British folklore has long served as a popular topic for storytelling, blending the mystique of ancient legends with the art of modern filmmaking. Each film in this selection not only entertains but also offers a unique lens through which to view the folklore that has woven itself into the cultural fabric of Britain. From eerie ghost stories set in remote villages to psychological thrillers that explore the depths of pagan rituals, these films traverse a broad spectrum of themes and styles, all the while maintaining a strong connection to the original tales that inspired them. As we journey through this curated list, we invite you to immerse yourself in the haunting landscapes, compelling narratives, and profound characters that define these cinematic treasures. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best films about British folklore.
10. The Woman in Black – Herbert Wise (1989)
In “The Woman in Black,” adapted from Susan Hill’s novel, a young, ambitious solicitor named Arthur Kidd embarks on a journey to a remote village nestled in the heart of England to settle the estate of a recently deceased client. He encounters the ghost of a scorned woman dressed in black, a mysterious specter whose ominous appearances foretell the tragic demise of children in the village. The film masterfully combines suspense with the supernatural, creating a sense of fear and anticipation, set against the bleak, windswept landscapes of England. The haunting atmosphere intensifies as Arthur unravels the heart-wrenching and mysterious tragic history of the Woman in Black.
Herbert Wise’s direction creates a chilling narrative that not only grips the audience but also immerses them in themes of loss and vengeance within the world of British folklore. The film’s use of sound and silence is particularly effective, employing a strategic blend of auditory cues to create a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. This careful orchestration of audio elements significantly amplifies the film’s suspenseful aura. The performances, especially that of the lead actor, are powerfully evocative and convincingly portray the growing dread and realization that grips Arthur Kidd. “The Woman in Black” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in British horror cinema, seamlessly combining traditional ghost story elements with a fresh, cinematic approach, effectively bringing a ghostly folklore tale to life.
9. A Field in England – Ben Wheatley (2013)
“A Field in England” is a psychedelic journey into the heart of the 17th-century English Civil War, depicting a tumultuous era marked by conflict and mysticism. The story follows a group of deserters who, after fleeing from a battle, are captured by an alchemist, a character shrouded in mystery and filled with enigmatic intentions. They are forced to assist him in searching for a hidden treasure, a mysterious artifact rumored to possess untold power, believed to be buried in a field. As they dig deeper, they encounter surreal and terrifying visions that not only challenge their sanity but also blur the lines between reality and hallucination.
Ben Wheatley’s direction offers a unique and disorienting cinematic experience that defies conventional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of narrative structure and viewer expectations. The film’s black-and-white cinematography and experimental use of visuals craft a world that is both unique and dreamlike, creating a hauntingly beautiful and unsettling atmosphere. This visual approach skillfully complements the film’s thematic exploration of the thin veil between the physical and the supernatural. “A Field in England” is a bold and imaginative film that reimagines traditional stories in a way that is both deeply unsettling and visually captivating, making it one of the best films about British folklore.
8. Night of the Eagle – Sidney Hayers (1962)
In “Night of the Eagle,” the storyline unfolds around a psychology professor, Norman Taylor, who is shocked to discover that his wife has been practicing witchcraft to further his career and personal life. This revelation shatters Norman’s perception of reality and challenges his staunch skepticism. When he forces her to stop, his once orderly and predictable life begins to spiral into chaos, as a series of unfortunate events begin to unravel his once stable life. The film tells a gripping narrative, where skepticism clashes with the unseen forces of witchcraft, immersing the viewer in a world where the logical and the mystical collide, set in a contemporary English setting. The suspense builds as Norman confronts the possibility that supernatural forces may indeed be at play, forcing him to question his own beliefs and understanding of the world.
Sidney Hayers directs this adaptation of Fritz Leiber’s novel with a keen eye for psychological tension. His direction subtly yet powerfully accentuates the growing sense of dread and disbelief experienced by the protagonist. The film is notable for its atmospheric cinematography which enhances the eerie and unsettling mood, and skillful storytelling, which keeps the audience on edge. The visual narrative mirrors the escalating tension of the plot. The performances, particularly of the lead, are deeply engaging and masterfully capture the conflict between rational thought and the supernatural. “Night of the Eagle” is a compelling exploration of the power of belief and the unseen forces that lurk within traditional British folklore, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the boundaries between science and the supernatural.
7. Village of the Damned – Wolf Rilla (1960)
“Village of the Damned” is set in the small British village of Midwich, a seemingly tranquil place that is abruptly shaken by a mysterious incident causing the entire population to fall unconscious. This unexplained phenomenon blankets the village in an eerie stillness. When they awake, many of the women find themselves inexplicably pregnant, leading to a wave of confusion and fear among the villagers. The resulting children possess eerie, otherworldly characteristics, marked by their unnerving calmness and uniform appearance. The narrative centers around the village’s efforts to understand and deal with these strange children, who exhibit supernatural abilities and a lack of human emotion.
