8 Underrated Folk Horror Movies You Need To Watch

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the shadowy, eerie world of folk horror? This genre, steeped in folklore, mythology, and the dark side of rural life, often gets overlooked in mainstream horror. But trust me, there are some absolute gems out there that deserve way more love. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s explore the 8 Most Underrated Folk Horror Movies of All Time, ranked for your viewing pleasure. We're talking about films that burrow under your skin, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease long after the credits roll. These aren't your typical jump-scare flicks; they delve into the primal fears that lurk in the heart of the countryside, the ancient rituals, and the forgotten gods.

What is Folk Horror?

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly define what we mean by "folk horror." At its core, folk horror explores the clash between the modern world and the ancient beliefs and practices that persist in rural communities. Think pagan rituals, witchcraft, isolation, and the dark secrets hidden beneath the seemingly idyllic surface of the countryside. It's a genre that often taps into our deepest anxieties about the unknown, the power of nature, and the fragility of civilization. Folk horror often features a sense of creeping dread, building atmosphere and tension rather than relying on cheap thrills. It's about the slow burn, the unsettling feeling that something is not quite right, and the gradual unraveling of reality as ancient forces come into play. The settings are typically rural, isolated communities, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This isolation is key, as it allows old beliefs and practices to thrive, unchecked by the skepticism of the outside world. Characters often find themselves outsiders in these communities, unfamiliar with the customs and traditions, making them vulnerable to the sinister forces at play. Folk horror films frequently draw inspiration from local folklore, myths, and legends, weaving these tales into the narrative to create a sense of authenticity and historical depth. This connection to the past is crucial, as it highlights the enduring power of ancient beliefs and their continued relevance in the modern world. Think of it as a chilling reminder that the old gods are not dead, and their influence can still be felt in the darkest corners of the land. So, with that in mind, let's unearth some of the most overlooked masterpieces of this fascinating genre.

8. Kill List (2011)

Kicking off our list is Kill List, a British psychological horror film that blends crime thriller elements with unsettling folk horror themes. This one starts out as a seemingly straightforward story about two hitmen taking on a new job, but things quickly spiral into a nightmare of ritualistic killings and pagan cults. Kill List masterfully builds tension, leaving you guessing what's real and what's not. The film's strength lies in its ambiguity and its ability to create a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The performances are fantastic, particularly Neil Maskell as Jay, the increasingly disturbed protagonist. The gradual descent into madness is palpable, and the film's unsettling atmosphere will keep you on the edge of your seat. Kill List is a slow-burn horror, meaning it takes its time to build the suspense and dread. This isn't a film filled with jump scares; instead, it relies on a pervasive sense of unease and the gradual unveiling of the terrifying truth. The film's violence is brutal and shocking, but it's not gratuitous. It serves a purpose in the narrative, highlighting the characters' descent into darkness and the horrifying nature of the cult they encounter. The film explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the corrupting influence of violence. Jay, the protagonist, is haunted by his past experiences in the military, and this trauma plays a significant role in his unraveling. The film also touches on the idea of fate and whether we are truly in control of our own destinies. The ending of Kill List is notoriously ambiguous and open to interpretation. This has led to much discussion and debate among fans, adding to the film's enduring appeal. Some view the ending as a triumph for the cult, while others see it as a tragic culmination of Jay's own internal struggles. Whatever your interpretation, the ending is sure to leave you pondering the film's themes long after you've watched it. Overall, Kill List is a must-see for fans of folk horror and psychological thrillers. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

7. The Borderlands (2013)

Next up, we have The Borderlands, a found-footage gem that follows a team of Vatican investigators as they look into paranormal activity at a remote church in the UK. This movie is creepy, unsettling, and makes excellent use of its found-footage format to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The Borderlands isn't just about jump scares; it's about atmosphere and dread. The isolated setting, the crumbling church, and the increasingly bizarre events all contribute to a sense of unease that permeates the film. The found-footage style adds to this feeling, making you feel like you're right there with the investigators as they uncover the church's dark secrets. The characters in The Borderlands are well-developed and believable, adding to the film's realism. You genuinely feel like you're watching a documentary, which makes the horror all the more effective. The film's slow-burn approach allows the tension to build gradually, culminating in a terrifying climax. The scares are subtle but effective, relying more on atmosphere and suggestion than on graphic violence. This makes the film all the more unsettling, as your imagination fills in the gaps. The Borderlands delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the clash between science and religion. The investigators, sent by the Vatican, are initially skeptical of the paranormal claims, but as they witness increasingly strange events, their beliefs are challenged. The film also explores the power of ancient beliefs and the potential dangers of blindly following religious dogma. The ending of The Borderlands is one of the most shocking and memorable in recent horror history. It's a truly terrifying and unforgettable conclusion that will leave you speechless. The ending perfectly encapsulates the film's themes and adds a layer of nihilistic dread to the proceedings. The Borderlands is a highly underrated folk horror film that deserves more recognition. If you're a fan of found-footage movies or slow-burn horror, this is a must-see. Just be prepared for a truly terrifying experience.

