The hallow is an Irish horror film that blends elements of folk horror with creature feature scares. The story follows a family who move into a remote house in the Irish countryside, only to discover that they are surrounded by ancient and malevolent forces. As they try to protect their infant child, they must confront terrifying creatures and unravel the secrets of the cursed land. The hallow is a suspenseful and visually striking film that draws on Irish folklore and mythology to create a chilling and atmospheric experience. The film's creature designs are particularly effective, adding to the sense of dread and terror.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The village tells the story of a secluded community living in fear of mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The villagers maintain a strict set of rules to avoid provoking the creatures, but when one young man dares to venture into the forbidden forest, he uncovers a shocking secret that shatters their idyllic existence. While divisive among critics, The village explores themes of fear, isolation, and the dangers of societal control. The film's twist ending sparked debate, but its atmospheric visuals and suspenseful storytelling make it a notable entry in the folk horror genre.

Noroi: The curse is a Japanese found-footage horror film that explores themes of folklore, urban legends, and the supernatural. The film follows a documentary filmmaker as he investigates a series of strange and unsettling events, uncovering a dark and ancient curse. Presented as a collection of video recordings and interviews, Noroi creates a sense of realism and dread, drawing viewers into its web of mystery and horror. With its unsettling imagery and slow-burning suspense, Noroi is a chilling and effective example of Japanese horror.

Directed by Gareth Evans, Apostle tells the story of Thomas Richardson as he journeys to a remote island in search of his sister, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult. As he infiltrates the community, he uncovers dark secrets and terrifying rituals that challenge his faith and sanity. Apostle is a brutal and suspenseful film that blends elements of folk horror with action and gore, creating a visually arresting and disturbing experience. The film features strong performances from Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen.

Kill list is a British crime thriller that gradually descends into the realms of folk horror. The film follows two hitmen who take on a new assignment that leads them down a dark and twisted path. As they carry out their gruesome tasks, they become entangled in a web of occult rituals and disturbing secrets. Kill list is a shocking and unsettling film that blends realistic violence with supernatural elements, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Ben Wheatley's direction keeps you guessing until the very end.

Set in 15th-century Austria, Hagazussa is a slow-burn folk horror film that follows Albrun, a young woman living in isolation with her infant daughter. Shunned by the local villagers and haunted by visions, Albrun is increasingly isolated and descends into madness. The film explores themes of superstition, religious persecution, and the demonization of women. Hagazussa is a visually striking and atmospheric film that relies on mood and dread to create a deeply unsettling experience.

The ritual is a British horror film that blends elements of folk horror with creature feature scares. The story follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness to honor a deceased friend. As they venture deeper into the forest, they stumble upon ancient symbols and disturbing evidence of pagan rituals. Soon, they realize they are being stalked by a malevolent entity that forces them to confront their deepest fears and secrets. With a claustrophobic atmosphere and effective use of folklore, The ritual is a chilling and suspenseful journey into the heart of darkness.

Robert Eggers' directorial debut, The witch, is a chilling and meticulously researched period piece that transports viewers to 17th-century New England. The film follows a Puritan family who are banished from their colony and forced to make a life on the edge of a dark and ominous forest. As misfortune and paranoia grip the family, they begin to suspect that a malevolent presence is at work, and their youngest daughter, Thomasin, may be the source of their troubles. The witch is a masterclass in atmosphere and suspense, with Eggers using authentic language, unsettling sound design, and a haunting score to create a truly terrifying experience. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a star-making performance as Thomasin, and the film's exploration of religious extremism, female oppression, and the power of superstition is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. The goat, Black Phillip, has become an iconic figure in modern horror.

A seminal work in the folk horror genre, The wicker man (1973) tells the story of a devout police sergeant, Neil Howie, who travels to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. What he finds is a community steeped in pagan traditions and led by the charismatic Lord Summerisle, played with unsettling charm by Christopher Lee. As Howie delves deeper into the island's customs, he uncovers a sinister plot that challenges his beliefs and leads him towards a terrifying climax. The wicker man is a chilling exploration of religious fanaticism, cultural clashes, and the dark side of human nature. Fun fact: Christopher Lee considered this to be the best film he ever made.

Ari Aster's Midsommar is a sun-drenched nightmare that burrows deep under your skin. The film follows Dani, played with raw vulnerability by Florence Pugh, as she accompanies her emotionally distant boyfriend to a remote Swedish commune for a midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic escape quickly devolves into a terrifying descent into pagan rituals and psychological breakdown. Aster masterfully uses bright, disorienting visuals and unsettling sound design to create an atmosphere of creeping dread. Midsommar isn't just scary; it's a deeply unsettling exploration of grief, codependency, and the allure of the unknown. Its impact lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying its place as a modern folk horror masterpiece.