The Wicker Man

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The Wicker Man

1974

1h 42m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents' frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals, particularly the temptations of Willow (Britt Ekland), daughter of the island magistrate, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders' strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child.

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Critics Consensus

This intelligent horror film is subtle in its thrills and chills, with an ending that is both shocking and truly memorable.

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David McGillivray

Sight & Sound

May 13, 2026

An unfortunate miscalculation here, one suspects, but one that does no real harm to an immensely enjoyable piece of hokum, thoroughly well researched, performed and directed.

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

Oct 29, 2008

B-

The gothic ambiance and mood synonymous with the era's familiar tales of unholy menace is wholly absent. If there is evil here, it doesn't know it's evil.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Oct 7, 2008

Anthony Shaffer penned the screenplay which, for sheer imagination and near-terror, has seldom been equalled.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Oct 1, 2026

4/4

Its true subject is less about the enmity between paganism and Christianity specifically than the terrifying certainty of faith itself. That theme has lost none of its power or relevance since the film’s 1973 release.

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Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

Mar 30, 2026

4/5

A masterclass in mounting dread. By the time you realize you're watching a horror movie, it's too late.

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Joe Lipsett

Horror Queers Podcast

Mar 25, 2026

4/5

There's a reason this folk horror film has achieved (cult) classic status. It's not just the all-time performance by Christopher Lee, but also the fact that the film deliberately pits the audience against its hero

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Meathook C

@MeathookCinema Sep 8, 2026

A folk horror masterpiece

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B P

@Bradster69 Sep 2, 2026

Definitely Recommend It

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Steve D

@Danerdo Aug 7, 2026

Whoever made this movie was doing some serious narcotics and you have to take some to get through the movie.

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John F

@RT84127024 Aug 5, 2026

May take a bit to get going after the musical of the first act, but it picks up nicely and ends with a bang.

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Romas M

@Romas Jun 30, 2026

Greetings from Lithuania. "The Wicker Man" (1973) is a movie that I did admire while watching it due to its creativity, ideas and unique look. But it just wasn't a movie for me - at its running time 1 h 34 min I was bored out of my mind. This film features so many weird moments that it is impossible to call it a horror movie. It is in a sense if you know the outcome, but there is zero scares, zero dread. Performances were good and I liked them from both leads but that is it - aside for good looking costumes, some interesting musical choices this film is just wasn't my cup of tea. Overall, watching it for the first time in 2026 on newly remastered 4K was a drag. It is not a film that I would recommend for casual horror movie fan - it is an "artsy" film for better and worse.

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Derek C

@aquickone May 14, 2026

The Wicker Man is a rare breed: a cult film that actually deserves the status. It explores the dangerous intersection of faith, isolation, and tradition without ever feeling like a lecture. It’s unsettling, intellectual, and deeply human.

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Robin Hardy

Director

Edward Woodward

Sergeant Neil Howie

Christopher Lee

Lord Summerisle

Britt Ekland

Willow

Diane Cilento

Miss Rose

Lindsay Kemp

Alder MacGreagor

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Synopsis

Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents' frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals, particularly the temptations of Willow (Britt Ekland), daughter of the island magistrate, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders' strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child.

Director: Robin Hardy
Producer: Peter Snell
Screenwriter: Anthony Shaffer
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: British Lion Film Corporation
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 7, 1974, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 7, 2023
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $61.8K
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Flat (1.85:1)

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