Are you ready to delve into the eerie and often terrifying world of cults? This curated list of horror films will take you on a journey through the psychological manipulation, dark rituals, and the sinister allure of cults. From classic tales to modern masterpieces, these movies not only provide a thrilling scare but also offer a glimpse into the human psyche's vulnerability to charismatic leaders and extreme ideologies. Here's a selection of films that will make you think twice about the next group you join.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: This British horror classic follows a devout Christian policeman investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to find himself ensnared in the island's pagan cult practices.
Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since become a cult classic. The ending was so shocking that it reportedly caused some viewers to faint.


The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Description: A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover that his boss is the devil, manipulating him into joining a satanic cult.
Fact: Al Pacino improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's intense and charismatic portrayal of the devil.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse is drawn into a world of voodoo and hoodoo magic when she takes a job at a plantation house with a dark history of cult practices.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, adding to its authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes a babysitting job that turns out to be a setup for a satanic ritual, leading to a night of terror.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel, and it uses minimal CGI to enhance its retro horror vibe.


The Sacrament (2013)
Description: A documentary crew follows a man to a remote compound where his sister has joined a mysterious religious cult, leading to a horrifying revelation.
Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life Jonestown massacre. It was shot in a cinéma vérité style to give it a documentary feel.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, only to suspect that the gathering might be a front for a sinister cult's recruitment event.
Fact: The film was shot in one location to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere. It was also praised for its slow-burn tension and psychological depth.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: Two coroners uncover supernatural horrors while performing an autopsy on an unidentified woman, revealing her connection to a witch cult.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its chilling authenticity.


The Witch (2015)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family who encounters evil forces in the woods, leading to accusations of witchcraft and a descent into madness.
Fact: The film uses authentic language from the period, and the goats used in the film were trained to perform specific actions.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A group of friends travel to Sweden for a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival, only to find themselves in the midst of a sinister pagan cult's rituals.
Fact: Director Ari Aster created a fictional language for the film, and the set was designed to be as authentic as possible, with real flowers and herbs used.


The Ritual (2017)
Description: Four friends hiking in Sweden to honor a deceased friend stumble upon an ancient cult's territory, leading to a terrifying encounter with a malevolent entity.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Adam Nevill, and the creature in the film was designed to be both ancient and terrifying, drawing from various mythologies.