6. A Dark Song (2016)

A Dark Song is an Irish horror film that's both emotionally powerful and deeply unsettling. It tells the story of a grieving mother who hires an occultist to perform a complex ritual in an attempt to contact her dead child. This movie is a masterclass in atmosphere, with a palpable sense of dread that builds throughout its runtime. A Dark Song is a slow-burn horror that focuses on the psychological and emotional toll of the ritual. The film is claustrophobic, with much of the action taking place within the confines of a remote house. This adds to the sense of isolation and intensifies the characters' emotional states. The performances in A Dark Song are outstanding, particularly Catherine Walker as the grieving mother and Steve Oram as the occultist. The two actors have a fantastic dynamic, and their performances are both nuanced and compelling. The film explores themes of grief, loss, faith, and the dangers of obsession. The mother's desperation to reconnect with her dead child leads her down a dangerous path, and the film examines the consequences of her actions. The occult ritual at the heart of A Dark Song is depicted in a realistic and unsettling way. The film doesn't shy away from the disturbing aspects of the ritual, and it creates a palpable sense of unease. The film's use of sound design is particularly effective, adding to the atmosphere of dread. A Dark Song is a film that stays with you long after you've watched it. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant horror film that deserves to be seen. If you're looking for a folk horror movie that's both scary and meaningful, A Dark Song is a must-watch.

5. Hagazussa: A Heathen's Curse (2017)

Get ready for some seriously dark and atmospheric folk horror with Hagazussa: A Heathen's Curse. This German film is set in the 15th century and follows a young woman living in the Alps who is accused of witchcraft. It's a slow-burn, visually stunning, and deeply unsettling exploration of isolation, paranoia, and ancient superstitions. Hagazussa is a film that relies heavily on atmosphere and mood. The film's visuals are stunning, capturing the beauty and the harshness of the Alpine landscape. The film's sound design is equally effective, creating a sense of unease and dread. The film is divided into four chapters, each focusing on a different stage of the protagonist's life. This allows the film to explore the character's psychological state in depth, and it creates a sense of slow, creeping dread. The film's violence is brutal and shocking, but it's not gratuitous. It serves a purpose in the narrative, highlighting the characters' descent into madness and the brutal nature of the time period. Hagazussa explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the dangers of religious extremism. The protagonist is ostracized by her community, and she becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional. The film also examines the persecution of women during the witch hunts and the devastating consequences of religious intolerance. The ending of Hagazussa is ambiguous and open to interpretation. This has led to much discussion and debate among fans, adding to the film's enduring appeal. Some view the ending as a triumph for the protagonist, while others see it as a tragic culmination of her own internal struggles. Whatever your interpretation, the ending is sure to leave you pondering the film's themes long after you've watched it. Hagazussa: A Heathen's Curse is a must-see for fans of folk horror and art-house horror. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

4. The Witch (2015)

Now, we're entering the big leagues! The Witch is arguably one of the most influential folk horror films of the past decade. Set in 17th-century New England, it tells the story of a Puritan family who are exiled from their community and face a terrifying evil in the wilderness. This movie is chilling, atmospheric, and features some incredible performances, particularly from Anya Taylor-Joy in her breakout role. The Witch is a historical horror film that strives for authenticity. The film's dialogue is written in 17th-century English, and the film's sets and costumes are meticulously researched. This adds to the film's sense of realism and makes the horror all the more effective. The film explores themes of religious extremism, family dynamics, and the fear of the unknown. The family's rigid religious beliefs create a stifling atmosphere, and their isolation in the wilderness makes them vulnerable to the forces of evil. The film also examines the role of women in 17th-century society and the dangers of nonconformity. The film's use of sound design is particularly effective, creating a sense of unease and dread. The film's score is haunting and memorable, and the film's sound effects are used sparingly but effectively. The Witch is a slow-burn horror that relies on atmosphere and suggestion rather than jump scares. The film's scares are subtle but effective, and they build to a terrifying climax. The film's ending is both shocking and ambiguous, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. The Witch is a critically acclaimed film that has been praised for its atmosphere, performances, and historical accuracy. It's a must-see for fans of folk horror and historical horror. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

