10 Mystical Horror Films Set in Cursed Forests

Description: While not set in a forest, the film's climax involves a ritual in a wooded area, and the pagan themes resonate with the mystical forest horror subgenre. A policeman investigates a disappearance on a remote Scottish island, leading to a shocking discovery.

Fact: The film has a cult following and was remade in 2006 with Nicolas Cage, which became infamous for its over-the-top performance.

Description: Five friends travel to a remote cabin in the woods where they unwittingly unleash demons through an ancient book. The forest setting amplifies the isolation and horror as they fight for survival.

Fact: This film was Sam Raimi's directorial debut and launched the career of Bruce Campbell. It was made on a shoestring budget but became a cult classic.

Description: This found footage film follows three student filmmakers who venture into the Black Hills Forest to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch, only to find themselves lost and terrorized by unseen forces. Its innovative marketing and realistic portrayal of fear make it a cornerstone of modern horror cinema.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of less than $60,000 and grossed over $248 million worldwide. The actors were given minimal direction, leading to genuine reactions of fear.

Description: While not exclusively about a cursed forest, this meta-horror film features a cabin surrounded by woods where ancient rituals and modern horror tropes collide. The forest setting plays a crucial role in the film's twisty narrative.

Fact: The film was co-written by Joss Whedon, known for his work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and it deconstructs horror genre conventions.

Description: An English family moves to a remote Irish forest, only to find themselves targeted by ancient, malevolent creatures from folklore. The forest becomes a living, breathing entity in this atmospheric horror.

Fact: The film uses practical effects and animatronics for its creatures, giving them a tangible, terrifying presence.

Description: Although the film primarily takes place in a morgue, the forest setting is integral as the body of Jane Doe, found in a house surrounded by woods, harbors dark secrets and supernatural phenomena.

Fact: The film was praised for its slow build-up of suspense and its unique take on the horror genre, focusing on forensic pathology.

Description: A young woman travels to Japan's Aokigahara Forest, known as the "Sea of Trees," to find her twin sister. The forest, steeped in folklore and tragedy, becomes a labyrinth of psychological horror and supernatural occurrences.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Japan, providing an authentic backdrop to the eerie tale. It also stirred controversy for its depiction of the real-life forest known for suicides.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film tells the story of a family banished to live on the edge of a remote forest where they encounter a malevolent presence. The forest becomes a character itself, embodying the family's fears and the unknown.

Fact: The film was praised for its historical accuracy in depicting witchcraft beliefs of the time. It was also the first film to use authentic 17th-century English dialogue.

Description: A teenage girl is sent to a remote all-girls boarding school surrounded by a dark, foreboding forest. Strange occurrences and disappearances hint at a sinister force within the woods.

Fact: The film was directed by Lucky McKee, known for his work in horror, and features a young Patricia Clarkson in a chilling performance.

Description: Four friends hiking through the Scandinavian wilderness stumble upon an ancient evil lurking in the forest. The film uses the forest's isolation to amplify the horror, making every rustle and shadow a potential threat.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Adam Nevill, and the forest setting was inspired by the author's own experiences hiking in Sweden.