10 Haunting Folk Horror Films Steeped in Ancient Tradition

Folk horror films pull us into eerie worlds where old beliefs and rituals clash with modern life, stirring up a unique kind of dread. These stories often unfold in isolated villages or forgotten forests, where ancient traditions hold a dark power over those who stumble into them.

We’ve gathered ten haunting films that weave folklore, paganism, and rural mysteries into unforgettable tales of terror. From eerie European landscapes to desolate American wilderness, these movies explore the unsettling pull of the past.

10. The Ritual (2017)

A group of friends hiking in Sweden’s remote forests take a shortcut that leads them straight into a nightmare. They stumble upon strange symbols and a creature tied to Norse mythology, turning their trip into a fight for survival.

The film’s strength lies in its slow-building tension and the creepy Swedish backdrop. It captures the primal fear of being lost in a place where ancient forces still rule, making you question every rustle in the woods.

9. Kill List (2011)

What starts as a gritty British crime thriller about a hitman spirals into a chilling folk horror tale. Jay, the main character, takes on a mysterious job that pulls him into a web of strange rituals and shadowy cults.

The film’s raw intensity and shocking twists keep you on edge. Its blend of modern violence with ancient, unsettling traditions makes it a standout in the genre.

8. The Company of Wolves (1984)

This gothic take on werewolf folklore follows Rosaleen, a girl whose dreams blur into a dark fairy-tale world of wolves and danger. Directed by Neil Jordan, it’s steeped in the bloody roots of old stories.

The film’s surreal visuals and practical effects create a haunting vibe. It uses folklore to explore growing up and the wild, untamed parts of human nature.

7. The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)

In an 18th-century English village, a farmer uncovers a strange skull that unleashes a demonic force. The local youth fall under its spell, forming a cult that embraces dark rituals.

This British classic mixes rural isolation with occult horror. Its gritty atmosphere and focus on corrupted innocence make it a cornerstone of folk horror.

6. Apostle (2018)

Thomas Richardson, played by Dan Stevens, travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a sinister cult. The group’s pagan beliefs and brutal practices turn his mission into a descent into horror.

The film’s intense visuals and unflinching violence amplify its eerie setting. It explores the clash between modern faith and ancient rites, delivering a gripping, bloody tale.

5. La Llorona (2019)

This Guatemalan film reimagines the legend of the Weeping Woman, a ghost who mourns her drowned children. Here, a former dictator faces supernatural vengeance for his past crimes.

The movie blends folklore with real-world horrors like war and injustice. Its slow-burn tension and haunting imagery make it a powerful addition to the genre.

4. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Three filmmakers venture into Maryland’s Black Hills to investigate the Blair Witch legend, only to face strange events and terror. The found-footage style adds a raw, unsettling realism.

Its minimalist approach—no visible monster, just fear—makes it timeless. The film taps into local folklore to create a story that feels like it could be true.

3. Midsommar (2019)

Dani, grieving a family tragedy, joins her boyfriend on a trip to a Swedish commune’s midsummer festival. The bright, sunny setting hides a sinister pagan cult with chilling rituals.

Ari Aster’s direction turns daylight into a nightmare, using vivid imagery and emotional depth. The film’s exploration of grief and community makes it both beautiful and horrifying.

2. The Witch (2015)

Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a Puritan family unraveling under suspicion of witchcraft. Strange events and a menacing forest fuel their descent into paranoia.

Robert Eggers’ attention to historical detail and natural lighting creates a suffocating atmosphere. The movie digs into Puritan fears and folklore, crafting a slow-burn masterpiece.

1. The Wicker Man (1973)

A devout Christian policeman, Neil Howie, arrives on a remote Scottish island to find a missing girl. He discovers a community steeped in Celtic paganism, leading to a shocking climax.

This British classic blends eerie folk music with growing dread. Its unforgettable ending and clash of beliefs make it the gold standard of folk horror.

Which of these chilling folk horror films is your favorite, or did we miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!