Are you ready to delve into the dark side of traditions? This curated list of horror films takes you on a spine-chilling journey through the world of folk customs, where ancient rituals and beliefs turn sinister. Each film in this collection offers a unique perspective on how cultural practices can morph into something terrifying, making for an unforgettable viewing experience. Whether it's a haunting tale from the British Isles or a chilling story from the heart of America, these movies will make you think twice about the customs we often take for granted.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: This British horror classic explores pagan rituals on a remote Scottish island, where a devout Christian policeman investigates the disappearance of a young girl, only to find himself ensnared in a web of ancient customs.
Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since gained a cult following. It was remade in 2006 with Nicolas Cage.


The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Description: This found-footage horror film delves into the legend of the Blair Witch, an entity rooted in Maryland folklore, as three students investigate the legend.
Fact: The film was made on a budget of $60,000 and grossed over $248 million worldwide.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse discovers the dark secrets of Hoodoo, a form of African American folk magic, in a Louisiana plantation house.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and the house used in the movie is reportedly haunted.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: While not directly about folk customs, this film explores the psychological horror of a mother dealing with grief, which can be seen as a modern take on the folklore of the bogeyman.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its intense themes but has since been critically acclaimed.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological horror as guests are invited to participate in a cult-like ritual, exploring themes of grief and manipulation.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, adding to its claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A father-son coroner team uncovers a series of horrifying secrets during the autopsy of an unidentified woman, revealing a connection to ancient witchcraft.
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's descent into paranoia and witchcraft after being banished from their Puritan plantation.
Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue, and the goat, Black Phillip, became an internet sensation.


The Witch in the Window (2018)
Description: A father and son renovate an old house, only to encounter the spirit of a witch from local folklore, leading to a battle for their souls.
Fact: The film was shot in a real haunted house, and the director used practical effects to create the witch's presence.


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 used real Swedish folklore as inspiration, and the film's set was meticulously designed to reflect authentic Swedish architecture.


The Ritual (2017)
Description: Four friends hiking in Sweden stumble upon an ancient pagan cult, leading to a terrifying encounter with their dark customs.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Adam Nevill, and the creature in the movie was designed to reflect ancient Norse mythology.