Directed by Wolf Rilla, this adaptation of John Wyndham’s novel “The Midwich Cuckoos” is a classic in the realm of British horror and science fiction. Rilla’s direction subtly amplifies the unsettling nature of the story, drawing viewers deeper into the mystery. The film is celebrated for its haunting portrayal of the children, whose piercing stares and blonde hair become a symbol of the unknown and the fearsome. The cinematography and pacing of the film carefully builds an atmosphere of suspense and apprehension, contributing to a growing sense of dread that culminates in a tense climax. “Village of the Damned” remains a standout work, effectively using the narrative of otherness and invasion to reflect the fears and anxieties of its time, ensuring its place as one of the best films about British folklore.
6. Robin Redbreast – James MacTaggart (1970)
“Robin Redbreast,” set in an isolated rural village, follows Norah Palmer, a television script editor who seeks solace and a new beginning in the countryside after a romantic breakup. Her search for peace, however, is soon disrupted as her encounter with the local residents, who adhere to ancient customs and beliefs, begins to reveal the village’s mysterious undercurrents, soon taking a turn towards the uncanny, particularly after she becomes involved with a mysterious local man named Rob. The film skillfully combines themes of isolation, folklore, and the unsettling nature of rural traditions, creating a narrative that is as intriguing as it is disturbing. Norah’s experiences in the village lead her to confront eerie and arcane practices deeply rooted in British folklore, forcing her to question the line between reality and myth.
Directed by James MacTaggart, “Robin Redbreast” presents a narrative that is both compelling and strange. MacTaggart’s direction is nuanced and intentional, immersing the viewer in the film’s haunting ambiance. The film stands out for its understated yet effective storytelling, which allows the tension to build gradually and naturally, engulfing the viewer in a steadily growing sense of foreboding. The performances, especially the lead’s, capture the sense of dislocation and unease that permeates the film, conveying Norah’s transformation from an outsider to an unwitting participant in the village’s cryptic traditions. “Robin Redbreast” is a thought-provoking piece, drawing viewers into a world where ancient rituals and modern life collide in startling ways, offering a unique perspective on the enduring influence of folklore in contemporary settings.
5. Whistle and I’ll Come to You – Jonathan Miller (1968)
In “Whistle and I’ll Come to You,” an adaptation of M.R. James’s classic ghost story, the plot focuses on Professor Parkins, portrayed as a rational and somewhat aloof academic. While on a golfing holiday on the English coast, a location renowned for its stark beauty and haunting history, he discovers an old whistle in a graveyard, an artifact that appears innocuous but is steeped in mystery. When blown, the whistle unleashes a series of supernatural occurrences, progressively shattering the professor’s world of logic and skepticism. The film masterfully captures the eerie atmosphere of the desolate beach landscape, making it a character in its own right, as the professor begins to realise that he may have awakened something beyond his understanding. This adaptation is notable for its focus on the psychological aspects of horror, as the professor’s rational beliefs are challenged by inexplicable events, leading him down a path of chilling self-discovery.
Jonathan Miller directs this BBC production with a remarkable sense of atmosphere, infusing each scene with a sense of looming dread and uncertainty. The use of black and white cinematography not only gives the film a timeless quality but also enhances the film’s ghostly and unnerving mood, solidifying its place as one of the best films about British folklore. This visual style, paired with Miller’s direction, creates a pervasive sense of unease. The central performance is both subtle and powerful, captivatingly illustrating the professor’s transition from complacency to terror, as his skepticism is replaced by a palpable sense of fear. “Whistle and I’ll Come to You” remains a standout in British horror, combining folklore with a deeply personal exploration of fear and the unknown.
4. Penda’s Fen – Alan Clarke (1974)
“Penda’s Fen” takes place in the English countryside and tells the story of Stephen, a reflective and introspective vicar’s son, who experiences a series of visionary and supernatural events. These events gradually peel away the layers of his preconceived notions and beliefs. As he confronts and questions his sexuality, nationalism, and religious beliefs, Stephen encounters apparitions and symbols that serve as both a challenge and a revelation, drawn from English folklore and history. The narrative challenges and deconstructs traditional notions of English identity and heritage, provoking a profound reconsideration of accepted norms, set against a landscape that is as mystifying as it is beautiful, filled with ancient myths. Clarke’s film is a complex exploration of a young man’s coming of age in a world where personal discovery intertwines with the mystical.
Directed by Alan Clarke, “Penda’s Fen” is celebrated for its dreamlike and philosophical approach. This cinematic style seamlessly blends elements of the ethereal and the tangible, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, thereby crafting a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting. Effectively using the rural setting to evoke a sense of otherworldliness, the film creates an immersive experience for the audience. The lead’s performance is remarkably nuanced, capturing the internal conflict and awakening of the protagonist compellingly. Stephen’s journey is portrayed with a sensitivity and depth that resonate with viewers. “Penda’s Fen” is not just a story about folklore, but a deeply introspective journey that challenges viewers to reconsider their own beliefs and identities, making it a timeless piece of cinematic art.
