The 15 Best Occult Movies, Including The Conjuring & Hereditary

Demons, witches, devils, and dark magic. These subjects have always been a source of both fascination and fear, which is why they make such excellent fodder for horror genre filmmakers. Occult movies are so successful because they bring just a hint of realism to the scary stories viewers know and love; and the best occult movies don’t just provide frights in the moment — they continue to linger in our brains long after the credits roll.

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Unsurprisingly, most movies about the occult tend to fall under the horror genre, a genre that many dismiss as being low culture. While some horror movies offer little more than cheap scares, the best offer thought-provoking commentary on subjects like feminism, grief, and religion. And there are those occult movies that have stood the test of time and are considered the scariest horror movies ever made.

15 A Dark Song (2016)

A Haunting Story Of A Grieving Mother

Sophia looking serious in A Dark Song

Directed by Liam Gavin, A Dark Song centers on Sophia Howard (Catherine Walker), a mother grieving over the loss of her son. Heartbroken and angry, Sophia ends up asking her occultist friend Joseph Solomon to assist her in summoning an angel to find answers. Joseph makes Sophia suffer through a series of grueling trials in order to fulfill her goal, but things go awry when their personal vendettas get in the way.

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A Dark Song may have been limited to festival screenings and a tiny theatrical release window, but luckily it found its audience through digital streaming. The movie received high praise from critics and has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%. With fantastic performances from lead actors Catherine Walker and Steve Oram, the occult horror’s terrifying premise and haunting imagery is balanced with heartfelt themes of love and loss.

14 The Wicker Man (1973)

One Of Horror Cinema’s Most Revered Classics

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ScreenRant logo 10/10 The Wicker Man RHorrorMysteryThriller

The Wicker Man is a horror film released in 1973 and follows Police Sergeant Neil Howie, who heads to an island on the coast of Scottland in search of a missing girl. Howie discovers that the disappearance is related to a pagan society that conflicts with his Christian values – but his continued search leads him to the heart of something sinister.

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*Availability in US Director Robin Hardy Release Date December 6, 1973 Cast Diane Cilento , Britt Ekland , Edward Woodward , Ingrid Pitt , Christopher Lee Runtime 88 minutes

Not to be confused with the 2006 remake starring Nicolas Cage, The Wicker Man is a classic horror that is listed among many as one of the best. Police Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, only to find that the island’s inhabitants have formed a pagan cult. As the islanders seemingly attempt to thwart Howie’s investigation, a shocking secret comes to light that puts Howie in more danger.

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The Wicker Man
has famously been called “the
Citizen Kane
of horror movies.”

The Wicker Man has famously been called “the Citizen Kane of horror movies,” a quote attributed to one of the first reviews for the film. Years later, horror buffs and critics alike still maintain that sentiment. The Wicker Man has inspired many similar movies in the folk-horror subgenre, such as Ari Aster’s chilling masterpiece, Midsommar.

13 The Blair Witch Project (1999)

One Of The OG Found Footage Movies

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ScreenRant logo 8/10 21 6.1/10 The Blair Witch Project RHorrorMystery

The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 horror film that follows three film students who venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland. As they document their search for the Blair Witch legend, strange and unsettling events unfold. Presented as found footage, the film is directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, and it pioneered the found footage genre in mainstream cinema.

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*Availability in US Director Eduardo Sánchez , Daniel Myrick Release Date July 30, 1999 Cast Joshua Leonard , Michael C. Williams , Heather Donahue

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The film that began the “found footage” horror trend,The Blair Witch Project still stands as an iconic work in the occult genre. A trio of film students travel to Burkittsville, Maryland to document the myth of the Blair Witch, who is said to haunt the woods of the area. When one of them accidentally destroys a stone cairn, bizarre things start to happen and tension builds among the group, as an unseen evil presence wreaks its havoc.

Blended image from The Blair Witch Project featuring Heather Related Wait, Did The Blair Witch Project Actually Show The Witch?!

The Blair Witch Project is known for not showing the title witch, but a theory explains the witch was shown, and she was hiding in plain sight.

