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Folk horror, a subgenre that instills fear through elements of folklore, creates a sense of foreboding by delving into rural and isolated settings. These films often center around superstitions, religions, and the darker aspects of local lore, offering a unique experience that evokes helplessness. While daylight horror is challenging to execute, incorporating folk horror elements, as seen in films like Midsommar, effectively induces fear.
Various countries exhibit distinct styles in horror, with British horror standing apart from its American counterpart. The prevalence of folklore across the UK has contributed to the creation of unique and compelling narratives, influencing the horror genre. This list explores the best British folk horror movies, emphasizing the peril of meddling with nature, witchcraft, and the enigmatic forces beyond comprehension.
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10 Best British Folk Horror Movies
Mark of the Devil (1970)
Mark of the Devil, released in 1970, sheds light on the deeply flawed and unjust witch trials of the 1700s. The story revolves around Udo Kier, a witch hunter apprentice, who discovers his mentor Herbert Lom committing a heinous crime. This revelation forces him to question the supposed sacred mission of the church in conducting witch trials. As he witnesses the brutality of these trials, Kier begins to perceive them as a sinister scheme by the church to strip citizens of their land, money, and property.
The film’s greatness lies in its unflinching portrayal of the archaic and brutal methods employed in the name of God during this dark period. Despite being 50 years old, Mark of the Devil remains a disturbing horror movie that doesn’t shy away from depicting the inhumanity associated with the witch trials.
A Dark Song (2016)
A jointly produced film from the U.K. and Ireland, A Dark Song follows a grieving mother on a quest to connect with her deceased son. In her search, she enlists the help of an occult specialist who, despite his own troubles, joins her in a ritual that requires six months of isolated seclusion. The film has received critical acclaim, holding a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences and critics alike appreciate its chilling atmosphere, especially considering the film primarily unfolds in a single room. A Dark Song establishes writer-director Liam Gavin as a noteworthy talent in the horror genre.
A Field in England (2013)
This movie by Ben Wheatley won’t be the sole addition to this compilation, but it could be considered the most unsettling. A Field in England traces the journey of English Civil War deserters fleeing a battle through an overgrown field, only to be captured by an alchemist. Subsequently, their capture leads them into a quest for hidden treasure, but this pursuit transforms into a surreal journey marked by psychedelic experiences and madness.
What Sets It Apart This dark folk tale is disturbing on various levels, with particular attention drawn to the strobe flashings and rapid editing, creating a disorienting atmosphere for a deeply immersive, mind-altering viewing. A Field in England is not a film suitable for everyone due to numerous reasons, and a cautionary note is recommended for those daring to venture into its unsettling narrative.
Apostle (2018)
In the horror film “Apostle,” Dan Stevens, known for his role in Downton Abbey, takes on the character of Thomas, a shattered man embarking on a quest to find his abducted sister. She has fallen into the hands of a cult of convicts on a mysterious island, where blood sacrifices are performed to maintain the land’s vitality. As Thomas races against time to rescue his sister from becoming the cult’s next victim, he must navigate a nightmarish realm that challenges both his life and sanity. The movie unfolds as a slow-burn, tension-filled narrative, culminating in a brutal and intense third act.
What sets “Apostle” apart is its compelling blend of folklore and the occult, set against the backdrop of the early 1900s. The film weaves a tapestry of eerie imagery, folk horror, and elements of nature and body horror, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll. While the movie may not cater to everyone’s taste, it stands out as one of Dan Stevens’ most impressive performances.
Cry of the Banshee (1970)
Vincent Price delivers a memorable performance as the merciless Lord Edward Whitman in “Cry of the Banshee,” reminiscent of Herbert Lom’s character in “Mark of the Devil.” The film revolves around Whitman’s brutal witch hunts, leading to the execution of numerous innocent victims. However, his tyranny comes to an end when he incurs the wrath of Oona, the leader of a local coven, who summons a banshee for revenge. As Whitman’s family members are systematically targeted, the movie takes a less disturbing approach compared to “Mark of the Devil” but still captures the eerie essence of a Hammer film. “Cry of the Banshee” is considered a cult classic for its early portrayal of the horrors of witch trials, presenting the accused witches in a more sympathetic light and providing satisfying justice against their oppressors.
