Let’s be honest, cults have always been creepy; from the way they dress to their strange behavior, just being near one may send shivers down your spine. And these twenty-five films definitely know that, as they feature some of the most horrifying cults ever depicted on screen.
Now put on your white robe and flower crown ready as we’re about to take a look at the Top 25 Best Horror Movies About Cults.
25. The Sacrament (2013)
A journalist team from Vice travels to visit Eden Parish to find a man's sister, but they soon discover that the cult may be hiding something.
The Sacrament takes its time introducing you to the seemingly joyful but strange cult, and what follows is an unsettling experience made the more so by the found video perspective, which makes watching the film feel personal.
The film is made much more disturbing by the film's eerie final act, which will leave you stunned in your seat.
24. Children of the Corn (1984)
Children of the Corn is based on Stephen King's short story about a young couple stuck in a remote town where a religious cult of children has taken over and believes that everyone over the age of eighteen must be killed.
This franchise has spawned countless sequels and remakes, and it continues to this day, yet nothing can ever compare to the original from 1984. This film will make you fear all children. Sure, it's cheesy by today's standards, but it's still nonetheless a fun film involving weird kids running a cult. I mean, aren't children in horror movies already terrifying enough?
23. Apostle (2018)
A man journeys to a remote island in pursuit of his missing sister, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious religious cult, in the year 1905.
Apostle is a great choice if you're looking for a slow-paced, suspense-filled film. It takes its time to construct its mysteries to make you feel immersed in it, and once it finally starts revealing its many answers, you'll be left shocked. While some may not appreciate its slow pace, those who tuned in were treated to one of the most tensest and violent films ever made.
22. Cult of Chucky (2017)
Set a few years after the events of Curse of Chucky, we once again follow Nica in an institution as she tries to survive another terror of the killer doll Chucky.
You might not have expected this one to make the list, but it certainly deserves its spot for providing an enjoyable slasher film that blended the franchise's horror and comedy. Instead of focusing on a cult of people, Cult of Chucky centers on a cult of Chucky dolls.
It's a very campy film but it still provides some genuinely chilling parts that make it worthwhile to watch.
21. The Babysitter (2017)
Cole and his babysitter, Bee, enjoy a lovely friendship, but all changes when he decides to stay up late and discovers that his hot babysitter, along with others, is a member of a satanic cult.
Check out The Babysitter if you're seeking for a really entertaining film that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a film that offers up buckets of blood, as well as interesting characters and scenarios that will not only have you laughing out loud but also jump out of your seat.
Judah Lewis as Cole is a likable protagonist that you will want to be rooting for thanks to his great performance, as well as Samara Weiving who does an excellent job as the charming but intimidating Bee.
The sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen is just as, if not, good as this awesome flick, so make sure to watch it as well!
20. Starry Eyes (2014)
A hopeful young starlet uncovers the frightening origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune.
Starry Eyes has a familiar story that makes it simple to resonate with, but it's the twist with the hopeless events that makes it a distinctive film worth watching. It's a film that, at times, gets unsettling to watch owing to the numerous terrifying sequences and scares.
This film is not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy your unnerving horror with a bit of brutality, give it a shot.
19. V/H/S/94 (2021)
A police S.W.A.T. squad is led to the discovery of a sinister cult whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a terrifying conspiracy thanks to a peculiar VHS video.
Although it may be considered a bit of a cheat to include a short segment from an anthology on the list, V/H/S/94's Storm Drain rightfully deserves its spot on the list It's a segment that's both entertaining and terrifying, thanks to its dark and claustrophobic setting, which makes it feel as if anything could burst out at any minute, as well as its many homages to the 80s era.
Its concept of a creature as God may sound cheesy, but it doesn’t forget to terrify its viewers as well, making it one of the best horror movie cults of all time.
18. Silent Hill (2006)
Based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, Silent Hill sees Rose Da Silva (Radha Mitchell) as she searches for her missing daughter in the quiet foggy village of Silent Hill.
The Silent Hill games are widely regarded as among the best and scariest video games of all time, and this film adaptation does an excellent job of capturing what made the games so popular. Each scene is tense and dramatic because of the creative monsters, eerie music, and amazing atmosphere, all adapted from the games.
The cults from the original game have also been given more importance, making them more sinister than ever before, and Cheryl's misery has never been more dramatic.
17. The Lodge (2019)
At a remote holiday village, a soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in with her fiancé's two children. Strange and terrifying incidents occur just as the trio's relationship begins to grow.
The Lodge's haunting and depressing atmosphere will have its grip on you from beginning to end. Instead of exploring a cult, the film dives inside the mind of a former member and the psychological trauma that it brought, creating a spine-chilling film full of subtle horrors.
