Mystical Films About Pagan Rituals

Description: This British horror classic revolves around a devout Christian policeman who investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to find himself ensnared in a pagan community's sinister May Day festival.

Fact: The film was initially panned by critics but has since become a cult classic, influencing many modern horror films. The song "Willow's Song" from the film became an unexpected hit.

Description: Although not explicitly about pagan rituals, this found footage horror film deals with the legend of a witch who supposedly practiced dark rituals in the Maryland woods, leading to the disappearance of three student filmmakers.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $60,000 but grossed over $248 million worldwide, largely due to its innovative marketing campaign that made viewers believe the events were real.

Description: A sequel to "The Wicker Man," this film follows two young missionaries who find themselves in a Scottish village with pagan traditions that lead to a chilling climax.

Fact: It was directed by Robin Hardy, who also directed the original "The Wicker Man."

Description: This film explores Hoodoo, a form of African American folk magic, as a hospice nurse uncovers dark secrets in a Louisiana plantation house.

Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and many of the rituals depicted are based on real Hoodoo practices.

Description: While not directly about pagan rituals, this horror film involves a mysterious corpse that, upon autopsy, reveals signs of ancient rituals, hinting at dark forces at play.

Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days. The character of Jane Doe was inspired by real-life unsolved mysteries involving unidentified bodies.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family banished from their Puritan plantation, who encounter dark forces in the woods, including witchcraft and pagan rituals.

Fact: The film was praised for its historical accuracy in depicting witchcraft beliefs of the time. It was also the first film to be released by A24, a company known for its unique and often unsettling films.

Description: A group of friends travel to Sweden for a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival, only to find themselves trapped in a pagan cult's horrifying rituals.

Fact: Director Ari Aster created a fictional language for the Hårga cult. The film's set was built from scratch in Hungary.

Description: This Hammer Horror film features a duke battling a satanic cult practicing dark rituals, showcasing the allure and danger of occult practices.

Fact: The film was based on Dennis Wheatley's novel, and Wheatley himself was consulted during production to ensure the rituals were portrayed accurately.

Description: While more focused on witch-hunting, this film delves into the hysteria and rituals associated with witchcraft in 17th-century England.

Fact: Vincent Price's portrayal of Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General, is considered one of his most chilling roles.

Description: A group of friends hiking in Sweden to honor a deceased friend stumble upon an ancient pagan ritual site, awakening a malevolent force.

Fact: The film is based on Adam Nevill's novel of the same name. The creature in the film was inspired by Scandinavian folklore.