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Cults are an intriguing topic, perhaps because they offer insights into human behavior, relationships, and our innate need to be part of something larger. Could it be that they also satisfy our darker curiosities? Either way, since the 1930s, the film industry has looked to groups, communes, and hidden societies as fertile ground for both big-screen and television stories.
Initially, these films often explored satanic and occult organizations, drawing from fictional sources. However, after the real-world events like the Manson family and the Peoples Temple tragedies, life itself started to surpass fiction. The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a boom in more realistic cult-centered films. Today, cult-themed movies are experiencing a revival, blending fantasy and realism to challenge our expectations.
In this list, we’ll dive into ten of the most memorable films that feature cults, spanning from the golden age of cinema to the present day.
10. The Sacrament (2013)
This incredibly self-aware film features A.J. Bowen and Joe Swansburg as two investigative journalists documenting their colleague Patrick’s (Kentucker Audley) attempt to infiltrate a commune in search of his sister. Although the commune presents a warm and welcoming image, it isn’t long before allegations of abuse and mind control begin to surface.
Drawing inspiration from the Jonestown Massacre, The Sacrament often tests the limits of good taste. It may not be for everyone, but those who can handle its intensity will find themselves captivated by a film that evokes such a level of dread that viewers may find it hard to look away. This “found footage” style film is a must-see for horror fans.
9. The Seventh Victim (1943)
The oldest entry on this list, The Seventh Victim was the first notable film to feature a cult and is astonishingly ahead of its time. The plot follows a young woman named Mary (Kim Hunter) as she searches for her missing sister Jaqueline (Jean Brooks) in New York City. With the help of Dr. Louis Judd (Tom Conway), Mary uncovers a dark and secretive group of Satanists who may be responsible for her sister’s disappearance. It may sound like the beginning of a typical thriller, but the film takes unexpected turns.
The Seventh Victim faced challenges at the box office and received mixed reviews, likely due to several edits that left the narrative disjointed. However, over time, it has gained a cult following, with its perplexing storyline only adding to its allure.
If you decide to watch this one, keep an eye out for the early version of the infamous psycho shower scene, which Hitchcock himself might have been proud to direct.
8. Midsommar (2019)
You probably expected this one to make the list, right? Ari Aster’s earlier film, Hereditary, is equally fantastic and also features a cult, but Midsommar offers a fresh and captivating take on the genre.
The story follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a psychology student recovering from trauma, and her distant boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) as they attend a Swedish midsummer festival with a group of friends. There, they encounter bizarre experiences, cultural shocks, and an unsettling conspiracy.
What makes Midsommar so compelling is how it manipulates the audience into becoming emotionally aligned with the cult, even as it turns them against the film’s less sympathetic characters. As Aster explained in an interview, 'That’s the trick we’re playing... there should be a perverse thrill… having this thing happen that maybe you want to happen… but it should also be troubling.'
7. Sound of My Voice (2011)
Substitute teacher Peter (Christopher Denham) and writer Lorna (Nichole Vicius) are a couple making an investigative documentary about a mysterious cult whose leader claims to be from the future. But after infiltrating the cult, they soon find themselves doubting what’s real and what isn’t.
The Sound of My Voice was originally intended to kick off a trilogy. Unfortunately, no sequels were made. Nonetheless, this clever, low-budget film stands strong on its own, raising questions about faith, identity, and the persuasive power of psychology.
6. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
While many films explore how cults indoctrinate individuals, few dive into the aftermath for the survivors. Even fewer do it as effectively as Martha Marcy May Marlene (try saying that five times in a row).
The film follows Martha (Elisabeth Olsen), a 22-year-old who has recently escaped an abusive cult and is now staying with her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and her sister’s husband Ted (Hugh Dancy) at their lakehouse. As she grapples with the psychological trauma of her past, Martha begins displaying erratic behavior, causing tensions to rise within the household.
