Satan-themed movies: The devil made me do it

Made in 1968, Rosemary’s Baby was based on a best-selling novel by Ira Levin, who is best known for books (that also became films) such as The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil, and Sliver.The film stars Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse, who along with her husband Guy (John Cassavetas) moves into a huge but antiquated apartment in New York City. Their creepy neighbors are Minnie and Roman Castevet, who turn out to be members of a Satanic cult. Unbeknownst to Rosemary, she has been selected as the devil’s bride. One night, she has a nightmare about Guy making love to her. His rough treatment soon reveals a beast has really mounted her, and on the following morning Rosemary has the scratches to prove it. Naturally, she is dismissed by her husband and the neighbors. The movie’s climax has Rosemary giving birth to the Antichrist. At first repulsed, Rosemary gives in to her love and accepts the beast as her own son (he does have his father’s eyes, though).Screenwriter and director Roman Polanski effectively translates Levin’s novel to the screen, crafting tight sequences filled with plenty of atmosphere. Although it is sometimes hard to believe anyone could be as gullible as Rosemary, Mia Farrow injects her performance with such naivety that she comes close to pulling it off. Once again, the horror here is subtle, but because sequences do not go over the top, the very plausibility of the events on the screen makes for a powerful experience.Originally released in 1976, The Omen made such a splash that it spawned several sequels and was remade in 2006. Although admittedly relying more on suspense that overt horror, nevertheless The Omen managed to stir the imagination of audiences throughout the world.The story concerns the birth of the Antichrist, a little boy who is named Damien Thorn (Harvey Spencer Stephens). From the beginning he is tainted with evil, as Damien is switched at birth when Katherine Thorn’s (Lee Remick) baby dies at birth. Desperate, her husband Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck) makes a deal with a priest to take the devil’s child. Never without protection (a huge black dog or an acolyte like Mrs. Baylock, played by Billie Whitelaw), Damien begins to learn his supernatural powers, principally by staging exotic death sequences. The Thorns learn too late about what Damien is, and despite a valiant effort, Robert Thorn does not succeed in destroying the imp, thus setting the stage for an inevitable sequel.Although nowhere near as frightening as The Exorcist, The Omen’s more streamlined horror featured some elaborate death sequences, including a disturbing one in which Damien’s nanny (sweetly and menacingly played by Holly Palance, daughter of Jack Palance) hangs herself in front of a gathering of young children so that she can demonstrate her allegiance to the beast. The Omen’s innate power was proven when the remake was released. Although effective, the remake doesn’t hold a candle to the original.There is little doubt that 1973’s The Exorcist remains etched in many people’s memories as one of the best—perhaps the best—Satan-themed movie. Venturing further, many would dare say that this film is among the best horror films ever made. Although atheists may sneer at the age-old battle depicted here, even agonistics admit that The Exorcist has its own distinct collection of blood-curding chills.Directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty (from his 1971 novel), The Exorcist was inspired by the case of Roland Doe, which took place in 1949. The story revolves around a little girl by the name of Regan (Linda Blair), who by using a Ouija Board manages to summon a demon by the name of Pazuzu, who then possesses her slowly and methodically.At the end of her wits, Regan’s mother (Ellen Burstyn) asks Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a priest and a psychiatrist, to help her, as modern medicine has not been able to determine what is wrong with her daughter. The church agrees to let Karras help, but they also call upon an experienced exorcist, one Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), to perform the actual exorcism. Thus the stage is set for an all-out showdown between good and evil.The film took home two Academy Awards (out of 10 nominations) and grossed more than $441 million worldwide. More importantly, it has cemented itself as one of the best horror films of all time.View the list »
Old Scratch, unchained.

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There are so many films out there than explore the very nature of evil. Whether you believe he is the lightbringer or the bringer of pain, the devil (Satan, Lucifer, Old Scratch—hope you guess my name) continues to take center stage in all media, even as the decline in the belief in God continues to expand.

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With respect to film, the devil has been there from the beginning. Films like 1896’s La Manior Du Diable (The Devil’s Manor), 1922’s Haxan, and 1957’s Night of the Demon all demonstrate a fascination with the Satan, the fallen angel. Just a sampling of worth-watching films includes Amityville Horror, Prince of Darkness (Carpenter’s take on the devil), Devil’s Advocate, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Devil, The Ninth Gate, The Rite, and Demons (from Italy).

