30 Essential Films in Folk Horror

A teenage girl, consumed by anger and frustration, accidentally unleashes a dark force in the woods when she performs a ritual to summon a witch, hoping to harm her mother.

In 15th-century mountains, a solitary goatherd in a remote hut senses a sinister presence lurking in the woods.

Two young girls, Karin and her foster sister Ingeri, are sent by their religious parents on a candle delivery to a distant church. Their journey through the woods takes a dark turn when they encounter a group of violent goat…

A widow who has lost three husbands is ostracized by her community. Facing a harsh winter and needing shelter, she fabricates stories of mystical abilities to secure a home. Unexpectedly, her lies begin to manifest as genuine power, transforming her…

This anthology film presents five interconnected stories exploring the many roles women play and the challenges they face. Each story features different characters, but together they create a portrait of women’s strength and resilience. The first story centers on a…

In a remote village, a young priest is asked to lead the funeral vigil for a woman rumored to be a witch. He must spend three nights alone with the body in the church, a decaying building in a desolate…

After their daughter's tragic death in a dog attack, the parents are given a chance to spend three days with her spirit.

College friends gather for a forest getaway, only to find themselves hunted by a sinister force within the woods.

In 17th century England, Lord Whitman relentlessly hunts for witches, casting a shadow over nearby villages. Driven by fear and prejudice, his pursuit inflicts hardship on innocent people. But one victim uses occult powers to exact revenge, cursing Whitman's family.…

In a struggling Estonian village, a community relies on magic and traditional healing to endure the harsh winter. Amidst this, a young woman navigates the complexities of winning the affection of a young man.

An anthropology professor leads his students on a dangerous expedition to find Bigfoot, the legendary creature linked to a string of violent deaths. As they venture into remote forests, following clues and investigating reported sightings, they discover something far more…

The Duc de Richelieu faces a desperate fight to save his friend from Mocata, a powerful and mysterious Satanist. Mocata uses dark forces to torment those within a protected area, escalating the horrors they experience. With time running out, a…

In 17th century England, a quiet village experiences a terrifying shift when children discover what seems to be the remains of Satan. Their innocent discovery leads them down a dark path, transforming them and drawing them into devil worship. The…

This film is set in 17th-century France and follows Father Urbain Grandier as he clashes with Cardinal Richelieu, who aims to control the town of Loudun. The story intensifies when Sister Jeanne accuses Father Grandier of witchcraft, sparking widespread hysteria.…

This film explores the history, beliefs, and artistic style of Norwegian black metal, a musical subculture known for both its distinctive sound and a series of infamous crimes, including murders and church arsons. It's the first film to offer an…

England, 1645. Amidst the civil war, a dangerous atmosphere develops where ambitious people exploit frightened people. Matthew Hopkins, a clever and cruel man who profits from superstition, travels the country as a witch hunter. As the nation descends into chaos,…

A young man undertakes a deeply personal journey, questioning his faith, beliefs, and sense of self through strange encounters and discoveries connected to England's past. As reality and imagination intertwine, he challenges the political views instilled in him by his…

A hitman, still recovering from a failed previous job, accepts a new contract: three kills for a substantial reward. The assignment begins simply enough, but quickly spirals out of control, drawing the killer into a dangerous and disturbing world.

In 17th-century England, amidst the Civil War, a handful of deserters escape a fierce battle and stumble into an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, they are compelled to help him locate a buried treasure he's convinced lies within. After…

Following the end of a long relationship, city-dwelling Norah retreats to a secluded house in the countryside.

In 1843, in the Basque Country of Spain, a police constable travels to a remote village in Álava. His mission: to investigate a solitary blacksmith who dwells deep within the woods, shrouded in mystery.

In a small French village, a respected nobleman discovers a shocking family secret, forcing him to choose between love and his family's traditions. Torn between his feelings for his wife and his duty to his heritage, he makes the painful…

Set in rural America during the 1950s, the film follows a young boy as he navigates the world around him. He uses his imagination to understand what's happening. After his father tells him stories about vampires, the boy believes the…

Count Drago invites a group of performers to his castle, but they soon discover they are trapped. Hidden within the castle are sinister secrets: Drago has a disturbing habit of mummifying animals and people. This psychological thriller explores fear, control,…

On a remote island, Police Sergeant Neil Howie investigates the disappearance of a young woman. The investigation becomes unsettling as he uncovers a disturbing local belief: the girl may have never existed. As Howie explores the island's traditions, he begins…

During the war, a mother and daughter-in-law live in a swamp, surviving by killing samurai who wander into their territory and selling their belongings. They are heartbroken by news of their son Kichi's death. Soon after, Kichi’s wife begins an…

In 1630, a farmer moves his family to a secluded farm bordering a forest, where unsettling events begin to occur. As suspicion grows, the family's faith, loyalty, and love are severely tested by shocking circumstances.

Gospel singer Beth and her cowboy boyfriend Steve travel from Texas to Scotland to preach. After facing hostility at first, they are warmly received in Tressock, a border region ruled by Sir Lachlan Morrison. There, they discover what it truly…

In 1905, a man journeys to a secluded island to find his sister, who has been abducted by a secretive religious group.

In 18th century Austria, a young apprentice joins a famed witch-hunter. As he becomes more involved, he faces the brutal realities of the job: violence, injustice, deceit, and executions masked as a fight against evil. Witnessing these atrocities firsthand, the…