Folklore Films That Enchanted Global Audiences

Sept17,2025

Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy interweaves Spanish folklore with haunting mythical creatures.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, Spain/Mexico) 

Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning anime rooted in Japanese Shinto and folklore.

Spirited Away (2001, Japan) 

A cult classic inspired by Celtic pagan traditions and rituals.

The Wicker Man (1973, UK)

Pixar’s vibrant take on Mexico’s Day of the Dead folklore and traditions.

Coco (2017, USA/Mexico)

Miyazaki’s epic fantasy blending Japanese folklore with environmental themes.

Princess Mononoke (1997, Japan)

A fantastical reimagining of the folklorists’ adventures with creatures from their own collected tales.

The Brothers Grimm (2005, USA/Europe)

Tim Burton’s whimsical storytelling inspired by American Southern folklore and tall tales.

Big Fish (2003, USA)

A Coen Brothers film loosely adapting Homer’s Odyssey through American folk culture.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, USA)

An Irish animated masterpiece based on Celtic selkie mythology.

Song of the Sea (2014, Ireland)