The very first time the “repent” scene played I was genuinely creeped out and was even more shocked when the plot twist came and explained many of the mysteries that the film had set out.
16. Mandy (2018)
Taking place in 1983, Mandy depicts a couple being terrorized by a dangerous cult. Now, it’s up to Red (Nick Cage) to take revenge on to cult in a psychedelic trip.
Many cult horror films use vibrant colors to entice you in with happiness and terror; Mandy, on the other hand, is all about the dark, heavy hues, creating one of the most stylish films you'll ever see. It's an over-the-top thrill rush from start to finish, made even better by Nicholas Cage's endearing performance.
It contains numerous elements that will appeal to every horror lover, making it an immediate cult classic.
15. The Void (2016)
A police officer (Aaron Poole) and the patients and personnel of a hospital that is a gateway to evil are trapped by mysterious veiled cult-like individuals.
The 1980s has to be the best decade for horror because of the numerous creative movie concepts and practical gore that it showcased back then, and it appears that the team behind The Void understands this, which is why they've crafted one of the most surreal films to date.
It's full of strange imagery and gruesome practical effects that make it difficult to watch, harkening back to classic horror films like The Thing. It's an inventive and relentless film that horror aficionados must see.
14. The Perfection (2018)
When Charlotte, a troubled musical genius, seeks out Elizabeth, the new star pupil at her old school, the encounter sends both musicians down a dangerous path with shocking consequences.
Many movies often fail miserably when it comes to plot twists; The Perfection, on the other hand, has a slew of them that you won't see coming. It's also a film with a stunning direction style and numerous unpleasant scenes that will disgust you.
Its trailer may be hypnotizing, but believe me when I say that you will be even more surprised when you watch this incredible film.
13. Society (1989)
Billy Warlock plays a Beverly Hills teen who discovers his parents are members of a nasty orgy cult for the social elite.
Have you ever watched a strange movie that made you wonder what you were seeing? Well, I guarantee you they have nothing on 1989's Society. It’s got an intriguing mystery that will hook you in from beginning to end. It also features tons of bizarre and gross body horror that makes viewing the film feels like a fever dream.
If you love the bizarre then make sure you don’t skip this one.
12. V/H/S/2 (2013)
A sequel to the promising anthology horror, V/H/S/, this sequel explores five terrifying stories, all connected by a mysterious tape.
Would you look at that, another entry from the V/H/S/ franchise manages to make it into the list. V/H/S/2 offers up many great horror stories however, the one that stands out the most is the segment called Safe Haven. It’s a segment from Thailand and features some of the most insane and over-the-top spectacles you’ll ever see.
It has a ton of awesome imagery due to the creepy cult that it features, from a suicide group to a demon baby, it’s full of non-stop visceral action that will make you both shiver in horror and jump out of your seat due to excitement.
11. The Invitation (2015)
Will and his new girlfriend Kira are invited to a dinner with old friends at Will's ex-girlfriend Eden's new boyfriend David's house. Despite the fact that the evening looks to be casual, Will soon gets the impression that their charming host David is up to something.
What begins as an unsettling horror film gradually turns into one of the most surprising horror flicks you'll ever witness. The film is suspenseful, taking its time to make you suspicious of each and every character as foreshadows fly by over your head, making the revelations feel clever.
If you enjoy films that keep you on the edge of your seat with brilliant storytelling, this is one to watch.
10. The Ritual (2017)
A group of college friends reunites for a trip to the forest after their friend’s death only to encounter a menacing presence in the woods that’s stalking them.
The mid-2010s were full of uninspired horror films one after another so this amazing film easily went past the radar of many horror fans. Those who’ve seen though were treated to one of the most unique modern films ever made long before “art-horror films” became popular.
Its got an amazing premise along with a creepy setting that will fill you with dread. On top of that, it also has a phenomenal monster design that I guarantee will make you scared to fall asleep. Make sure to watch this underrated film right now!
9. The House of the Devil (2009)
In the 1980s, college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret.
Many films that take place in a specific period often fail due to the loss of focus between its scares and visuals however this amazing film by Director Ti West perfectly delivers both, creating an entertaining film that’s both scary and a delight to watch.
Like every movie on the list, The House of the Devil takes its time to build up suspense, every moment feels genuinely creepy and feels like there’s always something lurking in the corner. However, terrifying as it may be, the movie is actually pretty straightforward. It advertises itself as a movie about a mysterious house and it delivers exactly that which makes it a great film to watch.
8. Kill List (2012)
Nearly a year after a botched job, a hitman takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.
