Folk horror is a horror film subgenre, usually dealing with ancient traditions, superstitions, and supernatural concepts, often associated with rural or small-town settings. It first became popular in the late 1960s when films like Michael Reeves’ Witchfinder General and Robert Fuest’s The Witchfinder – both released in 1968 – introduced the genre to mass audiences. Since then, the genre has continued to resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike; from the classic horror of 1972’s The Wicker Man to the psychological horror of 2015’s The VVitch: A New England Folktale.
The most interesting aspect of folk horror is that it is often rooted in a specific region, creating a sense of place and atmosphere; stories that feel closer to home, with a greater sense of reality, despite their lack of plausibility. While some of the following great select few may not be entirely within the subgenre, they all fall within the area of folklore, rituals and superstitions, and can be seen as celebrating the theme which has become so beloved by horror fans.
7 Must-Watch Folk Horror Films
- The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man is a widely acclaimed British horror classic, and widely considered the grandfather of the folk horror subgenre. Directed by Robin Hardy, the story follows a police Sergeant, Neil Howie (Edward Woodward), sent to a remote island off the coast of Scotland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. The unusual atmosphere of the island and the mysterious inhabitants hide an ancient ritual involving the burning and sacrificing of human beings.
- The Witch (2015)
The Witch is a nerve-shredding indie-horror by Robert Eggers and one of the more traditional films in the subgenre. Eschewing any modern horror tropes, this period drama follows a Puritan family living in a remote corner of 17th century New England, who become haunted by supernatural forces after their newborn child disappears. The Witch builds an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere, juxtaposing the family’s deeply embedded religious beliefs against the supernatural presence.
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby has become an important staple of the horror genre since its initial release in 1968. Directed by horror impresario, Roman Polanski, the iconic film tells the story of Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes) who move into a new apartment in New York City only to find themselves in the middle of an ancient cult of witches, determined to christen their unborn child. Rosemary’s Baby is a milestone in horror history, not just for its lasting influence, but for its place among the first films which blended the genres of horror and folk horror.
- Kill List (2011)
Kill List is a unique and pulsing British horror, directed by Ben Wheatley. A former soldier and notorious assassin, Jay (Neil Maskell), is hired by an old associate to investigate and eliminate a mysterious list of victims. As Jay begins to unravel the mystery of the list, he is led into a disturbing and out of this world journey full of twists and turns and with unexpected consequences. Wheatley’s film is a strong example of how the themes and tropes of folk horror can be blended with other genres.
- The Wickerman (1972)
The Wickerman is a world-renowned horror film by Robin Hardy. Set in the Scottish town of Summerisle, this story follows a police sergeant who, much like in The Wicker Man, is sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young girl. But he is soon drawn into a bizarre and forbidden ceremony by the townspeople, involving a giant wicker man. The Wicker Man is an intricate piece of folk horror that blends eerie folk music, religious themes and psychological horror.
- The Wind (2018)
The Wind is an atmospheric slow-burner of a horror, directed by Emma Tammi. Lizzy (Caitlin Gerard), a newly isolated woman living with her husband in a cabin in the 19th century American frontier, finds herself in the middle of an eerie nightmare of supernatural entities and ancient curses. She becomes stalked by an invisible presence and haunted by delirious visions, that lead her to suspect that something terrible is happening in her home.
- The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
The Devil’s Backbone, by Mexican master Guillermo del Toro, is a gem of horror cinema and horror-fantasy hybrid. It’s the story of a young orphan, Carlos (Fernando Tielve), sent to the Santa Lucia School for the education of children of the Spanish Republican militia, during the final days of the Spanish Civil War. Carlos soon finds himself trapped in a coffin-filled cellar and a strange ghostly presence meets him in his sleep. As secrets of the war come to light and powers converge, he uncovers the truth of the school’s terrifying past.
Folk horror has become an iconic genre in the horror cinematic canon, resonating with audiences with its blend of rural and supernatural elements. Not only are these stories suspenseful and well-crafted, but they often contain interesting moral messages of faith and transgressions. From Robert Fuest’s Witchfinder General to Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone, these celebrated and must-watch films are the perfect way to experience the thrill and tension of rural settings intertwined with supernatural forces.
