The Wicker Man

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The Wicker Man

1974

1h 42m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

69 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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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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Bryce Hanson

Horror Movie Talk

This movie is a classic for a reason, it is very discombobulating, and you experience the confusion that Sergeant Howie does. Anyone with a conservative Christian upbringing might not have as extreme reaction to the Paganism as Howie...

Rated: 10/10

Sep 18, 2025

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Its unhinged absurdity lulls you into a false sense of safety, only to deliver a shocking conclusion while also offering a critique on misguided devotions.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 11, 2025

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Gayle Sequeira

Inverse

The Wicker Man remains an distinctively unnerving masterwork.

Aug 26, 2025

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Charlie N.

Absolutely brilliant. My top horror of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/25

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Brian S

A folk-horror masterpiece that blends pagan ritual, mystery, and dread into a slow-burn symphony of atmosphere — proof that terror can be spiritual, seductive, and profoundly unsettling all at once. Welcome, fool!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/27/25

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Christian K

I guess just a masterpiece. This is so mesmerizing in its design from start to finish. It's scary and filled with creepy dread without any direct horror scenes or designs.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/24/25

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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

Full Review

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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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