8 bloodcurdling horror movies based on ancient folklore

Thimmaiah PU

Oct 11, 2023

Tumbbad: Amazon Prime Video

The film is based on the folktales of the hinterlands of Maharashtra and revolves around a family which builds a temple for Hastar, the devil God

La Llorona: Amazon Prime Video

The film revolves around a woman named Alma, who is murdered and returns to curse the General who ordered the attack

Sinister: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

The film revolves around Bughuul, known as as ‘the eater of children’. It is a play on the lore associated with the Bogeyman

Krampus: Amazon Prime Video

Based on Eastern and Central Alpine folklore, this is about a creature that punishes children by abducting them and taking them to the underworld

Bulbbul: Netflix

The supernatural thriller starring Tripti Dimri is based on on rural Bengal tales of female ghosts and tales from the cult of Kali

Midsommar: Apple TV+

The film is inspired from the Swedish legend of Hårgalåten, in which the devil tricks young locals into dancing to their deaths

Kothanodi: SonyLIV

Based on stories from the popular Assamese Burhi Aair Sadhu (grandma’s tales), this is a collection of eastern folklore

The Wailing: Amazon Prime Video

The film is based on South Korean folklore about a vengeful ghost who is responsible for a series of gruesome murders