Top 10 Horror Films About Rituals

Description: This British horror film follows a police sergeant investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to uncover a pagan cult with sinister intentions. The film's climax features a shocking ritual that has become iconic in horror cinema.

Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since gained cult status. The wicker man effigy used in the film was built by a local artist and was 20 feet tall.

Description: This found footage horror film follows three student filmmakers who venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. The film's use of folklore and the suggestion of ritualistic practices adds to its unsettling realism.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $60,000 but grossed over $248 million worldwide. The actors were given minimal direction, enhancing the film's documentary feel.

Description: A hospice nurse uncovers a dark secret involving hoodoo rituals in an old Louisiana mansion. The film delves into the power of belief and the rituals of the occult, offering a unique blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

Fact: The film was shot on location in New Orleans, adding to its authentic atmosphere. The mansion used in the film was actually a set built specifically for the movie.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows the trial of a priest accused of negligent homicide after performing an exorcism on a young woman believed to be possessed. The film delves into the rituals of exorcism and the clash between faith and science.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent 67 exorcisms. The film's courtroom scenes were shot in a real courthouse.

Description: A college student takes a babysitting job in a secluded house, only to find herself involved in a satanic ritual. The film's slow-burn approach and its homage to 1980s horror make it a unique entry in the ritual horror subgenre.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel. The director, Ti West, also wrote and edited the film.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where he begins to suspect that the gathering might be a cover for a sinister ritual. The film's tension builds as the true nature of the event unfolds, exploring themes of grief, paranoia, and cult behavior.

Fact: The film was shot in one location, a house in Los Angeles, to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. The ending was kept secret from most of the cast until the day of shooting.

Description: Two coroners perform an autopsy on an unidentified woman, only to discover that she is not as dead as they thought, and her body holds dark secrets tied to ancient rituals. The film's slow build-up and revelation of the ritualistic elements make it a gripping watch.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, enhancing its chilling realism. The character of Jane Doe was inspired by the real-life unsolved case of the "Isdal Woman."

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the life of a family banished from their Puritan plantation, where they encounter witchcraft and dark rituals. The film's meticulous attention to historical detail and its unsettling atmosphere make it a standout in the horror genre.

Fact: The film was shot in natural light, giving it an authentic, eerie feel. The director, Robert Eggers, used real goats for the film, including one named Black Phillip, which became a meme.

Description: A struggling painter and his family move into a house with a dark history, where they become entangled in demonic rituals. The film's blend of heavy metal, art, and horror creates a unique atmosphere, exploring themes of possession and sacrifice.

Fact: The film was shot in Austin, Texas, and features a heavy metal soundtrack that complements its intense narrative. The director, Sean Byrne, also wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from his own experiences with art and music.

Description: After the death of a friend, a group of men venture into the Swedish wilderness, where they encounter an ancient pagan cult and its terrifying rituals. The film's blend of psychological horror and folklore makes it a compelling addition to the genre.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Adam Nevill. The eerie forest scenes were shot in Romania, adding to the film's atmospheric tension.