The pattern forming method includes (1) forming a film using an active light sensitive or radiation sensitive resin composition, (2) exposing the film to active light or radiation, and (3) developing the exposed film using a developer including an organic solvent, in which the active light sensitive or radiation sensitive resin composition contains a resin (A) having a group which generates a polar group by being decomposed due to the action of an acid, the resin (A) has a phenolic hydroxyl group and/or a phenolic hydroxyl group protected with a group leaving due to the action of an acid, and the developer including the organic solvent contains an additive which forms at least one interaction of an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, a chemical bond, and a dipole interaction, with the polar group.