If you loved the eerie and mystical atmosphere of Huldra: Lady of the Forest (2016), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same haunting beauty, folklore-inspired storytelling, and dark enchantment. Whether you're drawn to Nordic legends or supernatural thrillers, these picks will keep you spellbound.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A chilling tale of pagan beliefs and sacrificial rituals set in an isolated community, where nature and tradition hold dark secrets.
Fact: The film was initially marketed as a musical to mislead audiences. Many scenes were improvised, adding to the unsettling realism.


The Dark Crystal (1982)
Description: A fantasy epic featuring intricate puppet creatures and a mystical world where nature and magic are deeply intertwined.
Fact: All characters were portrayed by puppets, with no human actors. The film's production took over five years due to the complexity of the puppetry.


The Company of Wolves (1984)
Description: A dark fantasy horror that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood with werewolf mythology, exploring themes of transformation and primal instincts.
Fact: The film's surreal dream sequences were inspired by Freudian psychology. It was one of the first movies to feature a werewolf transformation in broad daylight.


The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Description: A fantastical adventure that weaves together dark fairy tales, featuring enchanted forests and mythical creatures with a sinister twist.
Fact: The film's sets were designed to resemble storybook illustrations. It blends multiple Grimm fairy tales into one cohesive narrative.


The Village (2004)
Description: A period horror-thriller that delves into the fear of the unknown lurking in the woods, blending folklore with psychological tension.
Fact: The film's iconic red color was chosen to symbolize danger and was digitally enhanced in post-production. The village set was built from scratch in a Pennsylvania forest.


Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Description: A dark fairy tale set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, merging brutal reality with fantastical woodland creatures and ancient lore.
Fact: The Pale Man's design was inspired by Francisco Goya's paintings. The film won three Academy Awards for its technical achievements.


The Secret of Kells (2009)
Description: An animated fantasy steeped in Celtic mythology, featuring lush forest settings and mystical creatures, blending history with folklore.
Fact: The animation style was inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.


The Wolfman (2010)
Description: A gothic horror remake that delves into lycanthropy and the struggle between humanity and beast, set against a misty, foreboding woodland backdrop.
Fact: The transformation scenes used a mix of practical effects and CGI. The film's score was composed by Danny Elfman, evoking classic horror tones.


The Hallow (2015)
Description: Centers on ancient forest-dwelling creatures from Irish folklore, emphasizing the terror of nature reclaiming what humans have disturbed.
Fact: The creatures were designed using practical effects to maintain a tangible, organic feel. The film was shot in a real Irish forest to enhance authenticity.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A folk horror film that explores pagan rituals and the eerie beauty of nature, blending psychological terror with stunning visuals of rural landscapes.
Fact: The film's flower-covered maypole dance scene was inspired by real Swedish midsummer traditions. It was shot entirely in daylight to subvert typical horror conventions.
