Let’s take a deep dive into folk horror, from early classics to modern standouts. You will be exploring eerie stories, strange settings, and films that stay with you!
Folk horror is one of those genres that is hard to pin down, yet easy to recognize once it appears on screen. There is even a deep dive documentary, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror, that spends hours unpacking it. At its core, this style of horror leans into rural settings and open landscapes. It pulls from old traditions, touching on pagan roots, folklore, and rituals that carry an eerie sense of something ancient and unsettling.
So, here is our list of 30 best folk horror movies that you will enjoy if you are a horror fanatic!
- ‘Possum’ (2018)
“Underrated” fits Possum quite well, even if it sits in a niche space and will not click with everyone. That is part of the appeal and also part of what makes folk horror feel so different. It moves at its own pace and does not rush to scare you. Instead, it builds a slow, uneasy tension that stays with you. The film runs for a tight 85 minutes and follows a man forced to reconnect with his stepfather while dealing with buried trauma from his past. It is intimate and at times deeply uncomfortable. The story unfolds slowly, but it earns that pace. When the horror finally shows itself, it lands in a strange but personal way that is hard to shake.
- ‘Children of the Corn’ (1984)
Children of the Corn may not rank among the very best films of its year, but it still holds its place as a minor folk horror favorite. It also features Linda Hamilton, who appeared in The Terminator, a film that leans into horror in its own way. The story drops two outsiders into a rural setting that feels off from the start. They soon encounter a group of eerie children linked to a series of violent events. The film found enough of an audience to spark a long-running franchise, growing far beyond its original release.
- ‘The Devil’s Bath’ (2024)
The Devil’s Bath is a recent entry in folk horror, yet it leaves a strong impression on the viewers. Set in Austria during the 1700s, it leans fully into the kind of setting this genre thrives on. The story digs into repression, isolation, and a slow drift into madness, with moments of grounded violence for something deeply human. The film does not rush the audience; instead, it lets the tension build over time with unsettling imagery appearing in sharp bursts rather than constant shocks. Much of it focuses on mood and a lingering sense of unease. It can feel drawn out in places, and the tone stays fairly consistent, but when it hits, it hits hard. For fans of folk horror, it is an experience that stays with you.
- ‘The White Reindeer (1952)
The White Reindeer stands out in folk horror for how early it arrived, long before the genre found wider attention in the late 1960s and 70s. This Finnish film centers on a woman who drinks a potion meant to make her more desirable. As expected, it comes with a cost. The horror unfolds through those consequences. It may not scare modern audiences much, but it still holds strong value as an early, often-overlooked entry in the genre.
- ‘Exhuma’ (2024)
Exhuma stands out as one of the more interesting horror releases of the 2020s so far. The story follows a group of paranormal experts drawn to a grave site tied to a wealthy family. What starts as an investigation soon turns into something far more dangerous when they begin digging up what should have stayed buried. It is the kind of choice that feels like a warning sign, yet the characters push forward anyway. The film builds its tension step by step, letting the fear grow instead of rushing into it. Much of the impact comes from that steady build. When things finally unfold, it blends familiar horror ideas with stranger elements in a way that lands well and keeps you invested.
- ‘You Won’t Be Alone’ (2022)
You Won’t Be Alone takes witchcraft and turns it into something far more reflective. It leans into themes of identity and womanhood, set against a haunting backdrop in 1800s Macedonia. The story follows a young witch who accidentally kills a villager, then takes over her life by slipping into her form. From there, it becomes something deeper and more layered. The film moves in a way that keeps you slightly off balance. Its visual style stands out, and the tone carries a steady sense of unease. It is not a typical horror watch, but it fits well within folk horror, blending folklore with a more personal and thoughtful story.
- ‘Eve’s Bayou’ (1997)
Eve’s Bayou leans more toward Southern Gothic drama, yet it slips into folk horror in a way that feels natural. Set in Louisiana during the summer of 1962, it follows a family dealing with buried secrets that slowly rise to the surface. The story builds around tension within the household, with emotions running deep and hard to ignore. The film stands out for its strong performances, led by Samuel L. Jackson and Lynn Whitfield. It can feel heavy at times, leaning more into drama, but the setting and underlying themes keep it connected to folk horror.
