The Wicker Man (1973)

Kernel Score: 83% · 1,596 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror

Released: 1973-12-06

Runtime: 93 minutes

Where to watch The Wicker Man

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Police sergeant Neil Howie is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. The investigation is further complicated as Howie’s religious views clash with those of the island’s residents.

The Wicker Man parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Wicker Man is a horror film centered on a pagan cult, human sacrifice, and disturbing ritual content.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Involves human sacrifice, a cult, and disturbing ritualistic content including a climactic bonfire scene.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Keywords reference virginity themes and voyeurism as part of the island's pagan customs.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Robin Hardy

Cast

  • Edward Woodward as Sergeant Neil Howie
  • Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle
  • Britt Ekland as Willow MacGreagor
  • Diane Cilento as Miss Rose
  • Ingrid Pitt as Librarian
  • Roy Boyd as Broome
  • Lesley Mackie as Daisy
  • Walter Carr as School Master
  • Irene Sunters as May Morrison
  • Lindsay Kemp as Alder MacGreagor

The Wicker Man FAQ

Is The Wicker Man good?

The Wicker Man has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,596 audience ratings.

Where can I watch The Wicker Man?

In the US you can stream The Wicker Man on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, Philo, Plex and Prime Video (free with ads) and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Wicker Man OK for kids?

The Wicker Man is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Wicker Man is a horror film centered on a pagan cult, human sacrifice, and disturbing ritual content.

What movies are like The Wicker Man?

If you liked The Wicker Man, try The Exorcist, Midsommar and 12th Fail.