12 Disgraceful Films That Romanticize the Devil

      Shame, shame on the following films for portraying the devil as alluring and appealing.

      **The Witches of Eastwick (1987)**

      In this adaptation of John Updike's novel, an unexpected trio of witches in New England, played by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon, inadvertently invite the devil into their lives, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Even though he goes by Daryl Van Horne, it's hard not to see the reference. Nicholson embodies a charmingly devilish character, quickly entangling himself in complex relationships with all three women. Shame! Shame!

      **Devil’s Advocate (1997)**

      In this melodrama, Al Pacino takes on the role of the devil as the powerful lawyer John Milton. He creates havoc for a promising new hire, played by Keanu Reeves, and his innocent wife, played by Charlize Theron. Milton starts off incredibly charming and seductive, but his character grows increasingly brutal as chaos ensues. Shame!

      **Angel Heart (1987)**

      Ten years earlier, Robert De Niro portrayed the devil as a suave character named Louis Cyphre, who hires private investigator Johnny Angel (Mickey Rourke) to find a missing singer in this Southern Gothic/noir film. A young woman named Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet) soon complicates matters, leading to unsettling developments. De Niro's choice to depict Louis Cyphre as subdued and cautious is both chilling and effective. He could be our greatest actor. Shame!

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

      Walter Huston’s smooth-talking Mr. Scratch captivates audiences with his charisma. He orchestrates a trial against the statesman and attorney Daniel Webster, taking viewers on a captivating journey through American history. This film challenges the idealized image of America in the 1940s while glamorizing the devil. Shame on this film!

      **Oh God! You Devil (1984)**

      In the third installment of the Oh God! series, George Burns reprises his role as God while also playing the devil, who aims to purchase the soul of a struggling rock musician. Burns delivers a comedic performance alongside his previous co-star. Shame on George Burns. Shame!

      **The Prophecy (1995)**

      In another take on the devil, Viggo Mortenson portrays a philosophical and manipulative Lucifer, who seeks to protect his interests in a complex conflict between angels and humanity. He presents a were carrot-or-stick version of the devil: charming yet capable of driving people to darkness. Additionally, might Mortenson's look resemble De Niro's Louis Cyphre? Anyway, shame!

      **Constantine (2005)**

      Peter Stormare’s interpretation of Satan isn’t kind, but he brings a cool factor to Constantine, appearing barefoot and dressed in a white suit, moving through shattered glass like a star in a '90s R&B video. All in all, shame.

      **The Story of Mankind (1957)**

      This bizarre courtroom drama features Mr. Scratch, played by the captivating Vincent Price, arguing before a Great Court of Outer Space about mankind's greater evil. Price was among the first actors to reveal that a smooth-talking devil is more captivating and terrifying than an aggressive one. It seems that sweetness attracts more souls than bitterness. Shame.

      **Bedazzled (1966)**

      In the original Bedazzled, Peter Cook plays a hip 60s devil who grants seven wishes to a timid Dudley Moore. The film humorously explores how the devil fulfills his deals while making life exponentially worse for the wish-maker. Given this version's notoriety for a seduction scene with Raquel Welch, one could say: What if the entire film was a grand seduction? Thus leads us to the next entry. (Also: Shame.)

      **Bedazzled (2000)**

      The most glamorous film devil appears in this remake, where Elizabeth Hurley delights in tormenting Eliot (Brendan Fraser) in various amusing costumes. She embodies a tech-savvy, high-fashion devil who exploits her targets' weaknesses through computer programs. This could well be Hurley’s best role — although she shines in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, her character here steals the spotlight. Shame! Shame! Shame!

      **Little Nicky (2000)**

      In this broad Adam Sandler comedy, Harvey Keitel plays the devil, known as Your Evilness, portrayed as a hardworking and basically decent guy trying to manage his challenging job and demanding father (Rodney Dangerfield). Given Keitel's acting prowess, he unintentionally makes the devil appear less threatening. And let’s not forget Adam Sandler’s voice work throughout the film: Shame!

      **Enjoyed This List of Shameful Movies That Glamorize the Devil?**

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