Midsommar is a 2019 horror film directed by Ari Aster, which has gained a lot of popularity and critical acclaim for its unique take on the genre. The movie follows the story of a group of friends who visit a remote Swedish village to witness a festival that takes place once every 90 years. However, things quickly take a dark turn as they become entangled in a sinister cult’s rituals.
One of the primary themes of the film is the exploration of grief and trauma. The main character, Dani, is struggling to cope with the loss of her family, and her journey to the village is a way for her to seek closure. The film also deals with issues of toxic relationships, codependency, and the destructive nature of human emotions.
One reason why people love Midsommar is its unique visuals and aesthetic. The movie is set in broad daylight, which is uncommon for horror films. The bright colors and stunning landscapes contrast with the disturbing events that take place, creating a sense of dissonance that keeps the audience on edge. The film’s use of folklore and pagan rituals also adds to its intrigue, as viewers are drawn into the mysterious and unfamiliar world of the cult.
The burstiness of the film lies in its shocking and graphic imagery. The movie features several scenes of violence and gore that are hard to forget. The disturbing nature of the film has sparked debate about its artistic merit and whether it crosses the line into gratuitousness. The film also features several surreal and psychedelic sequences that add to its dreamlike quality.
Despite its relatively low box office performance, Midsommar has become a cult classic and gained a dedicated fanbase. The film’s unique take on the horror genre and its exploration of complex themes have resonated with audiences, and its shocking imagery has sparked conversations and debates. Overall, Midsommar is a film that leaves a lasting impression on those who watch it and continues to fascinate and perplex viewers.
If you enjoyed Midsommar and are looking for similar films to watch, here are nine recommendations:
- Hereditary (2018) – This film, also directed by Ari Aster, follows a family dealing with supernatural occurrences after the death of their grandmother.
- The Wicker Man (1973) – This classic horror film follows a police sergeant who investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote island inhabited by a pagan cult.
- The Witch (2015) – Set in 17th century New England, this film follows a family exiled from their community and targeted by a malevolent witch.
- The Ritual (2017) – Four friends hiking in Sweden become lost in a forest and find themselves hunted by a supernatural presence.
- Apostle (2018) – A man travels to a remote island to rescue his sister from a cult led by a charismatic leader.
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – This classic horror film follows a young woman who becomes pregnant and begins to suspect her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult.
- The Invitation (2015) – A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and begins to suspect that she and her new husband have sinister intentions.
- Black Swan (2010) – This psychological thriller follows a ballerina who becomes increasingly unhinged as she prepares for a lead role in a production of Swan Lake.
- Get Out (2017) – This film follows a young African American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and becomes embroiled in a sinister conspiracy.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a 2018 horror film directed by Ari Aster. The film follows the Graham family after the death of the family’s matriarch, Ellen. As Ellen’s daughter Annie (played by Toni Collette) tries to cope with the loss of her mother, she discovers a dark family secret that threatens to destroy everything.
Hereditary explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and mental illness. Like Midsommar, the film uses surreal imagery and slow-building tension to create a sense of dread. The film’s stunning visuals and gripping performances, particularly by Collette, have earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of complex family dynamics and the psychological toll of grief. Both films also use unsettling imagery and themes of occultism to create a sense of unease.
2. The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man is a 1973 British horror film directed by Robin Hardy. The movie follows police sergeant Neil Howie (played by Edward Woodward) as he investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island.
As Howie delves deeper into the island’s community, he discovers a sinister pagan cult led by Lord Summerisle (played by Christopher Lee). As the film builds to its shocking conclusion, Howie finds himself trapped and hunted by the cult.
The Wicker Man explores themes of religious fanaticism, isolation, and sacrifice. Like Midsommar, the film uses the contrast between the beauty of the island’s natural landscape and the horror of its inhabitants’ actions to create a sense of unease.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of pagan rituals and the conflict between traditional beliefs and modernity. Both films also feature a protagonist who is an outsider in a strange and unsettling world.
3. The Witch (2015)
The Witch is a 2015 horror film directed by Robert Eggers. The movie is set in 17th-century New England and follows a Puritan family who are exiled from their community and forced to live on a remote farm.
As the family struggles to survive in their harsh surroundings, they begin to suspect that a supernatural force is at work. The film’s slow-building tension and sense of dread culminate in a shocking finale.
The Witch explores themes of isolation, religious fanaticism, and the destructive power of fear. Like Midsommar, the film uses a stark and unforgiving landscape to create a sense of unease.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the power of folklore and the supernatural, as well as the theme of isolation and the breakdown of familial relationships. Both films also use striking visual imagery and a sense of creeping dread to build tension.
