12 Timeless Films Featuring the Devil

      Here are 12 classic films that revolve around the devil, along with some reflections on what the devil might actually be like.

      But First

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      Although Broadcast News isn’t included on this list since it doesn’t feature the devil, it presents a remarkable speech by Albert Brooks’ character, Aaron Altman, where he describes how he believes the devil would act in contemporary society.

      “He'll be charming. He'll be friendly and accommodating. He'll secure a position to influence a great, God-fearing nation. He'll never commit an evil act! He won't intentionally harm any living being… he will simply, little by little, lower our standards in crucial areas. Just a smidgen at a time. Just promote superficiality over depth. Just a fraction at a time. And he’ll suggest that we are all basically salespeople. And he'll attract all the wonderful women.”

      That seems quite fitting. Now, here are 12 classic movies focused on the devil.

      The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

      RKO Radio Pictures – Credit: RKO Pictures

      This was among the earliest classic films about the devil, with Walter Huston being one of the first stars to recognize that a soft-spoken devil can be more frightening than one that is raging and grotesque. After all, he’s a fallen angel.

      In this adaptation of Stephen Vincent Benét's story, Mr. Scratch orchestrates a trial against Daniel Webster, a prominent statesman and attorney, which ultimately becomes a trial for America itself.

      It cleverly disguises a history lesson within a so-called fantasy-horror movie and is notable for being one of the early horror films to effectively combine suspense with social commentary.

      The Story of Mankind (1957)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      A film that heavily draws from 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 boasts a grand production that proclaimed “the greatest star cast ever assembled! 50 big names 50!”

      Among the famed cast were Ronald Coleman, Hedy Lamarr, Groucho Marx, Peter Lorre, Cesar Romero, and a young Dennis Hopper.

      Like Walter Huston, Vincent Price (above) understood that portraying the devil as charming is often more effective than making him overtly frightening. His demon character is again called Mr. Scratch.

      Damn Yankees (1958)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      A quintessential film that also follows the classic bet-with-the-devil narrative.

      Based on a hit Broadway musical, the plot revolves around fervent Washington Senators fan Joe (Robert Shafer), who claims he would sell his soul for the Senators to win against the Yankees. The devil, in the charismatic form of Applegate (Ray Walston, above), strikes a deal that allows him to regain his youth and lead the Senators to glory.

      The film is especially famous for Gwen Verdon's performance of “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets” in the locker room.

      It cleverly illustrates one of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods.”

      Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

      Paramount – Credit: Paramount

      This film by Roman Polanski, adapted from the Ira Levin novel, builds an atmosphere of intense creepiness as it adeptly portrays the infantilization of the pregnant Rosemary (Mia Farrow) by those around her.

      It begins as a story about simple gaslighting—before that term was even popularized—but ultimately reveals a reality more horrifying than expected.

      There’s also an inescapable sense of darkness knowing the tragedies that affected both Polanski and Farrow after the film was released.

      It’s also featured on our list of Classic Movies That Inspired Classic Rock Songs.

      The Exorcist (1973)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Arguably one of the most terrifying films ever made—and possibly the scariest film about the devil—The Exorcist is a horror classic that takes its time developing its characters and mythology, ensuring that by the time the head starts spinning, you’re entirely consumed by the film.

      It has haunted countless viewers, with its shocking scenes and a lingering darkness that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

      The Omen

      20th Century Studios – Credit: C/O

      Directed by Richard Donner, who later created the wholesome Superman, The Omen delivers a dark narrative about Damien Thorn, a boy who is unknowingly switched at birth by his father after the couple's first son dies as a newborn.

      Damien eventually demonstrates horrific powers over those around him as his parents realize they are raising the Antichrist.

      The prominent cast, particularly Gregory Peck and Lee Remick, brings a chilling gravitas to the film.

      Oh God! You Devil (1984)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Not all films about the devil are