3. The Witch – Robert Eggers (2015)
“The Witch,” set in the 1630s in New England, portrays an era of deep superstition and fear, and revolves around a Puritan family who are exiled from their community and face sinister forces in the wilderness near their farm. Their struggle for survival in the harsh, unforgiving landscape becomes increasingly dire as the family’s dynamic starts to crumble under the weight of paranoia and religious fervor after their youngest son vanishes, plunging them into a spiral of suspicion and despair. Their daughter Thomasin becomes the subject of witchcraft accusations, casting a shadow of doubt and fear across the family. Eggers’ film is a harrowing depiction of isolation, religious extremism, and the dark lore that permeated early American settler beliefs, heavily influenced by British folklore.
Robert Eggers directs this period horror with an attention to historical detail that lends authenticity to the narrative. His careful recreation of the period, from costumes to language, immerses the viewer in the 17th-century life, helping to make it one of the best films about British folklore. The dialogue, drawn from period sources, and the stark, naturalistic cinematography not only enhance the story’s realism but also amplify its haunting atmosphere. The performances, particularly by the lead actor, Ralph Ineson, are remarkable in their intensity, embodying the hysteria and dread of the era with profound depth. “The Witch” stands as a powerful exploration of the intersections between folklore, faith, and fear, melding historical accuracy with supernatural horror to resonate with audiences as a modern classic in horror cinema.
2. A Warning to the Curious – Lawrence Gordon Clark (1972)
“A Warning to the Curious” follows the story of the inquisitive yet naive amateur archaeologist, Paxton, who travels to an English seaside town engulfed in fog and shrouded in mystery, in search of a legendary lost crown said to protect the country from invasion. Despite the ominous and foreboding atmosphere of the town and the stern cautions of its inhabitants, Paxton unearths the crown, only to find himself haunted by a spectral guardian, a ghostly figure bound to the relic, serving as its relentless protector. The film captures the eerie essence of British ghost stories, masterfully combining local lore with a constant sense of dread. As Paxton becomes increasingly entangled in the curse of the crown, the narrative explores the consequences of defying ancient traditions, painting a grim portrait of the relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
Directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark, this adaptation of M.R. James’ ghost story is a standout in British horror. Clark’s direction effectively utilizes the haunting landscapes and brooding skies to create a pervasive sense of unease. The film excels in building suspense and a haunting atmosphere, aided by the bleak and windswept coastal setting, which becomes a character in its own right, echoing the story’s dark themes. The performance of the lead actor convincingly portrays Paxton’s descent from curiosity to terror, as he navigates a path fraught with supernatural dread and impending doom. “A Warning to the Curious” serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking within forgotten folklore and the price of disturbing what should be left undisturbed, leaving a lasting mark on the viewer as a haunting tale of curiosity gone awry.
1. The Wicker Man – Robin Hardy (1973)
“The Wicker Man” is set on the fictional Scottish island of Summerisle, a location engulfed in mystery and an eerie sense of isolation, where Police Sergeant Howie arrives to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. As he begins his investigation, he encounters a tight-knit community deeply rooted in pagan beliefs and rituals, starkly contrasting with his own devout Christian faith. This contrast becomes the catalyst for a series of increasingly unsettling discoveries. The film expertly combines elements of horror, mystery, and folklore as Howie delves deeper into the island’s secrets, unraveling layers of deception and ancient customs. The island’s eerie practices and the clash of ideologies form the core of this cult classic, renowned for its exploration of faith, ritual, and sacrifice, challenging the viewer’s perceptions of morality and spirituality.
Robin Hardy’s direction in “The Wicker Man” is notable for its subtle approach to storytelling and atmosphere, creating a world that feels at once real and ethereal. The film’s visual style, characterized by its powerful imagery and symbolic motifs, plays a crucial role in enhancing the sense of a community steeped in ancient traditions. This visual storytelling, combined with Hardy’s direction, immerses the viewer in the narrative. The performances, particularly by Christopher Lee, are intense and evocative, effectively portraying the clash between rationality and belief. “The Wicker Man” remains a standout film in the folk horror genre, offering a profound commentary on the power and endurance of folklore in the modern world, ensuring its place as one of the best films about British folklore.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best films about British folklore:
- The Woman in Black – Herbert Wise (1989)
- A Field in England – Ben Wheatley (2013)
- Night of the Eagle – Sidney Hayers (1962)
- Village of the Damned – Wolf Rilla (1960)
- Robin Redbreast – James MacTaggart (1970)
- Whistle and I’ll Come to You – Jonathan Miller (1968)
- Penda’s Fen – Alan Clarke (1974)
- The Witch – Robert Eggers (2015)
- A Warning to the Curious – Lawrence Gordon Clark (1972)
- The Wicker Man – Robin Hardy (1973)
