The horror genre often draws from rich and diverse cultural folklore to create chilling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. African folklore, with its deep roots and unique perspective on the supernatural, serves as inspiration for a number of compelling horror films. Here are 10 of the best horror movies based on African folklore:

1. “The Tokoloshe” (2018) – This South African horror film revolves around the mythological creature known as the Tokoloshe. The story follows a woman who is forced to confront this malevolent spirit that is awakened by dark forces and threatens her life.

2. “I Am Not a Witch” (2017) – While not a traditional horror movie, this British-Zambian film incorporates elements of magical realism and explores themes surrounding witchcraft, an essential part of many African folk traditions.

3. “The Figurine: Araromire” (2009) – Hailing from Nigeria, this film tells the tale of two friends who find a mystical sculpture that bestows seven years of prosperity followed by seven years of ruin and despair—a cautionary tale derived from Yoruba mythology.

4. “Five Fingers for Marseilles” (2017) – Although more of a Western thriller, it touches on South African folk tales and superstitions through its storytelling and stark portrayal of life in rural Eastern Cape.

5. “Soul Boy” (2010) – Set in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, this narrative weaves together Swahili myths about souls being stolen or preserved in various objects, spinning it into a contemporary coming-of-age story.

6. “Nairobi Half Life” (2012) – While more drama-focused, it ingrains myths and legends from Kenyan culture into its narrative arc, giving it an eerie undertone that flirts with the horror genre.

7. “Hotel Rwanda” (2004) – This riveting drama uses the backdrop of real-life horrors witnessed in Rwanda which are intertwined with local beliefs about spirits and moral reckonings in its subtext.

8. “African Mystique” (Series) – This anthology series delves into various urban legends and ghost stories from across Africa, bringing them to life with suspenseful narratives that highlight the continent’s rich tradition of storytelling.

9. “Ezra” (2007) – While primarily a war film, ‘Ezra’ incorporates aspects of Sierra Leone mythologies and beliefs around spirits related to war and conflict, adding layers to the psychological terror faced by child soldiers.

10. “The Jangsan Beast” (2017) – Although it’s based on a Korean legend about a creature that mimics human voices to lure people, this film speaks to similar tales found in Western African lore where spirits mimic voices to entrap or lead astray unwary travelers.

These films demonstrate how African folklore serves as ripe material for creating innovative stories in the horror genre, each offering a refreshing departure from typical Western-centered narratives.