- ‘La Llorona’ (2019)
The legend of La Llorona, often translated as “The Crying Woman,” has inspired several recent films. The Curse of La Llorona and The Legend of La Llorona brought the story to wider audiences, but La Llorona stands apart. This version follows a general accused of brutal crimes, confined to his home as protests gather outside. Inside, something far more unsettling begins to take hold. The film moves at a steady pace, letting tension build, and when the horror surfaces, it lands with a lasting impact.
- ‘Hagazussa’ (2017)
Hagazussa leans fully into classic folk horror roots, set in the 15th century in a remote Alpine village. The story follows a goat herder who lives on the edge of society, cut off from others both physically and emotionally. That isolation slowly starts to take its toll. As something strange begins to surface, the film shifts deeper into horror. It is visually striking and carries a steady sense of unease, making every moment feel slightly off in the best way.
- ‘The Serpent and the Rainbow’ (1988)
No one questions the impact of Wes Craven on horror. He brought Freddy Krueger to life and shaped iconic films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. Still, The Serpent and the Rainbow often sits a bit under the radar. It may not have reached the same level of fame, but it is well worth watching. Set in Haiti, the film explores curses and zombie lore in a way that feels both grounded and unsettling. It shows a different side of Craven’s work, leaning into folk horror elements while keeping things engaging and intense from start to finish.
- ‘The Blood on Satan’s Claw’ (1971)
The Blood on Satan’s Claw holds a key place in folk horror history, as the term itself was first used around this film in the 1970s. It may not be the earliest example, but it helped define the label. Set in 18th-century England, the story begins with strange remains discovered in the ground. What follows is a slow descent into something darker, as local children fall into devil worship. The film feels eerie and psychological, with a setting and tone that capture the essence of folk horror.
- ‘Alucarda’ (1977)
Alucarda stands out in a strong year for horror, packing a lot into its short runtime. It blends Satanism, possession, and even hints of vampire lore into one intense story. The film follows a young girl sent to a convent after losing her parents, only to find herself pulled into something far more sinister. It is loud, it is bold, and at times, it is messy. However, that raw energy gives the movie a different edge within the folk horror space.
- ‘Apostle’ (2018)
Gareth Evans is often linked to The Raid and The Raid 2, but Apostle takes a very different path. This time, the story follows a man traveling to a remote island to rescue his sister from a cult, set in the early 1900s. The film builds its tension slowly, leaning into atmosphere and mystery. The isolated setting and the strange cult place it firmly in folk horror. It may not focus on action, but when it turns violent, it hits hard and leaves a lasting mark.
- ‘Kill List’ (2011)
Ben Wheatley has built a career that moves across genres, from Free Fire to Meg 2: The Trench. Still, his early horror work is where many first took notice. Kill List is a strong example. It begins like a crime story, following a hitman with a set of jobs to complete. Then it slowly shifts into something far darker and harder to pin down. The tone grows heavier as it moves along. It is strange, rough around the edges, and not an easy watch, but it stands out as a key modern entry in folk horror.
- ‘Witchfinder General’ (1968)
Witchfinder General arrived before many films that later shaped folk horror, yet it helped set the tone early on. Set during a tense period in English history, it follows Matthew Hopkins, a man who calls himself a witch hunter but comes across more as a ruthless opportunist. The film leans into fear, suspicion, and the dangers of unchecked power. It is also lifted by the presence of Vincent Price, who brings a chilling edge to the role. His performance adds weight to every scene, making the film feel intense and hard to shake, and helping it stand strong as a classic within the genre.
- ‘The Ritual’ (2017)
Folk horror tends to rise in waves, with strong runs in the late 60s and 70s, then again in the 2010s. The Ritual stands out from that more recent stretch. It follows a group of friends who head into a remote forest, hoping for a break from life. Instead, they walk straight into something far more unsettling, as a hidden presence begins to close in.
- ‘Men’ (2022)
Alex Garland has explored heavy ideas before, but Men stands out as his most unusual work. It begins with a simple setup, following a woman who retreats to the English countryside after a personal loss. That sense of escape does not last long. Strange and unsettling events start to close in around her. The film shifts between subtle moments and more extreme turns, creating an experience that feels strange and hard to forget.
- ‘Viy’ (1967)
Viy shows that early folk horror was not limited to England. Based on a Russian story from the 1800s, it follows a young priest asked to watch over the body of a woman believed to be a witch. The setting is a small village, which adds to the sense of isolation as strange events begin to unfold. It may not feel very intense by modern standards, but it carries a strong and eerie tone. The atmosphere does most of the work, making it a memorable and respected take on the story.
