The movie has become one of Britain’s most celebrated horror films (Image: British Lion Films)
There have been plenty of horror films over the years that left viewers too scared to sleep after watching them. The genre has produced some of the most memorable films in cinema history, including psychological thrillers and classic supernatural stories
But there is one British horror movie from the 1970s that many fans still believe is one of the best ever made. The film has built a huge cult following over the decades and combines mystery, suspense and folk horror with an unsettling atmosphere that slowly builds from start to finish. The movie also holds an impressive 92% critic score and 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Christopher Lee was so passionate about getting the film made that he worked on it without pay (Image: British Lion Films)
That film is The Wicker Man, the 1973 British folk horror classic starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee.
Directed by Robin Hardy, the film follows police officer Sergeant Neil Howie as he travels to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl.
Once there, he discovers the island’s residents practise a strange form of paganism after abandoning Christianity.
As the investigation continues, Howie becomes increasingly disturbed by the islanders’ rituals and traditions before uncovering a terrifying secret linked to the annual May Day celebrations.
The screenplay was written by Anthony Shaffer and inspired by David Pinner’s 1967 novel Ritual. The cast also includes Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento and Ingrid Pitt.
Over the years, The Wicker Man has become one of Britain’s most celebrated horror films.
Film magazine Cinefantastique famously described it as “The Citizen Kane of horror movies”, while Total Film later named it the sixth-greatest British film ever made.
The movie also won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 1978.
Its famous ending was later included in Bravo’s list of the 100 Scariest Movie Moments, while the film itself appeared during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony as part of a celebration of British cinema.
Those who have watched the film did not hold back in their praise.
One person said in a Rotten Tomatoes review: “Masterpiece of Modern British Folk Horror. Amazing performances, mood, setting and suspense.”
Edward Woodward in The Wicker Man (Image: British Lion Films)
Another added: “The Wicker Man is a rare breed: a cult film that actually deserves the status. It explores the dangerous intersection of faith, isolation, and tradition without ever feeling like a lecture. It’s unsettling, intellectual, and deeply human.”
A third wrote: “Best horror film ever made. Absolutely brilliant. So mesmerising in its design from start to finish.”
Someone else commented: “This is literally the scariest movie I’ve ever seen. Watch it now.”
The film was shot largely across Scotland, including locations in Galloway, Ayrshire and Ross-shire.
Because filming began in October 1972 despite the story being set in spring, crews reportedly had to attach artificial leaves and blossoms to trees in several scenes.
Christopher Lee was also so passionate about getting the film made that he worked on it without pay.
The Wicker Man can be streamed on the BFI Player.