The 60+ Best Movies About Cults
- 1Rebecca Moore, Janet Shular, Tim Carter
This gripping documentary delves into the infamous 1978 mass suicide at the hands of Jim Jones, leader of the Peoples Temple cult. Through a mix of chilling survivor accounts and never-before-seen footage, the film paints a haunting portrait of life within the Jonestown commune and its eventual tragic downfall. A sobering reminder of the power and danger of blind faith, this documentary is both informative and deeply unsettling.
- 2Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
A visually stunning and emotionally harrowing journey into the isolated world of a remote Swedish community, this modern masterpiece explores the depths of human vulnerability and manipulation. Main characters find themselves entangled in a series of ancient rituals that quickly take a dark turn, revealing the community's true intentions. The unnerving depiction of an obscure cult and its horrifying practices make this film a must-watch for lovers of psychological thrillers.
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- 3Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland
A slow-burning yet utterly compelling mystery that has earned its place as one of the greatest British horror films ever made, this classic tale follows a police sergeant's investigation into the disappearance of a girl on a remote island inhabited by pagan worshippers. As he uncovers the island's disturbing secrets, he finds himself drawn deeper into their terrifying customs. Unforgettable for its eerie atmosphere and spine-tingling climax, this masterpiece will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
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- 4Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
In this chilling tale of paranoia and demonic possession, a young woman begins to suspect that her seemingly perfect neighbors are not what they appear to be. As she becomes increasingly convinced that her unborn child is in grave danger, she spirals further into madness and despair. Brimming with suspense and filled with unforgettable performances, this horror classic is an essential watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
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- 5Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff
Plagued by a series of mysterious events following the death of her secretive mother, a woman discovers that her family's dark past holds terrifying secrets about their ominous destiny. Showcasing unforgettable performances and an unnervingly tense atmosphere, this modern classic explores the chilling implications of demonic possession and the devastating toll it takes on one family. Both heartbreaking and horrifying, Hereditary is not for the faint of heart.
- 6Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
At a seemingly innocuous dinner party, a man becomes increasingly convinced that his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests. Layered with tension and subtle clues, this slow-burning thriller keeps audiences guessing until its shocking climax. Perfectly capturing the unease of being trapped in a dangerous situation, The Invitation is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
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- 7Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton, R. G. Armstrong
Based on a spine-chilling short story by Stephen King, this horror flick follows a couple who stumbles upon a seemingly deserted town where children hold sway and worship a malevolent entity hidden in the cornfields. As they uncover the town's terrifying secrets, they must fight for their lives against the possessed children. This eerily atmospheric movie is sure to invoke shivers down the spines of viewers and remain etched in their memories.
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- 8Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O'Brien
A thrilling blend of dark comedy and horror, this film follows a young bride who discovers that her wealthy new in-laws are part of a secret cult with murderous intentions during a deadly game of hide-and-seek. With its wicked humor, strong performances, and bloody action, Ready or Not is a wild ride that delivers both laughs and chills in equal measure.
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- 9Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
Exploring themes of consumerism, mental health, and anarchy, this modern classic presents a disillusioned white-collar worker who forms an underground fight club as an escape from his mundane existence. As the club gains notoriety and spirals out of control, it evolves into a full-blown cult-like organization with far-reaching consequences. A thought-provoking and visually striking film, Fight Club remains an iconic piece of cinema that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences.
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- #8 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- 10Michael Parks, John Goodman, Melissa Leo
A riveting and provocative examination of extremism, this controversial film follows three friends who find themselves held captive by a fanatical religious group with a violent agenda. As the situation escalates, they must contend with both their captors and a government agent hell-bent on taking down the cult. Boasting powerhouse performances and unflinching brutality, Red State offers an intense exploration of the dangers that lurk at the fringes of society.
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- 11Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett
Set against the eerie backdrop of a prestigious dance academy in Berlin, this chilling remake follows a young dancer who becomes enmeshed in a coven of witches while uncovering the school's dark secrets. Filled with hypnotic visuals, unsettling soundscapes, and masterful tension building, Suspiria is a nightmarish journey into the sinister world of occult rituals and hidden power.
