Must-See Demonic Horror Films That Will Give You Chills

      Grab your Holy Bible and rosary beads as we explore ten must-see demonic horror films that will send chills down your spine…

      As Flickering Myth ventures into independent cinema with The Baby in the Basket—our own unique take on demonic horror, set for DVD and Digital release this February—now is the perfect moment to delve into some pivotal demonic horror flicks! Featuring possessed children, cults, witch covens, and plenty of pins, here are ten essential demonic horror movies.

      **Hellraiser**

      Clive Barker’s legendary sadomasochistic fantasy horror presented something genuinely distinctive. The notorious puzzle box serves as a gateway to hell, where demonic cenobites await to tear your soul apart. The film is marked by grotesque visuals, body horror, and a sordid psychosexual narrative of obsession and intrigue with the dark arts.

      Although it wasn’t entirely planned, the iconic Pinhead seemed destined to become a classic horror figure with his memorable look, as Doug Bradley's face is covered in pins. He doesn’t have much screen time in the original film, but the studio quickly recognized his potential as the franchise's face. Barker's relative inexperience in directing led to a refreshing naïveté regarding filmmaking processes and budgeting, which ultimately benefited the film with fewer restrictions on creativity.

      The film's striking lighting, gruesome imagery, and unique style contributed to its lasting impact, while Clare Higgins portrayed a complex and captivating female character in a genre often focused on eye candy or the final girl trope. The villains throughout this franchise have consistently proven to be far more compelling than the protagonists.

      **Rosemary’s Baby**

      Roman Polanski wrapped up a series of intense psychological horrors with Rosemary’s Baby (after Repulsion). This film, which has evolved into a significant allegory for gaslighting, was likely not intended to carry such weight back in 1968. As Rosemary becomes pregnant, she grapples with growing paranoia, sensing that something is amiss with her unborn child and that her neighbors are up to no good.

      Polanski expertly crafts engaging and tense cinema from minimalistic settings, relying heavily on a single actor to support extensive stretches of the narrative. Mia Farrow delivers a remarkable performance, and the film's long takes and careful blocking create an immersive atmosphere that prioritizes mood over cheap frights.

      **The Omen**

      You adopt a young boy and life seems perfect—until you discover he might just be the devil’s son. The notorious Damien, the antichrist, effectively cursed all namesakes after 1976, leading to endless mockery.

      Richard Donner’s chilling slow-burn horror is filled with unforgettable moments, from the first iconic tricycle scene in horror cinema to the brutally timed death sequences. Gregory Peck plays the weary Ambassador who makes a disastrous choice after his wife’s child is stillborn, leading him to take a new mother’s child as their own.

      Donner delivers horror with the same precision seen in his action sequences, building toward an engaging and dark finale that encapsulated a grimmer era in American cinema.

      **The Exorcist**

      A film that marked a turning point for horror, transforming it from a niche interest to mainstream popularity. The enormous success of this classic has become infamous for leaving audiences in shock, with reports of screams, fainting, and even alleged deaths in theaters. Eventually, the mythos surrounding the film’s horror and its cursed production has nearly reached the status of legend.

      Nonetheless, William Friedkin’s exploration of faith remains as unsettling as its reputation suggests. It’s exceptionally well-acted, particularly by Max von Sydow and Jason Miller as two priests with contrasting views on faith, though Linda Blair steals the show with her performance. Despite the countless parodies of head-spinning, projectile vomiting, and foul-mouthed demonic possession, The Exorcist remains a horror essential. The many sequels, reboots, and imitators, less so, with the exception of the overlooked third installment.

      **The Wailing**

      The Wailing is a fantastic Korean horror film that unfolds gradually yet deeply unsettles viewers. Rooted in folk tales and paying homage to a classic era of East Asian horror cinema, it narrates the story of a remote village plagued by gruesome murders, fueled by the belief that a stranger from Japan—a potential demon, evil spirit, or witch—has cursed the town.

      The film thoughtfully addresses the outsider's perception, along with generational attitudes toward superstition and folklore. Packed with surprises and an ever-present sense of unease, it creates an engrossing atmosphere throughout.

      Japanese star Jun Kunimura delivers a powerful performance, and Kwak Do-Wan excels as well. Na Hong-jin shows thoughtful direction, making this one of the standout horror films of recent years.

      **The Witch**

      This film catapulted Robert Eggers into the spotlight of indie horror while showcasing the incredible talent of An