The Wicker Man

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The Wicker Man

Released Aug 7, 1974

1h 42m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

67 Reviews

82%

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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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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

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.

Rated: B-

Oct 29, 2008

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Variety Staff

Variety

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

Oct 7, 2008

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Robin Hardy's 1973 cult horror film passed through several distributors, several versions, and several bankruptcies, picking up a powerful reputation along the way.

Oct 7, 2008

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Gayle Sequeira

Inverse

The Wicker Man remains an distinctively unnerving masterwork.

Aug 26, 2025

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Chance Solem-Pfeifer

Willamette Week

It’s pure ritualistic spectacle with Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) presiding over some of the greatest cinematography in horror movie history.

Jan 22, 2025

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Chase Hutchinson

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

It’s both deeply unsettling and consistently visually vibrant—a foundational work of folk horror that puts all other films about faith to absolute shame.

Jul 25, 2024

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Audience Member

Different plot but definately an inspiration for the movie Midsommar. Outsiders involving themselves with pagan death rituals despite having every opportunity to turn back at the beginning of the story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/25

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Zeferino P.

There is something about movies that were made in the 70’s . A charming approach to storytelling and the way it is presented on screen feels dreamy. The music in this film helps pull you in and is very enchanting. I can see why some people would put thus in a top fifty movie list

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

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Cody S.

This was a good one. A better example of a slow build doing well from the 1970’s. What I liked about this film was its intelligent approach. Not spoon-feeding the audience every answer to every question. I think all of us as viewers knew that the sergeant was going to get it, but we just didn’t know exactly how or for what reason. A good movie that almost feels like it could be a broadway musical with its tunes.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/23/25

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Zahara B

My new favorite movie. I love pagan/culty/nature folk horror. This is so well made and beautiful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Lau S

I love this horror movie! Damn great!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

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Film Critic F

This is literally the scariest movie I've ever seen. Watch it now.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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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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