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- 12Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sydney Pollack
A surreal odyssey into the world of secret societies and dangerous liaisons, this mesmerizing film centers on a doctor who becomes entangled in a web of deception and intrigue after attending a mysterious masked ball. Exploring themes of power, sex, and control, the movie masterfully balances provocation and restraint to create a dreamlike experience that is both captivating and unsettling. A cinematic treat from Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut will challenge and ignite one's imagination.
- 13Joe Swanberg, Amy Seimetz, AJ Bowen
Inspired by real-life events surrounding the Jonestown Massacre, this found-footage horror flick follows three journalists as they investigate a remote commune led by a charismatic leader. As they immerse themselves in the community's seemingly idyllic lifestyle, they soon uncover the chilling truth behind their utopian façade. Unnerving and brutally realistic, The Sacrament serves as a horrifying reminder of the danger of blind devotion.
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- 14Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Callie Hernandez
In this atmospheric sci-fi thriller, two brothers return to the isolated commune they escaped years earlier in search of closure and answers about their upbringing. As they dig deeper into the group's mysterious rituals and beliefs, they begin to unravel a reality-bending secret that threatens both their sanity and their lives. Expertly blending psychological drama with supernatural elements, The Endless offers a captivating look at cults through a unique genre lens.
More The Endless - 15Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, John Hawkes
In this riveting psychological thriller, a young woman struggles to reestablish her sense of self after fleeing an abusive cult and reuniting with her estranged sister. As she grapples with the traumatic memories of her past, she becomes increasingly paranoid that her former "family" is watching her every move. With its harrowing portrayal of manipulation and control, Martha Marcy May Marlene offers a chilling glimpse into the sinister world of cult indoctrination.
- 16Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody
Delving deep into themes of fear, manipulation, and isolation, this eerie thriller centers on a secluded 19th-century village surrounded by mysterious woods inhabited by unseen creatures. As the villagers grapple with their fear of what lies beyond their borders, they slowly uncover the disturbing secrets that bind their community together. With its poignant storytelling and chilling atmosphere, The Village offers a haunting look at the lengths people will go to maintain control over those they seek to protect.
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- 17Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss
A tense and thought-provoking exploration of doppelgängers and sinister underground societies, this chilling horror-thriller follows a family on vacation who are terrorized by their mysterious doubles. As the story unravels, it unveils a complex web of hidden identities and covert plots that call into question the very nature of reality itself. With its inspired blend of social commentary and unnerving scares, Us is a cinematic feast for fans of intelligent horror films.
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- #183 of 397 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- 18Rafe Spall, Rob James-Collier, Arsher Ali
A thrilling blend of Norse mythology and visceral horror, this chilling film follows four friends who embark on a hike through the Scandinavian wilderness to honor their late friend's memory. However, as they delve deeper into the ancient forests, they encounter a malevolent force that preys on their fears and insecurities. A suspenseful and atmospheric journey into the realm of occult worship, The Ritual is sure to enthrall and terrify viewers in equal measure.
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- 19Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
Set in post-World War II America, this critically acclaimed drama explores the complexities of faith and manipulation through the relationship between a troubled drifter and the enigmatic leader of a fledgling spiritual movement. Showcasing powerhouse performances from its leads and richly textured storytelling, The Master is a haunting examination of the allure and danger inherent in cult-like devotion.
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- 20Olivia Colman, Kaitlyn Dever, Alice Englert
Set against the backdrop of a remote Appalachian community, this atmospheric drama explores the devout but dangerous world of snake-handling churches. As the pastor's daughter grapples with forbidden love and her place within the congregation, she becomes ensnared in a web of secrets that threaten to unravel her entire world. A slow-burning exploration of religious fanaticism and its impact on those caught in its grip, Them That Follow is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
- 21
The Lodge
Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHughIn this bone-chilling psychological thriller, a grieving father leaves his kids to bond with their soon-to-be stepmother at a remote winter cabin. But when they become stranded by a snowstorm, dark psychological forces from her past resurface, turning their retreat into a nightmarish fight for survival. With its claustrophobic setting and unnerving plot twists, The Lodge is an immersive and haunting exploration of trauma and manipulation that will keep viewers on edge until the very end.