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Kill List (2011)
In the second film directed by Ben Wheatley, titled Kill List, the story revolves around a returning soldier who takes on the job of a contract killer. Initially assigned three seemingly straightforward hits, the narrative takes a sharp turn from being a typical crime thriller to a brutal psychological experience. The plot descends into the realms of blood magic and ritualistic torture, creating a relentless and disorienting atmosphere that doesn’t allow the audience a moment to catch their breath. Kill List is a movie that keeps viewers off balance throughout, making it a gripping and intense watch. Paired with Wheatley’s other works like A Field in England and Sightseers, the film showcases his distinctive and disorienting filmmaking style, although it may be an acquired taste for some.
The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)
Taking the fourth spot is a film often hailed as one of the pioneering folk horror classics. Directed by Piers Haggard, “The Blood on Satan’s Claw” unfolds in 18th-Century England, where a farmer’s discovery of a horrifying relic sets off a series of nightmarish events. While the farmer is alarmed by the ominous signs associated with the artifact, few share his concerns, to their peril. The community quickly succumbs to corruption, triggering a spree of bloodshed and showcasing early instances of body horror on screen.
What sets this film apart is its enduring influence. The psychological horror and unsettling intrigue remain compelling even today, making it a solid recommendation for cult horror enthusiasts, including those who appreciate gore and visceral horror. True aficionados should revisit the roots of the genre, considering its potential role in launching an entire subgenre.
Witchfinder General (1968)
Vincent Price reprises his role as Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, a historical figure who exploited the English Civil War to accuse, torture, and execute supposed witches for personal gain and pleasure. What sets this movie apart is its chilling portrayal of Hopkins’ real-life atrocities. The film delves into the sadistic pleasure Hopkins derives from his work, exploiting paranoia and superstition to fuel his bloodlust. Price’s performance, surpassing his role in Cry of the Banshee, showcases his underrated talent, portraying a more serious and sinister Hopkins with perfection.
Night of the Eagle (1962)
Ranked at number two on the list is the venerable yet remarkable film, “Night of the Eagle.” The storyline revolves around a distinguished college professor who staunchly adheres to a belief in practicality. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that his wife is a practitioner of witchcraft. Enraged by what he deems nonsensical practices, he sets out to destroy every totem and icon associated with her craft, heedless of the ominous warning from his wife that such actions might seal his fate.
Unbeknownst to the professor, many of his envious colleagues are also practitioners of the occult. They have been employing their craft to bring harm into his life, and it turns out that his wife has been acting as a protective shield against these malevolent forces. The professor’s act of desecrating his wife’s totems inadvertently removes the only barrier shielding them from harm. Subsequently, a series of ominous events unfold, posing a grave threat to both the professor and his wife. The film unfolds as a tense race against time to rescue them both.
What sets this film apart is its dark warning: the narrative serves as a stark reminder that disbelief does not diminish the reality of supernatural forces.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Ranked at the top of the most influential folk horror films, The Wicker Man has left an indelible mark on the genre, serving as a key inspiration for numerous cult and folk horror films in contemporary cinema. The storyline revolves around a Christian Police Sergeant investigating a mystery on a secluded island where the seemingly peculiar rituals of the islanders appear harmless at first glance. Yet, beneath the surface lies a more ominous reality, only revealed too late by the protagonist. The film’s unforgettable climax has solidified its status as a classic.
The enduring greatness of The Wicker Man is evident in its lasting impact on the horror genre. While debates about its contemporary relevance persist, its influence echoes through decades, shaping films like Midsommar, The Sacrament, Hereditary, and others. While not universally adored, The Wicker Man undeniably stands as a transformative force in the realm of horror cinema.
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