10 Movies & Shows Like The Wicker Man

Description: A gritty horror film about outsiders encountering violent rural isolationists. The raw, documentary-like style and themes of backwoods terror influenced generations of horror filmmakers.

Fact: The film was shot in sweltering Texas summer heat with real animal carcasses on set. The low budget forced the crew to use the same actor for multiple roles.

Description: A cult horror film featuring satanic rituals in a small town, with themes of religious fanaticism and supernatural punishment. The melting effects were groundbreaking for their time.

Fact: John Travolta made his film debut in this movie. The famous melting faces were created using wax molds and hot lights.

Description: A horror classic featuring a cult of children in an isolated rural community who worship a malevolent entity. The film explores themes of religious extremism and the corruption of innocence.

Fact: The famous cornfield scenes were filmed in Iowa during an actual drought. The child actors were kept separate from the adult cast to maintain their creepy on-screen dynamic.

Description: A pioneering found footage horror film about documentary filmmakers encountering supernatural forces in the woods. The film's use of psychological terror and ambiguous threats creates lasting unease.

Fact: The actors were genuinely frightened during filming as the directors would sneak up on them at night. Much of the dialogue was improvised based on outlined scenarios.

Description: A spiritual successor that explores similar themes of religious fanaticism and pagan sacrifice in a modern rural setting. The juxtaposition of innocence and horror creates a disturbing contrast throughout the narrative.

Fact: The film was based on the director's own novel. Many of the pagan rituals depicted were inspired by actual historical practices.

Description: A period horror-thriller set in an isolated community with strict rules and hidden secrets. The film's tension arises from the clash between innocence and hidden darkness, much like folk horror traditions.

Fact: The entire village set was built from scratch in a nature preserve. The director intentionally used a muted color palette to create a timeless, storybook feel.

Description: A brutal crime thriller that unexpectedly transforms into folk horror, featuring pagan cults and disturbing rituals. The film's abrupt tonal shift and bleak atmosphere create a deeply unsettling experience.

Fact: The film's infamous hammer scene was achieved with practical effects and shocked even the crew. Much of the dialogue was improvised to create a more naturalistic feel.

Description: A found footage horror film inspired by real-life cult tragedies, focusing on a remote community with dark secrets. The documentary-style approach creates a sense of realism that heightens the horror.

Fact: The film was loosely based on the Jonestown massacre. All actors used their real first names to enhance the documentary feel.

Description: A slow-burning horror film that delves into family trauma, grief, and occult rituals. The unsettling atmosphere and gradual descent into madness mirror the psychological horror found in folk horror narratives.

Fact: The miniature models seen throughout the film were all created by the protagonist actress herself. The film's shocking car scene was achieved in a single take.

Description: A folk horror film that explores themes of isolation, pagan rituals, and psychological terror in a seemingly idyllic rural setting. The use of daylight and bright colors contrasts with the disturbing events, creating a unique sense of unease.

Fact: The film's intricate flower costumes were handmade and took months to create. The script was partially inspired by the director's own experiences with a toxic relationship.