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The Wicker Man

Play trailer Poster for The Wicker Man Released Aug 7, 1974 1h 42m Mystery & Thriller Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Wicker Man

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Anthony Shaffer penned the screenplay which, for sheer imagination and near-terror, has seldom been equalled. Oct 7, 2008 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Gayle Sequeira Inverse The Wicker Man remains an distinctively unnerving masterwork. Aug 26, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 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 Full Review Read all reviews
The Wicker Man

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Movie Info

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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