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Whereas many horror movies rely on graphically violent imagery, The Blair Witch Project is a perfect example of how it isn’t always what the audience sees, but what they don’t see. The added realism of using true accounts of supernatural phenomenon and historic records of alleged witchcraft enhances the movie’s authenticity, as does naming the fictional characters after the actors playing them.

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12 Constantine (2005)

Keanu Reeves Makes A Devilishly Good Antihero

Constantine - Poster - Keanu Reeves

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ScreenRant logo 7/10 9/10 Constantine R

Constantine, directed by Francis Lawrence and released in 2005, stars Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, a supernatural detective. Based on the DC Comics Hellblazer series, the film follows Constantine as he battles against dark forces from the underworld with the help of a determined police officer, played by Rachel Weisz. The film meshes elements of horror and action as Constantine navigates a demonic landscape.

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*Availability in US Release Date February 18, 2005 Runtime 121 Minutes

Loosely based on the DC comic books, Constantine is an action-packed thrill ride of supernatural proportions. An occult expert with a cynical outlook on life, John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) walks between the world of mortals and the immaterial planes of angels and demons. He is entreated by a woman named Angela (Rachel Weisz) to investigate her twin sister’s death, but along the way, Constantine uncovers a plot among denizens of Heaven and Hell that could destroy the world.

Constantine
may not have been a big hit with critics upon its initial release, but it remains a favorite among fans of the occult genre.

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Part superhero movie and part horror, Constantine may not have been a big hit with critics upon its initial release, but it remains a favorite among fans of the occult genre. It doesn’t hurt that action star Reeves is fantastic as the lead. The movie is edgy and cool with just the right amount of devilish fervor and fun that neither comic fans nor occult fans will want to miss.

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11 The Ninth Gate (1999)

Johnny Depp Delivers The Chills

The Ninth Gate (1999)

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The Ninth Gate RMysteryThrillerHorror

The Ninth Gate follows a rare book dealer who embarks on a global quest to authenticate a mysterious text, The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister world of murder, deception, and occult practices.

Director Roman Polanski Release Date December 24, 1999 Cast Johnny Depp , Frank Langella , Lena Olin , Emmanuelle Seigner , Barbara Jefford , Jack Taylor , José López Rodero , Tony Amoni , James Russo , Willy Holt , Allen Garfield , Jacques Dacqmine , Joe Sheridan , Rebecca Pauly , Catherine Benguigui , Maria Ducceschi , Jacques Collard , Dominique Pozzetto , Emanuel Booz , Lino Ribeiro de Sousa , Asil Raïs Character(s) Dean Corso , Boris Balkan , Liana Telfer , The Girl , Baroness Kessler , Victor Fargas , Pablo & Pedro Ceniza/1st & 2nd Workmen , Liana’s Bodyguard , Bernie , Andrew Telfer , Witkin , Old Man , Old Man’s Son , Daughter-In-Law , Concierge , Secretary , Gruber , Desk Clerk , Baker , Hotel Porter , Cabby Runtime 133 Minutes Expand

Though often overlooked and underrated, The Ninth Gate is the perfect movie for true fans of the occult genre. Dean Corso (Johnny Depp), a purveyor and seller of rare books, is hired by a man named Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to find and inspect three copies of an occultist tome titled The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows, in order to determine which one is the genuine article. Along the way, Dean meets several nefarious characters who seek to claim his copy of the book, and a dark conspiracy unfolds which may be more than he bargained for.

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Despite the dismal reviews from critics when it first released, both Johnny Depp fans and occult fans don’t want to discount this imaginative thriller. The Ninth Gate combines the neo-noir, horror, and thriller genres in a masterful, tension-filled roller coaster ride that demands the viewers’ attention throughout.

10 The Craft (1996)

Nancy Is The Ultimate Witch

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The Craft RHorrorFantasyDrama

The Craft is a 1996 teen horror movie starring Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, Fairuza Balk, and Rachel True. The Andrew Fleming-directed film focuses on a group of outcasts at an LA high school who practice witchcraft and create their own coven. The film received mixed reviews but was a surprise hit at the box office for Columbia.