3. Witchfinder General (1968)

Going old school with this one! Witchfinder General is a British horror film set during the English Civil War. It stars Vincent Price as Matthew Hopkins, a sadistic witch hunter who terrorizes the countryside. This movie is brutal, disturbing, and a powerful indictment of religious fanaticism and the abuse of power. Witchfinder General is a historical horror film that is based on true events. The film tells the story of Matthew Hopkins, a real-life witch hunter who operated in England during the 17th century. The film's historical setting adds to its sense of realism and makes the horror all the more effective. The film's violence is graphic and disturbing, but it's not gratuitous. It serves a purpose in the narrative, highlighting the brutality of the time period and the horrors of the witch hunts. The film's performance by Vincent Price is iconic. He plays Matthew Hopkins as a cold and calculating sadist, and his performance is both chilling and memorable. The film explores themes of religious fanaticism, the abuse of power, and the dangers of mob mentality. Matthew Hopkins's actions are driven by his religious beliefs, and he uses his power to terrorize and kill innocent people. The film also examines the role of women in 17th-century society and the dangers of being accused of witchcraft. Witchfinder General is a controversial film that has been praised for its historical accuracy and its powerful message. It's a must-see for fans of folk horror and historical horror. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

2. The Wicker Man (1973)

Okay, The Wicker Man is a stone-cold classic of the folk horror genre. This British film tells the story of a police sergeant who travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. What he finds is a pagan community with dark secrets and disturbing rituals. The Wicker Man is a cult classic that has influenced countless horror films. The film's unique blend of horror, mystery, and folk music has made it a beloved film among fans of the genre. The film's setting on a remote Scottish island adds to its sense of isolation and unease. The island community is secretive and insular, and their pagan beliefs are at odds with the sergeant's Christian worldview. The film's use of folk music is particularly effective, creating a sense of both beauty and dread. The film's songs are often sung by the islanders during their rituals, and they add to the film's unsettling atmosphere. The Wicker Man explores themes of religious tolerance, cultural clashes, and the dangers of blind faith. The sergeant's rigid Christian beliefs prevent him from understanding the islanders' pagan beliefs, and this leads to tragic consequences. The film also examines the power of community and the dangers of conformity. The islanders are fiercely loyal to their traditions and beliefs, and they are willing to go to extreme lengths to protect them. The ending of The Wicker Man is one of the most iconic and shocking in horror history. It's a truly unforgettable conclusion that perfectly encapsulates the film's themes. The Wicker Man is a must-see for fans of folk horror and classic horror. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

1. Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)

And finally, at the top of our list, we have Blood on Satan's Claw. This British film is a quintessential example of folk horror. Set in an 18th-century English village, it tells the story of a group of teenagers who unearth a demonic skull in a field, leading to a descent into madness and pagan rituals. This movie is creepy, atmospheric, and genuinely disturbing. Blood on Satan's Claw is a quintessential example of British folk horror. The film combines elements of horror, mystery, and historical drama to create a unique and unsettling experience. The film's setting in an 18th-century English village adds to its sense of authenticity and makes the horror all the more effective. The village community is isolated and superstitious, and their fear of the unknown makes them vulnerable to the forces of evil. The film's use of practical effects is impressive, especially considering its low budget. The film's demonic creature is genuinely creepy, and its presence adds to the film's atmosphere of dread. Blood on Satan's Claw explores themes of religious superstition, the corruption of innocence, and the dangers of unchecked power. The teenagers in the film are corrupted by the demonic force they unleash, and their actions lead to violence and chaos. The film also examines the role of authority figures in the community and their inability to stop the spread of evil. The ending of Blood on Satan's Claw is both shocking and ambiguous, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. It's a fitting conclusion to a film that is both disturbing and thought-provoking. Blood on Satan's Claw is a must-see for fans of folk horror and classic horror. It's a highly underrated gem that deserves more recognition. It's a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The 8 Most Underrated Folk Horror Movies of All Time, ranked. These films are sure to give you the chills and make you think twice about venturing into the countryside. From pagan rituals to demonic forces, these movies explore the darkest corners of human nature and the enduring power of ancient beliefs. If you're a fan of horror that's atmospheric, unsettling, and thought-provoking, then these movies are definitely for you. Happy watching, and don't have nightmares!