If you loved the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling of Red Woods (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same chilling vibe, blending mystery, horror, and psychological tension. Whether you're a fan of isolated settings, supernatural elements, or gripping narratives, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A folk horror classic that juxtaposes idyllic rural settings with pagan rituals and mounting dread, creating a sense of unease and inevitability.
Fact: The film was heavily edited for its original US release, removing much of its controversial content. It has since been restored and is considered a cult masterpiece.


The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Description: A found-footage horror film that immerses viewers in a terrifying woodland setting, where the characters' fear and paranoia grow as they become lost and hunted by an unseen force.
Fact: The film's marketing campaign famously claimed it was real footage, leading many to believe it was a true story. It was made on a budget of just $60,000 but grossed over $248 million worldwide.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension, with a secluded house and supernatural occurrences that keep viewers guessing.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a single set in Spain, using natural light to create its haunting visuals. It was a critical and commercial success, reviving interest in gothic horror.


The Village (2004)
Description: A period horror-thriller that isolates its characters in a secluded village surrounded by woods, where fear of the unknown and societal control play central roles.
Fact: The film's color palette was deliberately muted to reflect the villagers' limited worldview. The creatures' designs were inspired by 19th-century folklore.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film set in a cave system, where a group of women face both physical and psychological horrors, blending survival terror with supernatural elements.
Fact: The cave scenes were filmed in a studio, but the actors underwent intense training to make their climbing and crawling look authentic. The original UK ending was much darker than the US release.


The Hallow (2015)
Description: A creature feature set in a remote forest, where a family battles malevolent folklore entities, blending body horror with environmental themes.
Fact: The creatures were designed using practical effects to avoid CGI, giving them a more visceral and realistic appearance. The film draws heavily from Irish mythology.


The Forest (2016)
Description: A psychological horror film set in a dense, eerie forest where supernatural elements blur the line between reality and hallucination, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The movie is inspired by the real-life Aokigahara Forest in Japan, known as the 'Suicide Forest.' The filmmakers used actual footage from the forest to enhance the authenticity.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A slow-burning horror film that delves into family trauma and supernatural occurrences, with a focus on eerie, atmospheric tension and unsettling visuals.
Fact: The miniature models featured in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist, reflecting the film's themes of control and manipulation. The movie's climax was shot in a single take.


The Wind (2018)
Description: A slow-burning horror-western set in the isolated plains, where the protagonist's sanity unravels amid supernatural occurrences and the harsh environment.
Fact: The film's setting was inspired by real-life frontier stories of settlers facing isolation and madness. It uses minimal dialogue to emphasize the protagonist's loneliness.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A folk horror film that contrasts bright, daylight settings with disturbing rituals and psychological terror, exploring themes of isolation and cultural dread.
Fact: The film's daylight horror approach was intentional to subvert traditional horror tropes. The intricate rituals and costumes were heavily researched to reflect authentic Scandinavian folklore.
