Indian folklore has always been a rich well of stories, filled with mythical creatures, ancestral curses, vengeful spirits, and age-old beliefs passed down through generations. These tales have shaped the way we imagine heroism, fear and tradition. In recent years, filmmakers have brought these narratives to the screen with renewed artistry, weaving them into thrillers, horrors and fantasy adventures that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted in culture.
If you’re looking to dive into films that blend folklore with gripping storytelling, here are seven compelling titles you can stream right now across Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and more.
Set in the monsoon-washed landscapes of early 20th-century Maharashtra, ‘Tumbbad’ remains one of India’s finest folk-horror films. The story follows a family's obsessive hunt for the cursed treasure of the demon god Hastar. With atmospheric visuals and a haunting score, the film explores greed, myth and human darkness like few others.
Produced by Anushka Sharma, ‘Bulbbul’ is a gothic folk tale set in 1880s Bengal. The film traces the journey of a young girl trapped in a patriarchal household, only to grow into a mysterious woman feared as a supernatural figure. With its feminist undertone and poetic storytelling, the film reimagines folklore through a modern lens.
Drawing inspiration from India’s ancient astras and mythological lore, ‘Brahmāstra’ follows Shiva, an orphan who discovers his divine connection to fire. As he joins a secret society of warriors safeguarding mystical weapons, the film blends fantasy, mythology and modern visual spectacle.
Inspired by traditional rural practices and community legends of Kerala, ‘Jallikattu’ revolves around a village descending into chaos after a buffalo escapes. The film uses folklore-like symbolism to highlight human frenzy, mob psychology and primal instincts.
Based on the real-life Kannada urban legend of ‘Naale Baa’, ‘Stree’ is a horror-comedy set in a town haunted by a spirit who abducts men at night. While the film is packed with laughs, its roots lie firmly in folklore about wandering female spirits and old-world superstitions.
Blending myth, folk tradition and superhero storytelling, ‘Hanu-Man’ follows Hanumanthu, an ordinary young man who gains supernatural abilities linked to Lord Hanuman. Set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, the film’s folklore-inspired worldbuilding makes it refreshing and uplifting.
Inspired by Konkan folklore, ‘Munjya’ tells the story of a mischievous spirit born out of an unfulfilled desire. When a young man accidentally frees the entity during a trip to his ancestral village, chaos, comedy, and chills follow. The film adds a fun twist to rooted folk myths.
If you enjoy films that blend imagination with culture, these folklore-based stories offer an evocative escape, rich, layered and deeply tied to the traditions that shaped them.
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