and starring Rafe Spall, The Ritual is a gripping tale of survival and ancient evil.
5. Kill List
Ben Wheatley’s Kill List follows two hitmen who find themselves entangled in a nightmarish cult conspiracy. Featuring Neil Maskell and Michael Smiley, the film expertly blends crime thriller elements with folk horror to create a truly disturbing experience.
6. The Others
Starring Nicole Kidman, The Others is a gothic horror film set in a remote mansion during World War II. Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, the film explores themes of isolation, grief, and the supernatural, with a twist that will leave you questioning reality.
7. The Village
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Village centers on a secluded community that lives in fear of mysterious creatures in the surrounding woods. Starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix, the film combines suspense with a thought-provoking narrative.
8. Hereditary
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a psychological horror film that delves into the dark secrets of a grieving family. Starring Toni Collette and Alex Wolff, the movie explores themes of mental illness, supernatural influence, and inherited trauma.
9. The Blair Witch Project
This found-footage horror film follows three filmmakers who venture into the woods to document the legend of the Blair Witch. Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, and starring Heather Donahue, the film’s realistic approach and minimalist style make it a cult classic.
10. The Witch in the Window
Directed by Andy Mitton, The Witch in the Window follows a father and son who encounter a malevolent spirit while renovating an old farmhouse. Starring Alex Draper and Charlie Tacker, the film is a slow-burn horror that emphasizes atmosphere and character development.
11. The Autopsy of Jane Doe
André Øvredal’s The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a supernatural horror film that takes place in a morgue where a father-son team of coroners encounter a series of inexplicable events. Starring Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox, the film combines forensic investigation with eerie folklore.
12. The Lighthouse
Directed by Robert Eggers, The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film set in the 1890s, focusing on two lighthouse keepers who slowly descend into madness. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, the film is a masterful blend of isolation, folklore, and psychological tension.
These films offer a variety of takes on the folk horror genre, each providing a unique blend of atmosphere, storytelling, and unsettling themes. Whether you’re drawn to psychological tension or supernatural elements, these movies are sure to captivate and terrify.
