A pattern forming method includes, in this order: a step (1) of forming a film on a substrate by using an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition containing at least a resin having a group that is decomposed due to an action of an acid so as to generate a polar group; a step (2) of exposing the film; a step (3) of causing the exposed film to come into contact with a component that performs any one interaction of an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, a chemical bond, and a dipole interaction with a polar group generated in the exposed film without substantially dissolving the exposed film; and a step (4) of forming a pattern by developing the exposed film by using a developer including an organic solvent and removing an area of the film having a small exposure amount.