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- 22Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
In this uproarious action-comedy, an overzealous London police officer is reassigned to a seemingly idyllic English village where he uncovers a bizarre conspiracy involving human sacrifice and sinister cult-like activities. As he investigates the town's dark secrets, he teams up with a bumbling local cop to bring down the group behind it all. Balancing laugh-out-loud humor with bloody thrills, Hot Fuzz offers a riotously entertaining take on the cult movie genre that will leave viewers gasping for breath between laughs.
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- 23Christopher Denham, Nicole Vicius, Brit Marling
In this mesmerizing psychological thriller, a journalist and his girlfriend infiltrate an enigmatic cult led by a woman who claims to be a time traveler from the future. As they delve deeper into her teachings, they begin to question their own skepticism and face the unsettling possibility that she may, in fact, be telling the truth. A haunting exploration of faith, deception, and devotion, Sound of My Voice is a chilling reminder that sometimes, seeing isn't always believing.
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- 24
The Babysitter
Bella Thorne, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae LeeA wickedly entertaining blend of horror and comedy, this film follows a young boy who discovers that his beloved babysitter is the leader of a murderous satanic cult. Armed with only his wits and resourcefulness, he must outsmart the bloodthirsty group to survive the night. With its tongue-in-cheek humor, over-the-top gore, and irresistible charm, The Babysitter is a wildly entertaining ride from start to finish.
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- 25Mike Papantonio, Lou Engle, Becky Fischer
Offering a rare and disturbing look into the world of evangelical indoctrination, this gripping documentary explores a summer camp designed to convert children into "soldiers for God." Through interviews with camp leaders and heart-rending footage of young participants being driven to tears and expressing radical beliefs, Jesus Camp paints a haunting portrait of the power and danger of religious fervor.
- 26James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst
A haunting tale of adolescent obsession and tragedy, this critically acclaimed film tells the story of five sisters whose strict upbringing sparks rumors and fascination among their suburban community. As their male classmates become increasingly captivated by the enigmatic girls, they discover the dark secrets hidden within the sisters' closed-off world. Poetic and deeply melancholic, The Virgin Suicides captures the ephemeral nature of youth and its underlying darkness with devastating beauty.
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- 27Yvonne De Carlo, Gene Barry, Joseph Cotten
Recounting the harrowing events of the infamous Jonestown Massacre, this chilling drama delves into the lives of those who followed cult leader Jim Jones to their tragic ends. Through a combination of archival footage and dramatized scenes, the film unfolds as an unflinching examination of the horrifying consequences that can arise from religious fanaticism. A sobering portrayal of one of history's darkest moments, Guyana: Crime of the Century is a powerful reminder of the dangers of blind devotion.
- 28
The Source Family
Father YodThis enthralling documentary takes viewers inside the eccentric and hedonistic world of The Source Family – a 1970s California commune led by enigmatic spiritual leader Father Yod. Through captivating interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film explores the group's radical beliefs, free-loving lifestyle, and eventual downfall. Offering a fascinating glimpse into one of America's most notorious cults, The Source Family is an essential watch for anyone intrigued by alternative lifestyles and countercultural movements.
- 29Kate Micucci, Taika Waititi, Rhea Seehorn
This offbeat dark comedy follows a young couple who unwittingly move into an apartment with a grim history, as it was once the site of a cult leader's ritual suicides. As they grapple with the increasingly bizarre chain of events that unfold in their new home, they must navigate the quirky cult followers who continue to visit the apartment for their own morbid purposes. With a razor-sharp wit and unique premise, Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss is a wildly entertaining journey into the absurdities of cult devotion.
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- 30Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan
In this thrilling adventure, iconic archeologist Indiana Jones faces his most dangerous foes yet – a sinister cult that performs gruesome human sacrifices in the depths of a remote palace. As he unravels the group's diabolical plans and races to stop them, Indy encounters thrilling action, narrow escapes, and an unforgettable supporting cast; all while showcasing the signature wit and charm that have made him a cultural icon. A captivating foray into the world of cults and dark rituals, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is an adrenaline-fueled ride that stands as a beloved classic in the adventure genre.