4. The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual is a 2017 British horror film directed by David Bruckner. The movie follows a group of four friends who decide to hike through a remote forest in Sweden to honor their friend who died in a robbery. When they become lost and find themselves hunted by a supernatural presence, they must confront their fears and their guilt.
The Ritual explores themes of guilt, grief, and the dangers of male bonding. Like Midsommar, the film uses a sense of isolation and the power of the unknown to create a sense of unease.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of group dynamics and the way in which trauma can manifest itself in unexpected ways. Both films also use visual imagery and the supernatural to create an atmosphere of dread and terror.
5. Apostle (2018)
Apostle is a 2018 British-American period horror film directed by Gareth Evans. The movie follows a man named Thomas Richardson (played by Dan Stevens) who travels to a remote Welsh island to rescue his sister from a cult led by a charismatic leader named Malcolm (played by Michael Sheen).
As Thomas infiltrates the cult, he discovers a horrifying secret that threatens to destroy everything. The film explores themes of religious fanaticism, power, and sacrifice. Like Midsommar, the film uses visceral imagery and a sense of unease to create a haunting and unsettling experience.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of religious cults and the way in which charismatic leaders can manipulate and control their followers. Both films also use the contrast between beauty and terror to create a sense of horror.
6. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 horror film directed by Roman Polanski. The movie follows a young couple, Rosemary (played by Mia Farrow) and Guy (played by John Cassavetes), who move into a new apartment building in New York City. After Rosemary becomes pregnant, she begins to suspect that her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult.
As the film builds to its shocking finale, Rosemary must confront the terrifying truth about her unborn child. The film explores themes of paranoia, motherhood, and the dangers of conformity. Like Midsommar, the film uses a slow-building tension and a sense of psychological horror to create a disturbing and haunting experience.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of cults and the way in which they can infiltrate and control a person’s life. Both films also use a sense of isolation and paranoia to create a sense of terror.
7. The Invitation (2015)
The Invitation is a 2015 psychological thriller directed by Karyn Kusama. The film follows Will (played by Logan Marshall-Green) and his girlfriend Kira (played by Emayatzy Corinealdi) as they attend a dinner party hosted by Will’s ex-wife Eden (played by Tammy Blanchard) and her new husband. As the night unfolds, Will begins to suspect that something sinister is going on, and he must confront his past traumas to uncover the truth.
The Invitation explores themes of grief, trauma, and the dangers of denial. Like Midsommar, the film uses a slow-burning tension and a sense of unease to create a haunting and unsettling experience.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of group dynamics and the way in which trauma can manifest itself in unexpected ways. Both films also use a sense of isolation and paranoia to create a sense of terror.
8. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a 2010 psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. The movie follows Nina (played by Natalie Portman), a ballet dancer who is given the lead role in Swan Lake. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with her performance, she begins to experience terrifying hallucinations and delusions.
The film explores themes of perfectionism, madness, and the dangers of artistic ambition. Like Midsommar, the film uses a sense of psychological horror and a surreal atmosphere to create a haunting and unsettling experience.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of obsession and the way in which it can consume a person’s life. Both films also use a sense of psychological horror and a surreal atmosphere to create a sense of terror.
9. Get Out (2017)
Get Out is a 2017 horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele. The movie follows Chris (played by Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate for the weekend. As the weekend progresses, he begins to uncover a horrifying conspiracy that threatens to destroy his life.
The film explores themes of racism, identity, and the dangers of complacency. Like Midsommar, the film uses a sense of social commentary and a slow-building tension to create a haunting and unsettling experience.
The film’s similarities to Midsommar lie in its exploration of the dangers of group dynamics and the way in which societal pressures can shape a person’s identity. Both films also use a sense of social commentary and a slow-building tension to create a sense of terror.
Here is a table of the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies we have discussed:
| Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| Midsommar | 7.1 | 83% |
| Hereditary | 7.3 | 89% |
| The Wicker Man | 7.5 | 88% |
| The Witch | 6.9 | 90% |
| The Ritual | 6.3 | 73% |
| Apostle | 6.3 | 80% |
| Rosemary’s Baby | 8.0 | 96% |
| The Invitation | 6.6 | 88% |
| Black Swan | 8.0 | 85% |
| Get Out | 7.7 | 98% |
Note: The IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores are accurate as of February 2023 and are subject to change.