The Wicker Man (1973)
Police sergeant Neil Howie is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place there.
Details
Budget
$810,000
Rating
7/10 (1449 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
British Lion Films
About The Wicker Man
Set in 1973, "The Wicker Man" is a horror film that follows Police Sergeant Neil Howie to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle. He arrives to investigate a missing girl whom the local inhabitants claim never existed, only to find himself entangled in an isolated community practicing pagan rituals. The film deviates from conventional horror by building suspense through cultural clash and psychological discomfort rather than jump scares.
The narrative explores themes of religious belief versus paganism, the shock of a devout Christian confronted by a seemingly amoral society, and the sinister undercurrents beneath a seemingly idyllic setting. With a runtime of 93 minutes, the film has achieved a status as a cult classic within the folk horror genre. Its ratings are consistently high across platforms, including an IMDb rating of 7.5, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%, and a Metacritic score of 87/100, reflecting its critical appreciation over time.
Why you might be searching for The Wicker Man
People often search for "The Wicker Man" due to its unique blend of psychological horror and folk ritual. Its distinctive atmosphere, the clash between Christian and pagan beliefs, and the memorable, unsettling ending are frequently cited. Common search queries also suggest interest in cult films, isolated communities, and stories involving human sacrifice or strange ceremonies.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that from the moment Sergeant Howie arrives, the film creates a sinister atmosphere with unnerving imagery, songs, and rituals that affect his senses.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film offered a sophisticated, mythological approach to horror, filled with mysticism and pagan ritual, although they felt the lead-up was extensive.
Read the full reviewThe horror in "The Wicker Man" is described by one critic as subtle, slowly building suspense through the disturbing indifference of the pagan villagers to the girl's disappearance.
Read the full reviewAnother review highlighted the acting performances of Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee, along with the film's economical storytelling and its effective, in-world folk song soundtrack.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Wicker Man" on YouTube TV, BFI Player Amazon Channel, or for free with ads on Tubi TV and Fawesome. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Starting July 1, 2026, it will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.
No, "The Wicker Man" is not based on a true story. It is a 1973 British folk horror film inspired by David Pinner's 1967 novel "Ritual" and draws inspiration from historical accounts of human sacrifice by Gauls, as described in Julius Caesar's "Commentaries on the Gallic War."
At the end of "The Wicker Man," Sergeant Howie is trapped inside a giant wicker man statue along with animals by the villagers of Summerisle. He is identified by Lord Summerisle as the intended sacrifice because he meets their gods' requirements: he came voluntarily, represents authority, is a virgin, and was deceived. As the wicker man is set ablaze, Howie burns to death while reciting Psalm 23, and his warnings that the villagers will eventually sacrifice Summerisle are ignored.
"The Wicker Man" is widely considered a highly acclaimed film that is still well-regarded by critics decades after its release. It holds a 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus describing it as an intelligent horror film with a shocking and memorable ending, and Metacritic assigned it a score of 87 out of 100 indicating "universal acclaim."