5. The Ritual (2017
Scandinavia: famed for its design, Vikings, and, as this film suggests, ancient forest entities. When a trek to honor a friend goes awry, the group discovers the woods hide more than just trees. Facing their personal demons and real ones, it’s a chilling exploration of guilt, grief, and ghastly mythological beings. When praying at a creepy statue in the woods, remember to keep your back straight. That pack isn’t going to carry itself.
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4. The Evil Dead (1981)
One book. One cabin. Five unsuspecting souls. This isn’t your cozy winter read by the fireside. Sam Raimi made sure that anyone searching Airbnb for “secluded woodland cabins” added “sans cursed books” to their search criteria. Darkness engulfs, and as evil forces awaken, the group’s weekend getaway turns to a desperate fight for survival. If you happen to lose a girlfriend named Linda on the trip, don’t worry, you’ll get another on the next one.
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3. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Before everyone was vlogging their lives, there were three ambitious filmmakers determined to unravel the mysteries of the elusive Blair Witch. Armed with a camcorder and courage, they delved deep into the Maryland woods, only to find out some legends are best left undisturbed. Their chilling footage, filled with shaky shots and desperate screams, transformed found footage horror forever. Remember: the next time you’re lost in the woods, shouting ‘Cut!’ won’t save you.
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2. Deliverance (1972)
Ah, the Appalachian waters, where the banjo isn’t just a musical instrument, it’s a warning sign. A serene canoe trip swiftly paddles downstream into a nightmare as four city slickers encounter locals who redefine “southern hospitality.” Beyond the dueling banjos and treacherous rapids, the film delves deep into the primal survival instincts of its protagonists. I hope you kept the receipt for that canoe.
Where to Watch:
1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Buckle up for the road trip of a lifetime – or maybe not. Tobe Hooper unleashed not just Leatherface, but also a whole family with a taste for… unconventional cuisine. This film made us question the innocence of every remote farmhouse we passed. Sally Hardesty’s frantic fight for survival, amidst the deafening roar of chainsaws, captures the gut-wrenching horror of rural isolation. So, next time you’re out on the open road and you spot a charming farmhouse with the faint sound of chainsaws, maybe just keep driving.
Where to Watch:
As we wrap up our journey through these harrowing rural landscapes, remember that while these films offer a spine-tingling escape from reality, they also serve as cautionary tales. The next time you plan a countryside adventure or a road trip through the great outdoors, don’t forget the lessons learned from these rural horror movies. Pack your essentials: food, water, shelter, and perhaps, just maybe, an exit strategy. Because, as our list has shown, even the most picturesque destinations can hide their own kind of horrors.
Happy exploring, and may your real-life adventures be a lot less terrifying than what you’ve witnessed on screen!
Do you have more rural horror movies to recommend? Share ’em to the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
