7 folk horror films that explore dark rituals, ancient beliefs, and fearful traditions

Folk horror is one of the most gripping and atmospheric sub-genres of horror cinema. Instead of relying on big jump scares or urban legends, it draws terror from ancient traditions, forgotten rituals, rural isolation, and the eerie power of folklore. These films take viewers deep into forests, remote villages, and communities where the past still breathes—and where breaking an old rule can unleash unimaginable consequences.

Across the world, filmmakers have used folk horror to explore the intersection of belief, culture, and supernatural dread. Here are seven powerful films that capture the essence of this haunting genre.

Also Read: 10 folk horror movies that will haunt you long after the credits roll

1. Tumbbad – Amazon Prime Video

One of India’s finest folk horror films, Tumbbad draws inspiration from regional myths and ancient deities.

The story follows Vinayak Rao (Sohum Shah), who grows up hearing whispers about a hidden treasure guarded by Hastar—a cursed being and forgotten son of the Goddess of Prosperity. Hastar, consumed by greed, attacks anyone who tries to steal his gold.

As a child, Vinayak encounters Hastar in a hidden underground chamber. As an adult, he begins secretly stealing gold coins from the demon’s lair, becoming wealthier but increasingly consumed by greed.

His obsession eventually pulls his own son into the dangerous ritual. As the curse begins to poison their lives, Vinayak must face the consequences of his endless hunger for riches.

2. Midsommar – Amazon Prime Video

Ari Aster’s Midsommar is perhaps one of the most unsettling modern folk horror films—mainly because most of the horror unfolds under bright daylight.

Dani Ardor (Florence Pugh) is grieving a tragic loss when she joins her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) and his friends Josh (William Jackson Harper), Mark (Will Poulter), and Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren) on a trip to Pelle’s rural Swedish village, Hårga. They arrive during a rare midsummer festival held once every 90 years.

At first, the village looks idyllic—flowers, sunshine, friendly locals. But soon the visitors witness disturbing rituals rooted in ancient pagan customs. As Dani’s emotional state worsens, she finds unexpected comfort in the community, who treat her more gently than Christian ever has. Meanwhile, her friends begin disappearing one by one, each sacrificed in shocking ceremonial practices.

The film blends themes of grief, toxic relationships, cultural clashes, and the terrifying power of tradition. The ending forces Dani to choose where she belongs—leading to a chilling and unforgettable finale.

3. The Curse of La Llorona – Amazon Prime Video

Set in 1970s Los Angeles, this movie adapts one of Latin America’s most famous folk legends: La Llorona, the Weeping Woman.

Anna Tate-Garcia (Linda Cardellini), a widowed social worker, becomes entangled in a supernatural nightmare after investigating Patricia Alvarez, a distressed mother whose two sons are mysteriously harmed. Patricia begs Anna not to open a locked door—warning that La Llorona is coming for her children.

When Anna unintentionally releases the curse, the vengeful spirit begins haunting her own kids, Chris and Samantha. The terrifying ghostly figure, always crying and dressed in a white gown, tries repeatedly to drag the children away.

Desperate, Anna seeks help from Rafael Olvera (Raymond Cruz), a former priest who now practices folk rituals. Together, they attempt to break the curse before La Llorona claims the children forever. The film combines folklore with classic supernatural scares rooted in cultural beliefs.

4. The Medium – JioCinema / Hotstar

This Thai folk horror film uses a documentary-style format to tell a disturbing story of possession, family secrets, and inherited spirituality.

Nim (Sawanee Utoomma) is a shaman who believes she has been chosen by the local goddess Ba Yan to protect her village. A documentary crew follows her daily life when her niece Mink (Narilya Gulmongkolpech) begins showing violent and erratic behaviour.

At first, Nim assumes Mink will inherit the goddess’s spirit. But Mink’s behaviour becomes increasingly horrifying—animal mutilations, personality shifts, and uncontrollable rage. It quickly becomes clear that something evil is possessing her.

As Nim and other shamans dig deeper, they uncover a dark family secret. A massive purification ritual is organised, but everything spirals into chaos, leading to one of the most shocking finales in folk horror history.

5. Lamb – Amazon Prime Video

This Icelandic folk horror film combines mythology, family grief, and atmospheric dread.

Maria (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason) are a quiet couple living on a sheep farm. During lambing season, one of their ewes gives birth to a mysterious creature—a hybrid: a lamb with a human child’s body. Instead of reacting with fear, the couple adopts the odd newborn and names her Ada.

Their attempt to create a loving family unravels when nature begins demanding what was taken. The lamb’s biological mother becomes frantic, hinting that the world outside the couple’s home has its own claim over Ada.

The arrival of Ingvar’s brother adds tension as he questions the moral and supernatural implications of raising such a being. The film explores themes of loss, denial, motherhood, and the consequences of defying natural order.

6. Under the Shadow – Netflix

Set in 1980s Tehran during the Iran–Iraq War, this film blends psychological tension, political turmoil, and Middle Eastern folklore.

Shideh (Narges Rashidi) is trying to protect her daughter, Dorsa (Avin Manshadi), while dealing with the trauma of war. Their apartment is hit by a missile that doesn’t explode—but from that moment on, strange events escalate.

Dorsa insists that a supernatural entity, a djinn, is haunting her. As neighbours flee the building, mother and daughter are left alone with the malevolent spirit, which feeds on fear and vulnerability.

The djinn attempts to separate Shideh and Dorsa emotionally and physically, turning the apartment into a terrifying battleground. The story becomes a haunting metaphor for war’s psychological horrors.

Also Read: Silent scares: 7 horror movies that terrify through sound and suspense

7. Incantation – Netflix

Inspired by Taiwanese folklore, Incantation uses a found-footage format to create an immersive experience.

Ruo-nan (Tsai Hsuan-yen) once trespassed into a forbidden ritual while filming it with friends, breaking sacred rules and unleashing a devastating curse. Six years later, she regains custody of her daughter Dodo (Huang Sin-ting) and tries to rebuild her life.

But the curse follows her home. Strange sounds, markings, and terrifying supernatural events begin targeting Dodo.

To save her child, Ruo-nan desperately investigates the ritual she once violated. She learns it involved worship of a forbidden deity called Mother Buddha, guarded by a secret cult.

The film’s immersive storytelling and shocking climax make it one of the most talked-about Asian horror films in recent years.