10 Best Horror Movies Based On Latin American Folklore – Screen Rant

Summary

For many years, Latin American horror cinema has made significant contributions to the genre by drawing from the diverse folklore and urban legends across the region. In recent decades, it has emerged as a large presence, resonating on a global scale thanks to the age of streaming. With its diverse cultures and rich traditions, Latin America's cinematic offerings have created intricate narratives. Naturally, each country has its own urban legends and myths, and not all of them apply to all of them. That said, some of the best directors in the genre have been directly or indirectly inspired by Latin American folklore and cinematic language.

Latin American stories, legends, and folklore are often known for magical realism, infusing the supernatural into the everyday. This cultural art form seamlessly lends itself to the horror genre. The mix of the ordinary and the supernatural creates an immersive and unsettling atmosphere that usually leads to great horror movies. The result is a rich cinematic experience, where ancient myths and contemporary fears coexist, both in movies from Latino filmmakers and productions from other regions.

Issa Lopez's 2017 film, also known as Vuelven, effectively uses Latin American folklore, with a primary focus on the Huay Chivo legend, as a metaphor and allegorical narrative. The story creatively mixes horror, fantasy, and magical realism, while shedding light on the pressing issue of street violence's impact on children across Latin America. Huay Chivo is a malevolent and shape-shifting being who dwells in mountains and forests, preying on unsuspecting victims. It possesses the ability to take on the forms of different humans in order to deceive. Much like the cautionary nature of the Huay Chivo legend, the film echoes the warning to exercise caution in the face of the unknown.

La Llorona draws inspiration from the well-known character of Mexican folklore, La Llorona, or The Crying Woman. The legend tells the story of a woman who is seen and heard looking for her children, crying in pain, and seeking revenge. The 2019 Guatemalan film explores the legend but with a twist. A dictator, responsible for the brutal genocide of native Mayans, is also haunted by a weeping woman, the embodiment of all those who were killed by his orders. The Legend of La Llororna has inspired many other films, including The Conjuring Universe's The Curse of La Llorona, and the 2006 Mexican film Kilmetro 31.

While this film doesn't explicitly mention a particular folklore figure or legend, The Old Ways draws inspiration from the broader belief systems and supernatural practices found in Mexican and other Latin American cultures, specifically brujera (witchcraft) and shamanism. The film explores themes of possession, exorcism, and the practice of brujera to fix what is deemed wrong. The film tells the story of Cristina, a Mexican journalist seeking to explore the world of brujera. Her trip takes a terrifying turn when she's abducted by locals who perceive her as evil. For those who enjoy this genre of horror, The Old Ways offers an interesting look from the Latin perspective.

Intertwining horror, Panamanian culture, and local legends, Diablo Rojo PTY is a chilling film that pays homage to the legend of La Tulivieja. Panama's first foray into horror cinema, Diablo Rojo PTY successfully blends folklore and urban legends into a spine-tingling narrative. This Panamanian film follows a group of travelers on a journey through the jungle of Chiriqui, Panama, as they become the target of a malevolent witch. Their only sanctuary is the bus they're traveling in, known as a "Diablo Rojo." Inspired by the rich tapestry of Panamanian folklore, specifically the legend of La Tulivieja, the film takes audiences into the core of this vengeful spirit's wrath.

La Casa Lobo, or The Wolf House is a story inspired not by creepy folklore, but the real-life story of Colonia Dignidad, a secretive, cult-like commune in Chile led by a German ex-Nazi, Paul Schfer. The film follows Maria, a young woman who escapes from a cult and takes refuge in a mysterious house in the woods. Inside the house, she begins to experience disturbing events, which serve as an allegorical exploration of the trauma and horror associated with Colonia Dignidad. La Casa Lobo uses stop-motion animation to create a nightmarish atmosphere and seamlessly weaves historical elements into its narrative.

While vampires are not specific to Latin American folklore, seeing vampires through this lens makes this film worthwhile. Pura Sangre, or Pure Blood, is a Colombian film that offers a distinctive take on vampires. Directed by Luis Ospina, the film centers on a wealthy man afflicted with an unusual ailment that requires regular blood transfusions from children and teenagers. This story is based on unsolved murders that took place in Colombia. There is a myth that the person presumed responsible was a wealthy man who suffered from leukemia. In order to survive, the alleged man survived on the blood of his victims, lending to the vampire inspiration for this film.

Related: 25 Best Vampires (That Aren't Dracula)

Madres explores the concept of El Cuco, a figure deeply rooted in Hispanic and Latin American folklore. El Cuco, or The Boogeyman in English, is a monster or spirit used to frighten children into good behavior. In the film, the story revolves around a Mexican-American mother who is tormented by the belief that El Cuco is targeting her son. The film gives insight into the psychological aspects of motherhood, incorporating elements of folklore with the modern immigrant experience in the United States. While Madres primarily focuses on the psychological and supernatural aspects of motherhood, it does incorporate elements of folklore to create a chilling and culturally relevant horror film.

Another film that focuses on the legend of El Cuco, or The Boogeyman and Brujeria is Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, the fifth installment in the franchise. The movie takes a different approach in the Paranormal Activity timeline by shifting the focus from the original suburban setting to exploring a predominantly Hispanic community in Southern California. While it's primarily a found footage-style horror film, it still is able to seamlessly incorporate elements of Latin American folklore related to witchcraft and possession. It explores themes of black magic, curses, and supernatural entities, making it a unique entry in the series.

Cronos is a 1993 Mexican horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro, and it is his feature film debut. The movie is known for its unique take on the vampire genre and its exploration of myths related to immortality and alchemy, which are relevant in many cultures worldwide, including Latin America. The story revolves around an ancient device called the Cronos device that gives its user immortality. Cronos draws on elements of alchemical folklore, weaving it into a story of immortality, obsession, and transformation. The film delivers horror with a deep exploration of the human desire for eternal life and the consequences that come with it.

Director AJ Jones brings Colombian folklore to life in The Curse of La Patasola, a film that offers a fresh take on a well-known South American monster. As two American couples venture into a deserted forest, issues of infidelity, trust, and loyalty arise, but they soon become prey to La Patasola, a vengeful female creature who lures unfaithful men to their doom. The Curse of La Patasola offers a thrilling option for creature feature enthusiasts, blending American filmmaking with Latin American folklore.

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10 Best Horror Movies Based On Latin American Folklore - Screen Rant