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*Availability in US Director Andrew Fleming Release Date May 3, 1996 Cast Neve Campbell , Fairuza Balk , Robin Tunney , Rachel True Runtime 101 Minutes

Often considered one of the most respectful and accurate depictions of the Wiccan religion on screen, The Craft follows teenager Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) into the dangerous world of magic, witchcraft, and high school. As the enigmatic new girl in town, Sarah catches the attention of three other girls who are looking for a fourth witch to complete their coven. Things seem peachy at first until the witches’ fearless leader Nancy (Fairuza Balk) becomes jealous of Sarah’s innate magical talent and calls on dark powers to enhance her own abilities.

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The Craft cast Related Why The Craft’s “We Are The Weirdos Mister” Line Is So Iconic

Teen horror The Craft remains a beloved movie more than 25 years after its release, and its iconic line “We are the weirdos mister” is one reason why.

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Stylish and borderline campy, The Craft is a cult classic that expertly combines supernatural horror and teen drama. Balk earned national fame for her manically intense portrayal of Nancy, as did her ‘90s gothic chic attire in the film. One of Balk’s most memorable lines, “We are the weirdos, mister,” has become a favorite for many fans of the movie.

9 Stigmata (1999)

A Critical Bomb That Deserves A Second Look

Stigmata - Poster

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Stigmata RHorrorMystery

Stigmata is a supernatural horror film centered on Frankie Paige, an atheist hairdresser whose life is turned upside down when she begins to exhibit the stigmata—the wounds of Christ. The phenomenon catches the attention of the Vatican, prompting the church to send Father Andrew Kiernan to investigate its authenticity. Directed by Rupert Wainwright, the film explores themes of faith, possession, and the intersection of science and religion.

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*Availability in US Director Rupert Wainwright Release Date September 10, 1999 Cast Patricia Arquette , Gabriel Byrne , Jonathan Pryce , Nia Long , Thomas Kopache , Rade Šerbedžija , Enrico Colantoni , Dick Latessa , Portia de Rossi , Patrick Muldoon , Ann Cusack , Shaun Toub , Tom Hodges Character(s) Frankie Paige , Father Andrew Kiernan , Cardinal Daniel Houseman , Donna Chadway , Father Durning , Marion Petrocelli , Father Dario , Father Gianni Delmonico , Jennifer Kelliho , Steven , Dr. Reston , Doctor , ER Nurse Expand

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Directed by Rupert Wainwright, Stigmata tells the story of a priest who has lost his faith, and the woman who finds the faith she never had. Father Andrew Kiernan (Gabriel Byrne) is a priest who investigates alleged miracles, but years of false claims have made him cynical. When he hears the case of an atheist woman named Frankie (Patricia Arquette) showing signs of the stigmata, he goes to Pittsburgh to investigate. What he finds is something that could turn the Catholic church upside down and change the religious institution forever.

Critics did not like Stigmata in the least, and the universally panned supernatural thriller has a score of 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, Stigmata deserves a place as one of the best occult movies. Not only is it a tense thriller with strong performances from the lead actors, but it’s also an inspiring message that faith is more important than dogma.

8 The Omen (1976)

A Movie Featuring Horror’s Most Terrifying Child

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The Omen RHorror

The Omen is a classic supernatural horror film that follows a family that begins seeing a dark change in their son as he ages. Unbeknownst to his wife, Kathy, Robert Thorn sees that their child has died during birth and is aided by a chaplain to replace the deceased child with a newborn orphan and raise him as their own. As the years pass, increasingly violent incidents, including the suicide of the family nanny, begin to occur around their son, Damien. Little do the parents know, the child they took on is actually the antichrist.