- ‘Lamb’ (2021)
A year before You Won’t Be Alone, Noomi Rapace led Lamb, a folk horror story set on a remote Icelandic farm. It follows a couple whose lives shift after they discover something unusual tied to the title. This is not a typical creature tale. The film leans into a haunting tone, mixing drama with unease, and slowly builds into something both strange and unsettling.
- ‘A Field in England’ (2013)
Two years after Kill List, Ben Wheatley returned with A Field in England, a stronger dive into folk horror. Set in the 17th century, the film follows a group searching for buried treasure who slowly lose their grip on reality. The movie leans hard into surreal ideas and a striking visual style, blending genres boldly, which is hard to compare with anything else.
- ‘The Medium’ (2021)
The Medium blends found footage with folk horror in such a way that is unique and fresh. Set in Thailand, the story follows a family dealing with a violent spirit tied to a possession. The film then takes its time, but the slow build pays off. It grows more intense as it moves forward and leaves a strong and lasting impression.
- ‘Midsommar’ (2019)
Midsommar is one of the most talked-about folk horror films from the 2010s. Directed by Ari Aster, the story builds on themes of grief and emotional strain, placing a troubled couple at the center. A trip to Sweden with friends soon turns into something far more disturbing when they encounter a strange cult. The film does not hold back, even for a scene. It leans into unsettling imagery and moments that can feel deeply uncomfortable. It is not an easy watch, but it stays with you long after it ends, making Midsommar a powerful entry in modern horror.
- ‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999)
Sleepy Hollow may not get as much attention as other Tim Burton movies, but it holds up well in the folk horror genre. It follows a series of murders linked to the Hedaless Horseman. The film leans into Gothic horror, yet its setting and supernatural tone also connect it closely to folk horror.
- ‘Kwaidan’ (1964)
Kwaidan stands as a classic in Japanese horror, built around four haunting stories drawn from folklore. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi and featuring Tatsuya Nakadai, the film blends ghosts and spirits with striking visuals. Its long runtime further adds to its immersive and unforgettable nature!
- ‘Witch’ (2015)
Before Robert Eggers explored other styles with The Lighthouse and The Northman, he made a strong debut with The Witch in 2015. This film stays closer to pure folk horror. The story follows a family cast out from their community and forced into isolation. That distance slowly turns into fear and instability. The film builds with patience, then lands with intense and hard-to-shake moments.
- ‘The Wailing’ (2016)
The Wailing takes its time, running over two and a half hours, but it earns that length. The story follows a police officer trying to understand a strange illness spreading through a small town. As the mystery deepens, the film moves between psychological tension and supernatural horror. It asks for patience, yet keeps you engaged with its steady sense of unease. The mix of genres works super well here, blending thriller elements with folk horror naturally. By the end, it comes together as something layered and unsettling, pretty much creating an incongruous feeling inside you.
- ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
The Blair Witch Project is an unusual entry in folk horror, especially for the 1990s. It is best known for shaping the found footage style that took off later. The story follows a film crew lost in the dark woods, facing an unseen threat. This mix of folklore and setting gives the movie a strong place within the genre.
- ‘Hereditary’ (2018)
Hereditary may not lean fully into folk horror like Midsommar, but it brushes against the genre in subtle ways. Directed by Ari Aster, it blends family drama with psychological and supernatural horror. The story centers on grief and emotional collapse, slowly pulling the characters into something far darker. It does not rely on traditional folk horror elements, yet the tone and imagery often echo that space. There is a sense of something ancient and unseen shaping events. However it is labeled, the film leaves a lasting mark, standing as one of the most intense horror releases of its time.
- ‘Häxan’ (1922)
Häxan arrived long before folk horror had a name, yet it fits the genre with ease. It stands as a major work from the silent era, blending horror with a documentary style that explores witchcraft through history. The film shifts between staged scenes and narrated segments, giving it a unique structure. It is unsettling, inventive, and still feels bold, making it an essential watch for anyone curious about early horror.
- ‘The Wicker Man’ (1973)
The Wicker Man often comes up as one of the strongest folk horror films ever made. It follows a police sergeant investigating a missing girl on a remote island, where things quickly turn strange. The film builds a tense and memorable atmosphere that still works today. Christopher Lee delivers a standout performance, adding even more weight to a story that stays with you long after it ends.
So, which one of these is going to make your next weekend?
