The 12 Most Sinister Films Featuring the Devil That We’ve Ever Encountered

      Here are 12 devilish films centered on the devil, along with some insights on how the devil may truly behave.

      But First

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      While Broadcast News isn’t included in this list since it doesn’t portray the devil, it features a remarkable monologue by Albert Brooks' character, Aaron Altman (above), in which he shares his thoughts on how he imagines the devil would act in contemporary society.

      "He will be appealing. He’ll be kind and accommodating. He’ll occupy a position influencing a devout nation. He won’t commit any overtly evil acts! He won’t intentionally harm any living creature… he will just gradually erode our standards in critical areas. Just a little bit at a time. Just gently promote style over substance. Just a bit at a time. And he’ll suggest that we’re all essentially salespeople. And he’ll attract all the finest women."

      That seems accurate. Now, here are the 12 most devilish films we've encountered.

      The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

      RKO Radio Pictures – Credit: RKO Pictures

      This was among the earliest films featuring the devil, and Walter Huston was one of the first actors to recognize that portraying the devil as soft-spoken is scarier than as an out-of-control beast. After all, he’s a fallen angel.

      In the film, adapted from the story by Stephen Vincent Benét, Mr. Scratch orchestrates a trial against the statesman and lawyer Daniel Webster, which effectively serves as a trial for America itself.

      It's diabolical for cleverly intertwining a history lesson within a fantasy-horror narrative. It became one of the earlier horror films successfully merging suspense with social commentary.

      The Story of Mankind (1957)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      This film owes much to The Devil and Daniel Webster; The Story of Mankind escalates the stakes by putting all of humanity on trial rather than just the American way of life. It also boasts an impressive production promising “the greatest star cast ever assembled! 50 big names 50!”

      Featured actors include Ronald Coleman, Hedy Lamarr, Groucho Marx, Peter Lorre, Cesar Romero, and young Dennis Hopper.

      Much like Walter Huston, Vincent Price (above) understood that portraying the devil as charming is much more effective than being overtly frightening. His devilish character is also named Mr. Scratch.

      Damn Yankees (1958)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      A quintessential bet-with-the-devil tale. Based on a popular Broadway musical, the film follows obsessed Washington Senators fan Joe (Robert Shafer) as he claims he would trade his soul for the Senators to defeat the Yankees. In the form of the charming Applegate (Ray Walston, above), the devil presents Joe with a pact allowing him to regain his youth and lead the Senators to victory.

      The film is particularly recognized for Gwen Verdon's locker-room performance of “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets.”

      It's diabolical how effectively the film conveys one of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods.”

      Bedazzled (1966)

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      A decade after the previous film on our list, Bedazzled elevated the stakes (as the devil is fond of gambling!) by granting the main character not one wish, but seven.

      Peter Cook's devil darkly fulfills Dudley Moore's wishes—technically honoring the deal, while completely undermining the intentions of his victim.

      This rendition of Bedazzled is particularly noted for a seduction scene featuring Raquel Welch, prompting someone to wisely ponder what if the devil were a smooth-talking woman instead of a man? This idea led to the excellent Bedazzled remake, with Elizabeth Hurley, which appears later in this list.

      Oh God! You Devil (1984)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The third installment in the Oh God! series—following 1977's Oh, God and 1980's Oh God! Book II—features the charming George Burns, who portrays both God and his adversary, the devil. His objective: to acquire the soul of a struggling rock musician.

      It’s diabolical for presenting the devil as so endearing. We adore George Burns, whether he’s in films about God or about the devil— or both.

      The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      In George Miller's adaptation of John Updike’s novel, an unlikely trio of New England witches, played by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon, inadvertently summon the devil himself—Daryl Van Horne, get it? Horne?—played by Jack Nicholson.

      It’s diabolical because, like the most cleverly deceptive films about the devil, it makes him appear quite charming.

      Angel Heart (1987