If you were captivated by the chilling historical drama 'Witchhammer' (1970), a gripping portrayal of witch trials in 17th-century Europe, you'll love these 10 similarly intense films and shows. This article explores dark, thought-provoking narratives that delve into themes of persecution, justice, and human cruelty, perfect for fans of historical horror and psychological thrillers.

Häxan (1922)
Description: A pioneering silent film that blends documentary and horror to depict the history of witchcraft, superstition, and the persecution of women. Its mix of historical analysis and eerie visuals aligns with the reference's focus on witch hunts and societal fear.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries upon release due to its graphic depictions of torture and heresy.


The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Description: A silent film that captures the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, focusing on religious persecution and martyrdom. Its intense close-ups and emotional rawness mirror the reference's harrowing portrayal of injustice.
Fact: The original cut of the film was lost for decades, and a complete version was only rediscovered in


The Seventh Seal (1957)
Description: A philosophical masterpiece set during the Black Death, exploring faith, death, and the human condition. Its stark visuals and existential themes resonate with the reference's meditative and grim tone.
Fact: The iconic chess game with Death has been parodied and referenced countless times in popular culture.


Black Sunday (1960)
Description: A gothic horror film that delves into witchcraft, vengeance, and the supernatural, set against a backdrop of religious oppression. Its dark atmosphere and themes of persecution resonate with the reference's tone.
Fact: The film's opening scene, featuring a witch's execution, is one of the most iconic in horror cinema.


The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Description: A gothic horror film that explores decadence, plague, and divine retribution in a medieval setting. Its vivid visuals and themes of moral corruption and punishment resonate with the reference's tone.
Fact: The film's vibrant color palette was inspired by the works of painter Ingmar Bergman admired.


Marketa Lazarová (1967)
Description: A visually stunning and thematically dense historical drama that explores the brutality of medieval life, religious conflict, and the persecution of those deemed outsiders. Its stark realism and unflinching portrayal of violence align closely with the tone and themes of the reference.
Fact: Considered one of the greatest Czech films ever made, it was shot in harsh winter conditions to enhance its raw, authentic feel.


The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A chilling folk horror film that explores pagan rituals, religious extremism, and the clash between belief systems. Its unsettling tone and focus on communal violence and sacrifice echo the reference's themes.
Fact: The film was initially dismissed as a B-movie but has since gained cult status and critical acclaim.


The Name of the Rose (1986)
Description: A medieval mystery thriller that delves into heresy, inquisition, and the suppression of knowledge. Its intellectual depth and portrayal of religious intolerance align with the reference's historical and thematic focus.
Fact: The film's labyrinthine library set was one of the most elaborate ever built for a movie at the time.


The Crucible (1996)
Description: A gripping adaptation of Arthur Miller's play about the Salem witch trials, focusing on mass hysteria, false accusations, and the destructive power of religious fanaticism. Its exploration of persecution and moral dilemmas mirrors the reference's themes.
Fact: The film was released during a resurgence of interest in witch trials, partly due to its allegorical connection to McCarthyism.


The Hour of the Pig (1993)
Description: A darkly comedic historical drama about a medieval lawyer defending a pig accused of murder, satirizing superstition and legal absurdity. Its critique of irrational persecution aligns with the reference's themes.
Fact: The film is based on real historical cases where animals were put on trial for crimes.
