Occult Related Movies
Film represents but one artistic expression of the occult community, albeit a powerful one. Spanning many genres of diverse form & content, film is a highly effective medium for conveying occult experience, narrative, and storytelling. Below, you will find a selected list of films dealing with occult themes, topics, and stories.
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Blood on Satan's Claw
"Blood on Satan's Claw" is a British horror film set in 17th-century England. It tells the story of a rural village gripped by hysteria and demonic possession after the discovery of a mysterious, deformed skull. As the young villagers fall under the influence of an evil force, chaos and witchcraft ensue.
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The Call of Cthulhu
"The Call of Cthulhu" is a silent film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's famous short story, produced by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. The film faithfully recreates the 1920s silent film style to tell the story of a man who uncovers horrifying secrets about an ancient deity, Cthulhu, and its cult following. The film is known for its atmospheric and stylistic approach, capturing the eerie and unsettling essence of Lovecraft's cosmic horror.
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Curse of the Demon
"Curse of the Demon" (also known as "Night of the Demon") is a British horror film based on M.R. James' story "Casting the Runes." It follows an American psychologist who investigates a satanic cult suspected of using curses to kill its enemies. The film is notable for its suspenseful plot, blending psychological terror with supernatural elements, and culminates in the dramatic appearance of a demon, a controversial yet iconic scene.
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A Dark Song
"A Dark Song" is a dark, atmospheric horror film centered on a grieving mother who, desperate to contact her deceased son, enlists an occultist to perform a grueling, months-long ritual. The intense, isolated setting escalates into a psychological and supernatural ordeal, culminating in a profound and unexpected conclusion.
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The Devil Rides Out
"The Devil Rides Out" is a British horror film based on Dennis Wheatley's novel. Set in the 1920s, it follows the Duc de Richleau as he battles to save the soul of his friend's son, who has been lured into a satanic cult. The film features black magic rituals, a battle of good versus evil, and suspenseful confrontations with the forces of darkness. It's celebrated for its atmospheric storytelling and is a classic of the horror genre.
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The Devils
"The Devils" is a British historical drama horror film directed by Ken Russell, based on Aldous Huxley's book "The Devils of Loudun." It portrays the controversial story of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century priest accused of witchcraft following a series of mass hysterias and political machinations in Loudun, France. The film is noted for its explicit content, complex themes of religious fanaticism, and the corrupt interplay between church and state, making it one of the most controversial films of its time.
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Eye of the Devil
"Eye of the Devil" is a British occult and mystery film set in rural France. It follows a wealthy vineyard owner who, facing a crisis, summons his wife to their ancestral home. There, she encounters strange, unsettling events and learns of her husband's involvement in dark, ancient rituals tied to the land's prosperity. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and exploration of pagan rites and sacrifices.
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A Field in England
"A Field in England" is a surreal, historical psychological thriller set during the English Civil War. The story follows a group of deserters who, after consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, become trapped in a field by an alchemist. It combines elements of horror, black comedy, and the supernatural in a unique, mind-bending experience.
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The Green Knight
"The Green Knight" is a medieval fantasy film based on the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It follows Gawain, King Arthur's reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight. The film blends elements of myth, chivalry, and magic, exploring themes of honor, bravery, and human fallibility.
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Lucifer Rising
"Lucifer Rising" is an avant-garde short film by Kenneth Anger, showcasing a series of mystical and symbolic visuals portraying the resurrection of the fallen angel Lucifer. It blends elements of occultism, Egyptian mythology, and ceremonial magic, set to a psychedelic soundtrack, creating a unique, visually striking experience in experimental cinema.
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Häxan
"Häxan" is a 1922 Swedish-Danish silent horror film, a stylised documentary blending fiction and fact to explore the history of witchcraft, demonology, and superstition. Through dramatised sequences and scholarly narration, it examines medieval beliefs and the witch-hunts, highlighting the hysteria and injustice of these persecutions. The film is noted for its innovative visual effects and its controversial, graphic content for the time.
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The Holy Mountain
"The Holy Mountain" is a 1973 avant-garde film by Alejandro Jodorowsky, known for its surreal and symbolic imagery. It's an allegorical tale about a Christ-like figure and other individuals representing planets in the solar system, embarking on a spiritual quest for enlightenment. The film blends esoteric themes, religious iconography, and provocative visuals, offering a unique, surreal cinematic experience.
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Incubus
"Incubus" is a unique horror film notable for being one of the few films entirely in Esperanto. It stars William Shatner and revolves around a demonic succubus who preys on humans to corrupt their souls. However, the plot takes a twist when she falls in love with a virtuous man, leading to a battle between good and evil forces. The film combines elements of dark fantasy and horror, set in a moody, atmospheric landscape.
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Night of the Eagle
"Burn, Witch, Burn" (also known as "Night of the Eagle" in the UK) is a British horror film about a skeptical college professor who discovers his wife is practicing witchcraft. Believing her magic is a delusion, he forces her to stop, only to face eerie and unexplained occurrences that challenge his disbelief. The film explores themes of superstition, scepticism, and the supernatural, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative.
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The Ninth Gate
"The Ninth Gate" is a supernatural thriller starring Johnny Depp as a rare book dealer who is hired to authenticate a book believed to summon the Devil. His journey becomes a dangerous obsession, leading him into a world of occult rituals, mysterious figures, and a quest for hidden knowledge.
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November
"November" is an Estonian fantasy drama film set in a pagan Estonian village where the inhabitants use magic and folk remedies to survive the winter. The story revolves around a love triangle amidst the backdrop of superstition, plague, and spirits. The film is notable for its stunning black-and-white cinematography, unique blend of folklore with surreal elements, and the exploration of themes like love, survival, and the human condition against a darkly magical landscape.
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Rosemary's Baby
"Rosemary's Baby" is a psychological horror film about a young woman, Rosemary, who, after moving into a new apartment with her husband, becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances. As she becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, Rosemary suspects her neighbours are part of a satanic cult with sinister plans for her baby.
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Suspiria Remake
"Suspiria" is a supernatural horror film set in 1970s Berlin, centring on an American dancer who joins a prestigious dance academy. As she uncovers the school's dark secrets, she realises it's a front for a coven of witches. The film is known for its eerie atmosphere, artistic style, and disturbing thematic elements.
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The Whisperer in Darkness
"The Whisperer in Darkness" is a film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's short story of the same name. Produced by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society, it mimics the style of 1930s horror cinema. The story follows a university professor who, after investigating strange occurrences in Vermont, uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving extraterrestrial beings. The film blends elements of science fiction and horror, maintaining a mood of suspense and cosmic dread characteristic of Lovecraft's work.
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The Wicker Man
"The Wicker Man" is a British folk horror film about a devoutly Christian police sergeant investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. The plot unravels amidst pagan rituals and the islanders' mysterious behavior, leading to a shocking and iconic climax involving a giant wicker man.
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The Witches
The Witches, also known as "The Devil's Own" in the US, is a British horror film about a schoolteacher who, after a traumatic experience in Africa, relocates to a small English village. She soon discovers that the village is under the influence of a witch cult. The film explores themes of superstition and paranoia, as the teacher uncovers the dark secrets of the seemingly quaint village. It's known for its atmospheric build-up and exploration of witchcraft in a rural setting. -
Witchfinder General
"Witchfinder General" is a British horror film set during the English Civil War, depicting the brutal campaign of Matthew Hopkins, a self-proclaimed witch-hunter. The film portrays his sadistic methods and reign of terror over East Anglia, culminating in a personal vendetta and violent retribution, with a grim, realistic tone.