Director Richard Donner Release Date June 25, 1976 Cast Lee Remick , gregory peck , David Warner , Billie Whitelaw , Harvey Stephens Runtime 111 minutes

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One of the most chilling supernatural horrors of the ‘70s, The Omen continues to be one of the greatest occult films of all time. An American diplomat living in Rome, Robert Thorne (Gregory Peck) adopts a newborn boy after his own child died at birth. As the years pass, young Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens) grows up to be something of a hellraiser — literally. It turns out that Damien is the son of Satan, and Robert must make an unthinkable decision or else allow the coming of the Antichrist.

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Jonathan Scott-Taylor as Damien from The Omen 2 and Nell Tiger Free as Margaret from The First Omen Related Every Omen Movie Ranked, Worst to Best

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At the time of its release, The Omen was not a hit with critics. However, more and more have come to appreciate the movie’s tense-filled atmosphere and frightening subtleties in retrospect. Jerry Goldsmith’s musical score for the movie’s soundtrack enhances the unsettling terror happening on screen, and the composer won an Academy Award for Best Original Score because of it.

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7 Hereditary (2018)

The Movie That Made A24 A Titan Of Horror

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ScreenRant logo 7/10 7.9/10 Hereditary RHorrorDocumentaryMysteryThriller

The feature film debut of writer-director Ari Aster, Hereditary tells the story of the unwittingly cursed Graham family. Annie Graham (Toni Collette) lives with her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) and their children Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro). After the death of Annie’s mother, the family is beset by disaster and stalked by a supernatural entity that dredges up a past that Annie had spent her life trying to overlook.

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*Availability in US Director Ari Aster Release Date June 8, 2018 Cast Toni Collette , Milly Shapiro , Zachary Arthur , Gabriel Byrne , Mallory Bechtel , Alex Wolff , Ann Dowd Runtime 2h 7m

Studio A24 has a sterling reputation for delivering truly terrifying horror movies, and it all started with Ari Aster’s directorial debut, Hereditary. The film opens with Annie Graham (Toni Colette) and her family attending the funeral of Annie’s mother, with whom she had a strained relationship. Later, Annie’s daughter Charlie (Millie Shapiro) is killed in a terrible accident, and she is overcome with grief and anger. In pursuit of answers, the Graham family holds a seance to communicate with Charlie but instead summon a demon that seeks to find a human host to house its spirit.

For such a recent movie,
Hereditary
is already considered one of the greatest horror films of all time

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For such a recent movie, Hereditary is already considered one of the greatest horror films of all time, thanks to Toni Collette’s riveting performance as Annie and writer-director Ari Aster’s masterful storytelling. The movie’s unsettling ambiance and disturbing imagery leave an imprint on the viewer’s brain that they will not soon forget — whether they want to or not.

6 Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

An Iconic Horror Classic That Offers Chills Over Cheap Scares

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ScreenRant logo 8/10 10/10 Rosemary’s Baby RHorrorDrama

Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Mia Farrow, Rosemary’s Baby chronicles the chilling tale of Rosemary Woodhouse, the wife of an actor who, after finding out she is pregnant, begins to suspect that her unborn child is something far more sinister than a normal baby. John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, and Maurice Evans also star. 

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*Availability in US Director Roman Polanski Release Date June 12, 1968 Cast Ralph Bellamy , Mia Farrow , Sidney Blackmer , Ruth Gordon , John Cassavetes Runtime 137 minutes

The occult psychological thriller Rosemary’s Baby has been a staple of American horror since its release in 1968. Newlyweds Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy (John Cassavetes) move into a Manhattan apartment with a strange history, and even stranger neighbors. As Guy befriends the elderly couple next door, Rosemary grows more and more uneasy with their odd behavior. Soon Rosemary becomes pregnant, but what should be a joyful occasion turns to terror when Rosemary discovers the nefarious plans of her occultist neighbors.

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Jennifer Lawrence in Mother! wearing a white t-shirt staring to the side, Toni Collette in Hereditary staring down in horror and behind is Mia Farrow's head horizontal above a hill with a silhouette of a pram from Rosemary's Baby Related 10 Horror Movies That Were Clearly Inspired By Rosemary’s Baby

With its slow-build tension, psychological horror, and urban location, Rosemary’s Baby is arguably one of the most influential horror movies today.

