Horror fans throw these terms around all the time – folk horror, occult horror, pagan rituals, witches in the woods, cults muttering incantations – but are they actually the same thing? Not quite. While the two subgenres often overlap, each has its own identity, themes, and cinematic traditions.
Below, we break down what makes them unique, where they intersect, and why people often mix them up.
What Is Folk Horror?
Folk horror is rooted in rural isolation, old customs, and the terrifying weight of tradition. These stories lean into landscapes, superstition, and the fear of being trapped far from modern life. The supernatural can appear, but it doesn’t have to – the horror often comes from the people and the beliefs they cling to.
Common traits of folk horror:
- Remote or pastoral settings
- Isolated communities with strange customs
- Rituals, pagan traditions, or ancient belief systems
- Legends, folklore, and inherited superstitions
- Nature as an active threat
Examples: The Witch, Midsommar, The Wicker Man, The Ritual
Folk horror thrives on the idea that the past never really died – it just hid in the woods.
What Is Occult Horror?
Occult horror dives into the supernatural, arcane knowledge, and hidden forces. It revolves around secret societies, demonic entities, ritual magic, and forbidden texts. In these films, something otherworldly is definitely at play.
Common traits of occult horror:
- Ritual magic, spells, and esoteric practices
- Demons, spirits, witchcraft, or dark supernatural forces
- Secret societies or cults with hidden agendas
- Ancient texts or forbidden knowledge
- Possession and spiritual manipulation
Examples: Hereditary, The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, The Ninth Gate
Occult horror is about the danger of what lurks behind the veil – and what happens when humans try to summon or control it.
Where They Overlap
Some of the best horror films blur the line between the two. A rural cult performing supernatural rituals, for example, can tick both boxes.
Films that blend folk and occult horror:
- The Witch – isolated folk setting + literal witchcraft
- Kill List – modern hitmen vs ancient occult cult
- Apostle – rural isolation + pagan deity worship
When old traditions meet supernatural forces, you get hybrid terrors that hit on multiple levels.
So… Are They the Same?
In short:
- Folk horror is defined by culture, tradition, and landscape.
- Occult horror is defined by hidden knowledge, magic, and the supernatural.
They intersect often, but they’re not interchangeable. Folk horror looks at the horrors humanity creates through tradition. Occult horror explores the horrors that come from beyond human understanding.
And when you find a movie that combines both? That’s when things get really unsettling.
