12 Embarrassing Films That Romanticize the Devil

      Shame on these movies for portraying the devil in a glamorous and appealing light.

      **The Witches of Eastwick (1987)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      In this film, based on a John Updike novel, an unexpected group of New England witches, played by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon, inadvertently summon the devil, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. While he goes by the name Daryl Van Horne, the reference to Van Horne is hard to ignore.

      Nicholson brings a charmingly devilish quality to the role, quickly becoming entangled in complex relationships with all three women.

      Shame! Shame!

      **Devil’s Advocate (1997)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      This 1997 drama features Al Pacino as the devil, disguised as powerful lawyer John Milton, who corrupts a promising newcomer, played by Keanu Reeves, along with his unsuspecting wife, portrayed by Charlize Theron.

      Milton begins as incredibly charming and seductive but quickly devolves into a more vicious and malevolent character as the narrative spirals into chaos.

      Shame!

      **Angel Heart (1987)**

      Tri-Star Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Robert De Niro assumed the role of the devil a decade earlier, playing a smooth-talking figure named Louis Cyphre who recruits private investigator Johnny Angel (Mickey Rourke) to find a missing singer in this Southern Gothic/noir tale.

      The introduction of a young woman, Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet), adds to the unsettling atmosphere.

      De Niro’s restrained portrayal of Louis Cyphre is both eerie and effective, solidifying him as one of our greatest actors.

      Shame!

      **The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)**

      RKO Radio Pictures – Credit: RKO Pictures

      Walter Huston’s soft-spoken Mr. Scratch exudes an irresistible charm and energy. He manipulates a trial against statesman Daniel Webster, leading to a wild journey through American history in a story that challenges the essence of American identity.

      Shame on this film for tarnishing the wholesome image of 1940s America… and for glamorizing the devil.

      **Oh God! You Devil (1984)**

      From the trailer for Oh God You Devil. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      As the third installment in the Oh God! series, this film features George Burns reprising his role as God while also embodying the devil. His objective: to purchase the soul of a struggling rock musician.

      With all due respect to Gracie, Burns pairs well with himself.

      Shame on George Burns. Shame!

      **The Prophecy (1995)**

      Dimension Films – Credit: C/O

      In another handsome devil film, Viggo Mortenson presents a philosophical and manipulative Lucifer, navigating a complex war between angels and humanity while pursuing his own interests. He appears both charming and intimidating, ready to entice or drag people to perdition.

      Also, does Mortenson’s version bear a striking resemblance to De Niro’s Louis Cyphre?

      Regardless: Shame!

      **Constantine (2005)**

      Warner Bros. Pictures – Credit: C/O

      While Peter Stormare’s depiction of Satan isn’t particularly friendly, he does come off as quite stylish in Constantine, hauntingly appearing barefoot in a white suit, slowing time, and striding across shattered glass like a mysterious figure from a ’90s R&B video.

      Needless to say: shame.

      **The Story of Mankind (1957)**

      Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. – Credit: C/O

      This eccentric and ambitious courtroom drama features Mr. Scratch, portrayed by the captivating Vincent Price, arguing in a Great Court of Outer Space that humanity is more wicked than good. His impressive cravat adds to his unfair advantage.

      Price understood early on that a smooth-talking devil is more intriguing and fearsome than an angry one. You can catch more souls with honey than with vinegar, it seems.

      In any case, shame.

      **Bedazzled (1966)**

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      In the original Bedazzled, Peter Cook plays a cool ’60s devil who grants seven wishes to the awkward Dudley Moore.

      The film's humor largely stems from watching how he technically fulfillshis end of the deal while making everything worse.

      Known for its seductive scenes with Raquel Welch, this version prompted the idea: What if the entire movie was about seduction? This leads us to the next film in this collection.

      (Oh, and also: Shame.)

      **Bedazzled (2000)**

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      The most extravagant cinematic devil, Elizabeth Hurley shines in this superior remake of the 1966 Bedazzled, tormenting the unfortunate Eliot (Brendan Fraser) while donning various amusing costumes. She embodies a tech