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Considered a true movie classic, Rosemary’s Baby’s clever visual storytelling and building suspense make it a must-see occult film. Farrow gives a fantastic performance as Rosemary, perfectly portraying a woman fighting for her life against manipulation and gaslighting, only to be doomed to her fate. Rosemary’s Baby proves that scary movies don’t need jump scares or gore to be frightening — just good storytelling.

5 The Love Witch (2016)

Samantha Robinson Is The Ultimate Femme Fatale

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The Love Witch DramaComedyFantasyHorrorRomanceThriller

The Love Witch, directed by Anna Biller, follows Elaine, a modern-day witch, who uses magic to make men fall in love with her. Set in a meticulously crafted 1960s aesthetic, the film explores themes of love, desire, and gender dynamics through a unique blend of horror and satire. Samantha Robinson stars as Elaine, whose quest for romance leads to unforeseen complications.

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*Availability in US Director Anna Biller Release Date November 11, 2016 Cast Elle Evans , Jeffrey Vincent Parise , Samantha Robinson , Katy Morris , Ryan Poole , Robert Michael Anderson Runtime 120 minutes

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Elaine Parks (Samantha Robinson), a recently widowed witch, is in love with the idea of love. Hoping for a new start in a new city, she uses sex magic and potions to seduce multiple men, including a college professor named Wayne (Jeffrey Vincent Praise) and her friend’s husband, Richard (Robert Seeley). When both men end up dead, police officer Griff Meadows (Gian Keys) follows the trail back to Elaine, only to become the next object of the femme fatale’s desire.

The movie is irresistibly campy, combining tongue-in-cheek comedy with over-the-top occult horror.

The Love Witch pays homage to classic Hammer horror films, utilizing a bright technicolor palette and melodramatic performances that seem to walk right out of the 1960s. The movie is irresistibly campy, combining tongue-in-cheek comedy with over-the-top occult horror. Over the years, it has become a cult classic beloved by fans of the occult genre.

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4 The Witch (2015)

Robert Eggers’ Directorial Debut Established Him As A Filmmaker To Watch

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ScreenRant logo 7/10 11 9.1/10 The Witch RHorror

Distributed by A24, The Witch marks the feature directorial debut of Robert Eggers and the first film appearance of Anya Taylor-Joy. Written by Eggers, The Witch follows a puritanical family in New England in the 1630s who are forced to leave their community after a religious dispute. Attempting to set up a farm in the New England countryside, the family soon find themselves beset by malevolent and supernatural forces beyond their comprehension.

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*Availability in US Director Robert Eggers Release Date February 19, 2016 Cast Kate Dickie , Wahab Chaudhry , Ellie Grainger , Ralph Ineson , Sarah Stephens , Lucas Dawson , Anya Taylor-Joy , Bathsheba Garnett , Harvey Scrimshaw , Julian Richings

A folk horror tale from director Robert Eggers, The Witch tale centers on a Puritan family who strikes out on their own in the New England wilderness to start their life anew. A series of strange and terrifying circumstances begin to haunt the family, from unsettling signs of a local witch to the supposed possession of their son, Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw). The eldest daughter, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), desperately tries to hold the family together as suspicion and terror threaten to tear them apart.

The Witch is another great example of an occult movie that uses atmosphere and stellar performances to bring a sense of impending doom rather than relying on gory visuals. Taylor-Joy and Ralph Inneson, who plays patriarch William, are particularly impressive, dominating every scene in which they appear on screen together. The movie steadily builds in tension and rising dread, concluding with a surprising ending that leaves the audience chilled to the bone.

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3 Suspiria (2018)

Luca Guadagnino’s Remake Outshines The Original

Suspiria Movie Remake 2018 Poster

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ScreenRant logo 7/10 Suspiria

Suspiria is a remake of the 1977 supernatural horror classic by Dario Argento. The film centers on Susie Bannion, a young woman who begins attending a dance academy. However, darkness begins to build at the center of this world-renowned dance company, and its artistic director, Susie, and a grieving psychotherapist become entangled in a nightmare in the middle of a coven of witches.