By avoiding the usual fantastical elements found in similar films, Martha Marcy May Marlene takes a more grounded, realistic approach. While it may not be the happiest of films, it is undeniably compelling. Critics shared this sentiment, awarding the film the Best Directing prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
5. Ticket to Heaven (1981)
Based on a nonfiction book by John Freed, detailing his and his friend’s experiences in a cult, Ticket to Heaven adopts a similarly realistic approach to its subject matter. The result is just as chilling and unsettling as any horror film.
The story centers on David (Nick Mancuso), a young schoolteacher who is brainwashed by a cult that employs sleep deprivation and starvation to transform its members into relentless money-driven disciples. Soon, David becomes gaunt and mentally drained, with his only hope for recovery resting in the hands of his family and friends, who are determined to rescue and deprogram him.
4. Cult (2019)
This 2019 film, described as “endearing, amusing, and heartfelt feature debut,” finds warmth and humor in a topic typically associated with horror and thriller films.
So what’s the plot? It’s yet another film about a documentary team attempting to create a film on a cult. However, instead of a dark, twisted society, they discover a group of quirky outcasts simply searching for a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, something strange is unfolding with their elusive leader, and the group’s vulnerable members could be on the verge of disaster.
A comedy centered around a suicide cult is certainly a difficult premise, but Cult is far from the exploitative film you might expect. Instead, it’s a film with genuine heart, filled with characters that will win you over. Of course, it doesn’t lack humor, offering plenty of laughs with quirky song parodies and the cult’s awkward efforts to recruit and induct new members.
3. The Wicker Man (1973)
Once hailed as the “Citizen Kane of Horror,” The Wicker Man is often regarded as one of the finest films ever made about cults. And no, we’re not referring to the infamous Nicolas Cage film with the bees.
The Wicker Man follows a devout and conservative police sergeant, Neil Howie (Edward Woodward), who travels to a secluded Scottish island in search of a missing girl. However, he quickly clashes with the local residents, who adhere to a pagan lifestyle, seemingly controlled by the island's mysterious owner, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). Howie begins to suspect that the girl has been sacrificed in a ritual, and with May Day approaching, he races to uncover the truth before the islanders claim another victim.
The Wicker Man is yet another film that plays tricks on its audience, with the protagonist’s unlikable nature blinding viewers to the unsettling actions of the seemingly “eccentric” islanders. Christopher Lee, who portrays the antagonist, famously declared it his best movie – and who are we to disagree?
2. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
When a shy and devout Catholic woman, Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), moves into an old New York apartment with her husband Guy (John Cassavetes), they become friends with their overly friendly and odd neighbors. But as Rosemary’s pregnancy progresses, disturbing signs of a conspiracy begin to surface, one in which her husband seems either oblivious to or complicit in.
This iconic horror film from the 1960s remains one of the most suspenseful and terrifying movies ever made. However, Rosemary’s Baby initially seemed doomed from the start. With delays due to scheduling conflicts and Roman Polanski’s perfectionist attention to detail, the film went over both budget and schedule. To make matters worse, Mia Farrow endured a grueling experience to complete the film, including having to walk into real traffic for one scene. On top of that, her husband, Frank Sinatra, had her served with divorce papers on set through his lawyer.
In the end, all the struggles paid off. Upon release, the film received widespread critical acclaim, and Ruth Gordon’s performance earned her both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. In 2014, the film was even chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, cementing its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece.
1. The Master (2012)
The Master stars Joaquin Phoenix as Freddie Quell, a WWII veteran battling to adjust to life after the war. Struggling with depression and violent tendencies, Freddie becomes involved with a philosophical movement called 'The Cause.' He attempts to follow the guidance of its leader, Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), but soon finds himself in conflict with Dodd’s inner circle, who perceive him as a threat.
The Master is a film that is as intellectually demanding as it is captivating. Critics praised the film, which garnered numerous awards and several Oscar nominations. Open to interpretation, many have noted the similarities between 'The Cause' and the Church of Scientology. Regardless of your viewpoint, it’s a film that should not be missed.