Without giving away any spoilers, Kill List is a shocking and mysterious film that blends many genres to create a tense and subversive experience. It’s a movie that will take you in different directions, keeping you on your toes as you watch the disturbing events happen.
It’s best to go into this film blind to truly soak up the amazing atmosphere and twists.
7. Martyrs (2008)
A young woman’s quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child leads her and her best friend, also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.
Martyrs isn’t exactly the type of movie that you’ll often hear recommended when someone’s looking for something to watch. It is an extreme film that pushes the boundary of what a horror film can tell and show, but those who watch it will be treated to one of the most thought-provoking film ever.
Although the hard-to-watch gore is often the one highlighted when the film is talked about, what many overlooks is that it actually brings a lot of surprises. The story makes a lot of unexpected turns, with some even changing the movie’s genre entirely, which in turn makes for an engaging film.
Just don’t watch the 2015 American remake as it's also hard to watch but for an entirely different reason.
6. Suspiria (1977)
Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school, only to discover that it may be holding a dark secret.
Let me introduce you to one of the most alluring films you’ll ever see. Its many saturated colors create an equally stylistic and terrifying atmosphere, making viewing the film feel like you’re watching a hypnotizing art piece.
And its many brutal and iconic deaths will leave you cowering in fear, on top of a compelling mystery, making Suspiria a must-watch for every horror fan. Its 2018 remake starring Dakota Johnson is also a magnificent film for all the different reasons, so make sure not to skip it as well.
5. Doctor Sleep (2019)
Set years after The Shining, a now-adult Dan Torrance must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.
The Shining is considered one of the best horror films of all time, and so it came as a bit of a surprise when this sequel was announced 40 years after and turned out to be an equally fantastic film. It’s full of astonishing imagery that is both visually pleasing and disturbing.
The featured cult is one of the cruelest and most intimidating cults you’ll ever see on the big screen yourself due to the amazing performance by the actors. Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance also does an incredible job making you sympathize with him from beginning to end.
Doctor Sleep is a sequel that respects its original and source material from every single aspect.
4. The Wicker Man (1973)
Police sergeant Neil Howie is called to an island village in search of a missing girl, according to the locals claim never existed. What's stranger, however, are the rituals that take place there.
Whenever you hear the Wicker Man, many people often go to the remake starring Nick Cage, however, what they don’t realize is that they are actually missing out on one of the most terrifying films about cults.
It’s a film that will bring you one of the most incredibly surreal experiences you’ll ever have. And while it does take its time for things to happen, it all feels acceptable due to the compelling mystery and many tension-filled scenes. And because of all of this, it’s easy to see why The Wicker Man is considered one of the best British horror films of all time.
3. Midsommar (2019)
Dani (Florence Pugh), Christian (Jack Reynor), along with their friends travel to Sweden to visit their friend's village for its famed midsummer festival, but what begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into a bizarre vacation at the hands of a cult.
Midsommer is one of the most recent films on the list, and one that takes the Cult sub-genre and executes a realistic yet terrifying story. Many of the characters that we follow were all entertaining to watch, most especially Danny despite some of them being unlikeable due to the fantastic performances on screen.
It also has a gorgeous visual to boot. Whether it's day or night, the movie will enchant you with its many surreal images and beautiful locations blooming with colors. And although the movie mostly take place during sunlight, it still doesn’t fail to create an effective atmosphere that makes each reveal feel shocking.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Anni (Toni Collette) and her grieving family slowly discover a terrible secret about their family's past after her mother passes away, and what follows is a disturbing exploration of a family's ancestry.
Here’s another film by Ari Aster that will take you along on a depressing ride. What seemed like just another supernatural movie turned out to be something far greater as it subverted every single expectation of its viewers. And its many quiet yet emotional scenes make such a large impact, made even better by the amazing performances of its actors.
To avoid any spoilers, well, let’s just say that the third act with the cult members will make you question everything that you’re seeing as your heart beats aggressively.
1. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
After moving into a giant apartment with her husband Guy, Rosemary Woodhouse believes that her neighbors may be planning something sinister to her baby, all the while suffering from her pregnancy.
From the movie’s beginning to end, Mia Farrow’s Rosemary will lure you in with her charm and captivating past, as well as her amazing performance, making you sympathize with her as she gets her life controlled by the cult members.
When I actually watched the film, I thought it was just going to be just another supernatural movie but what I didn’t expect was the many subliminal imageries and shocking moments that will leave you with your imagination.
Rosemary’s Baby is not just your typical horror movie, it’s a smart film that slowly fills the screen with dread and hypnotizing imagery to make you (the viewer) terrified, along with Rosemary herself.
