10 Horror Films About Hippies

Description: This British horror classic follows a police sergeant investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to find himself ensnared in a pagan cult's sinister rituals. The film's setting and themes make it a perfect fit for this list, showcasing the darker side of communal living and alternative lifestyles.

Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since gained cult status. The song "Willow's Song" from the film became an unexpected hit.

Description: This film features a satanic cult with ties to the hippie movement, where members seek to unleash the devil through a ritual involving a cursed book. Its blend of occult horror and the counterculture makes it an intriguing watch.

Fact: The film boasts an impressive cast including William Shatner, Ernest Borgnine, and John Travolta in his film debut.

Description: While not directly about hippies, this film features children from a commune who become radioactive zombies after a school bus accident. The communal living aspect and the eerie transformation of the children fit well with the theme.

Fact: The film was shot in the UK and features a chilling performance by the child actors.

Description: A spiritual sequel to "The Wicker Man," this film follows two young American evangelists who travel to Scotland, only to be ensnared by a pagan cult. It continues the exploration of communal living and pagan rituals.

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

Description: Set in the 1980s, this film follows a college student who takes a babysitting job that leads her into a satanic ritual. The film's setting and themes of occult practices in a seemingly normal suburban environment echo the darker side of the hippie movement.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel.

Description: This psychological thriller involves a dinner party that turns sinister, with themes of cults and communal living. While not directly about hippies, the film's exploration of trust, isolation, and the dark side of social gatherings fits the theme.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location, enhancing its claustrophobic atmosphere.

Description: This film imagines the last days of actress Sharon Tate, who was murdered by members of the Manson Family. It blends elements of psychological horror with the real-life tragedy, making it a chilling exploration of the dark side of the hippie era.

Fact: The film was criticized for its portrayal of real-life events but has a unique take on the horror genre.

Description: This slasher film involves a camp counselor who was horribly burned by prankster campers. While not explicitly about hippies, the setting at a summer camp and the themes of revenge and communal living resonate with the era's darker side.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the "Jason Voorhees" style of slasher horror.

Description: While not a traditional horror film, this movie explores the darker side of the hippie movement through the lens of a disillusioned professor who infiltrates a hippie commune. The film's portrayal of the counterculture's underbelly and its descent into chaos makes it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film features real-life hippie icon Richard Todd, who plays a character loosely based on Timothy Leary.

Description: This low-budget film delves into the real-life horror of the Manson Family murders, focusing on the cult's activities and the chilling atmosphere of their commune. It's a grim reminder of how the hippie dream can turn into a nightmare.

Fact: The film was shot on location at Spahn Ranch, where the Manson Family lived.