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*Availability in US Director Luca Guadagnino Cast Tilda Swinton , Sylvie Testud , Mia Goth , Ingrid Caven , Jessica Harper , Malgorzata Bela , Dakota Johnson , Renée Soutendijk , Angela Winkler , Chloe Grace Moretz , Lutz Ebersdorf Runtime 153 Minutes

Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson) is a gifted dancer who joins the prestigious Markos Dance Academy in Berlin, which just so happens to be headed by a coven of witches. As girls from the school start to go missing and supernatural events grow more and more sinister, Susie finds herself at the mercy of the council of witches who seek to control her and make her one of them. Little do the witches realize that Susie is much more than she seems — and a much bigger threat than they could have anticipated.

This version explores deeper themes of motherhood, sexuality, and feminine power.

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Loosely adapted from the 1977 Dario Argento horror film, Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Suspiria outshines its predecessor in every way. Rather than relying on cheap thrills and bloody visuals, this version explores deeper themes of motherhood, sexuality, and feminine power. It also relies heavily on more modern tropes such as body horror and bleak aesthetics – which, admittedly, can be a good or bad thing. All in all, Suspiria is a masterly crafted occult horror that redefined the genre.

2 The Conjuring (2013)

A Good Old-Fashioned Haunting Film That Launched A Cinematic Universe

The Conjuring Movie Poster

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ScreenRant logo 9/10 8.3/10 The Conjuring MysteryThrillerHorror

Based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring chronicles the haunting of the Perron family after moving into a Rhode Island farmhouse. The film went on to kickstart the Conjuring franchise, a series of supernatural horror films.

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*Availability in US Director James Wan Release Date July 19, 2013 Cast Joey King , Vera Farmiga , Lili Taylor , Patrick Wilson , Ron Livingston

In 1971, the Perron family moved into a large country house with their five daughters. After a series of disturbing paranormal events, the family contacts expert demonologists Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) to exorcise whatever entity is causing the disturbances. When the house’s troubling history is revealed, Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) falls victim to demonic possession, and the Warrens must dispel the evil presence before it destroys her.

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Collage of various villains from The Conjuring Universe, including the Nun and Annabelle Related The Conjuring Universe Movies In Order

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There’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned haunted house movie. With its thrilling jump scares and terrifying moments balanced out with a bit of light humor and compelling human drama, The Conjuring is one of the best films of its kind in modern memory. Not only does it use actual events recorded by the real-life Warrens, but it brings them to life in a way that moves audiences while also giving them nightmares.

1 The Exorcist (1973)

Still Considered One Of The Scariest Movies Of All Time

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ScreenRant logo 9/10 10/10 The Exorcist RHorrorSupernatural

The Exorcist is a supernatural horror film based on the novel released in 1971 and was directed by William Friedkin. When a young girl is passed by a powerful demon, two Catholic priests are brought to her home to attempt an exorcism to expunge the demon. 

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*Availability in US Release Date December 26, 1973 Runtime 122 minutes

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Everyone should know the story by now: a young girl named Regan (Linda Blair) exhibits strange behavior when she becomes suddenly and violently ill. Regan’s mother calls on the help of Father Karras (Jason Miller), a priest in the midst of a crisis of faith who determines that Regan has been possessed by an especially powerful demon named Pazuzu. With help from his mentor, Merrin, the two priests battle for the girl’s soul in a ritual exorcism that will either save Regan or destroy them all.

Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist Related Yes, The Exorcist Still Gives Me Nightmares — How The 1973 Movie Still Holds Up Over 50 Years Later

The Exorcist (1973) is over half a century old, and it remains one of the most frightening and memorable horror movies ever made even decades later.

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The Exorcist is an iconic film that truly epitomizes the horror genre. Even decades later, it hasn’t lost its ability to terrify, and still has the audience gasping during its most shocking moments. When anybody thinks of the best in occult horror, it’s inevitable that The Exorcist will end up topping almost every list.

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