10 Folk Horror Movies To Lead You Astray

Another classic from the ‘70s heyday of folk horror, The Blood on Satan’s Claw came from director Piers Haggard in 1971.

Because of its timing, the themes explored within this film are more black-and-white than others on this list. However, it created a precedent for the genre of folk horror that would be built upon for years to come.

In 18th century England, after the witch trials have died down, a farmer finds a strange skull in a field. This ignites a series of events that lead towards the rebirth of the Devil into the mortal world.

The fear explored here, is that evil can corrupt the people around you. The safety you once felt from your community can be twisted until you’re in danger. Although the costumes of the townspeople joining the cult look pagan in design, they are worshipping the Devil.

It’s a clear-cut fight against good and evil, the righteous and the damned, fought by a judge wielding a huge Cruciform sword against the devil as his devout worshippers scream and chant.

The film includes some odd and scary moments that push into the realms of body horror: parts of the worshipper’s bodies transforming into those of the Devil so he has enough appendages to build himself a physical form in the mortal realm.

Creepy, to say the least.