10 creepy cult movies that feel just as unsettling as The Wicker Man

Horror movie fans know that some movies are not just scary but also create a kind of psychological discomfort and strangeness, as we are discussing here, The Wicker Man. Released in 1973, The Wicker Man's plot revolves around a cult and its bizarre practices. The movie features Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, and Britt Ekland and is directed by Robin Hardy.

The story begins when Neil Howie ends up on a secluded island to trace the disappearance of a young girl. A series of events follows, and the protagonist discovers mysteries around occult practices among the island's inhabitants.

If you are a cult horror enthusiast, below is a list of 10 such movies that can leave a lasting impression on your strongest heart.

10 creepy cult movies like The Wicker Man

The Omen (1976)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Omen tells a scary story that embraces religion and faith. This classic supernatural horror film still evokes a chilling feeling in the minds of the audience.

The fear settles in a new home when you remember the characters. The story of this movie begins when a diplomatic couple. Who secretly adopts another child by replacing their dead child?

The story begins to twist as the child grows up. He is later known as the child of the devil, Damien. The most terrifying aspect of the film is its gradual build-up of terror, the use of religious symbols, and the evil power hidden behind the child’s innocent appearance.

Midsommer (2019)

Where to watch: Netflix

Midsommar offers a different kind of horror experience. It challenges the audience a bit mentally. Even those who forget a lot cannot forget this movie once they see it.

The story of an American couple, Danny and Christian, takes a terrifying turn before their eyes. This time will come when they attend the Midsommar festival in a remote village in Sweden to overcome the crisis in their relationship.

Apostle (2018)

Where to watch: Netflix

Apostle is directed by Gareth Evans. It is a 2018 pagan-themed horror film. Set on an isolated Welsh island in 1905, the film tells the story of a brother and sister.

The film follows Brother Thomas Richardson as he embarks on a mysterious journey to rescue his kidnapped sister. A strange creature descends on the island.

The Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)

Where to watch: Criterion Channel

The story takes a new turn when a farmer discovers a deformed skull of a devil while cultivating his field. After this incident, the strange behavior of the village children will catch your eye.

Strangely, they find a leader among them and choose such a job, which is beyond imagination. According to the story, they join a devil-worshipping group.

Land of the Minotaur (1976)

Where to Watch: Night Flight Plus

Land of the Minotaur is also known as The Devil's Men. This British-Greek horror film is directed by Costas Karagiannis. The film tells the story of a group of satanic cultists in Greece.

Tourists are kidnapped throughout the story to worship an ancient Minotaur statue. Then, Irish priest Father Roach (Donald Pleasence) is called in to investigate. After he comes to know everything, it remains to be seen where the story of the film turns.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Where to watch: Shudder

Rock musician and director Rob Zombie's film is a taste of the horror genre. The film is still a surprise today due to its 1970s horror film influence. The story begins with two couples traveling through the back roads of Texas.

Suddenly, their lives take an unusual and violent turn. This turn could happen to anyone at any time. What happens next is worth capturing in the film.

Carnival of Souls (1962)

Where to watch: Criterion Channel

This movie is based on a young woman named Mary Henry. She comes back from the brink of death after a car accident. Here, the story takes a twist. Her life starts taking one strange turn after another.

After starting work as a church organist in Salt Lake City, her strange and haunting experiences would surely capture the attention of the audience. The classic psychological horror film Carnival of Souls has become a cult film since its release in 1962.

The Village (2004)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Courage is essential. Courage is the key to overcoming any fear. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Village is a psychological thriller that tells the story of the strange experiences and mysterious circumstances of people living in an isolated village.

The residents of a small, isolated village do not want to go out for fear of dangerous animals from the forest around them. When a young man decides to leave the village and go out, events take a turn that is difficult to explain without seeing it.

The Road (2009)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy, The Road is directed by John Hillcoat. Centered on a father and his young son, the story is emotional.

It is an emotional story of the sudden life of a father and son as they walk together to survive in a destroyed and empty world, where hunger, cold weather, and dangerous strangers play tricks on their existence.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a horror-thriller film. Based on an unknown chapter in Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, the film tells the story of the terrifying journey of a merchant ship called the Demeter. It tells the story of an unseen force on its way from Romania to England.

On the ship, a vampire, Dracula, was hiding in a strange wooden box. In the darkness of the night, Dracula began killing the crew one by one. Only Doctor Clemens survives, and it remains to be seen how he struggles to defeat Dracula.

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Incidentally, scary and psychologically ambiguous cult movies like The Wicker Man push viewers not just into fear but into a deep state of discomfort. Films in this genre create much more occult-driven pressure and cultural illusion than the typical horror movie, where reality and fear merge at one point.