Given such a plethora of material, it would appear to be difficult to pick the top-three entries that showcase the devil. Fortunately, this is not the case, as it is easy to compile an unholy three of flicks that viewers must watch time and again. This list compiles the top-three entries dedicated to the exploration of Satan.

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  • There is little doubt that 1973’s The Exorcist remains etched in many people’s memories as one of the best—perhaps the best—Satan-themed movie. Venturing further, many would dare say that this film is among the best horror films ever made. Although atheists may sneer at the age-old battle depicted here, even agonistics admit that The Exorcist has its own distinct collection of blood-curding chills.Directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty (from his 1971 novel), The Exorcist was inspired by the case of Roland Doe, which took place in 1949. The story revolves around a little girl by the name of Regan (Linda Blair), who by using a Ouija Board manages to summon a demon by the name of Pazuzu, who then possesses her slowly and methodically.At the end of her wits, Regan’s mother (Ellen Burstyn) asks Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a priest and a psychiatrist, to help her, as modern medicine has not been able to determine what is wrong with her daughter. The church agrees to let Karras help, but they also call upon an experienced exorcist, one Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), to perform the actual exorcism. Thus the stage is set for an all-out showdown between good and evil.The film took home two Academy Awards (out of 10 nominations) and grossed more than $441 million worldwide. More importantly, it has cemented itself as one of the best horror films of all time.
  • Originally released in 1976, The Omen made such a splash that it spawned several sequels and was remade in 2006. Although admittedly relying more on suspense that overt horror, nevertheless The Omen managed to stir the imagination of audiences throughout the world.The story concerns the birth of the Antichrist, a little boy who is named Damien Thorn (Harvey Spencer Stephens). From the beginning he is tainted with evil, as Damien is switched at birth when Katherine Thorn’s (Lee Remick) baby dies at birth. Desperate, her husband Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck) makes a deal with a priest to take the devil’s child. Never without protection (a huge black dog or an acolyte like Mrs. Baylock, played by Billie Whitelaw), Damien begins to learn his supernatural powers, principally by staging exotic death sequences. The Thorns learn too late about what Damien is, and despite a valiant effort, Robert Thorn does not succeed in destroying the imp, thus setting the stage for an inevitable sequel.Although nowhere near as frightening as The Exorcist, The Omen’s more streamlined horror featured some elaborate death sequences, including a disturbing one in which Damien’s nanny (sweetly and menacingly played by Holly Palance, daughter of Jack Palance) hangs herself in front of a gathering of young children so that she can demonstrate her allegiance to the beast. The Omen’s innate power was proven when the remake was released. Although effective, the remake doesn’t hold a candle to the original.
  • Made in 1968, Rosemary’s Baby was based on a best-selling novel by Ira Levin, who is best known for books (that also became films) such as The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil, and Sliver.The film stars Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse, who along with her husband Guy (John Cassavetas) moves into a huge but antiquated apartment in New York City. Their creepy neighbors are Minnie and Roman Castevet, who turn out to be members of a Satanic cult. Unbeknownst to Rosemary, she has been selected as the devil’s bride. One night, she has a nightmare about Guy making love to her. His rough treatment soon reveals a beast has really mounted her, and on the following morning Rosemary has the scratches to prove it. Naturally, she is dismissed by her husband and the neighbors. The movie’s climax has Rosemary giving birth to the Antichrist. At first repulsed, Rosemary gives in to her love and accepts the beast as her own son (he does have his father’s eyes, though).Screenwriter and director Roman Polanski effectively translates Levin’s novel to the screen, crafting tight sequences filled with plenty of atmosphere. Although it is sometimes hard to believe anyone could be as gullible as Rosemary, Mia Farrow injects her performance with such naivety that she comes close to pulling it off. Once again, the horror here is subtle, but because sequences do not go over the top, the very plausibility of the events on the screen makes for a powerful experience.
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, Albuquerque Horror Examiner

Octavio Ramos Jr. is a lifelong fan of all things horror. In his teens, he began to write reviews of horror movies. Since college, he has been writing fiction in the horror genre, as well as writing reviews and commentary on every facet of horror for magazines such as Video Vista, The Zone, and...

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