18 Devilish Movies to Fuel Your Satanic Fears

The brilliance of Night of the Demon lies in its ambiguity, transforming it into a film that surpasses its sensational title and modest budget. Adapted from an M. R. James story and directed by Jacques Tourneur (Cat People), it follows an American psychologist investigating a Satanic cult in England to determine if they’re responsible for several deaths. The film cleverly balances between suggesting the cult is summoning real demons or merely exploiting their victims’ fears. Regardless, the result is equally chilling. (Martin Scorsese included this gem in his list of 11 favorite scary movies for The Daily Beast.)

Where to stream: AMC+, Fandor

While the surprisingly strong Exorcist III deserves recognition for its understated brilliance, William Friedkin’s original remains the undisputed pinnacle of demonic possession films. Though many of its iconic moments have been endlessly copied and parodied, diminishing their initial shock value, the film’s overall impact remains as visceral and unsettling as ever. It’s a masterpiece that has been matched but never surpassed.

Where to stream: AMC+, Fandor

Imagine stumbling upon an incredible deal: a sprawling, albeit eerie, mansion available for rent just when your family needs an escape from urban chaos. The peculiar owners are offering it for the entire summer at a bargain price, and its secluded location promises peace and quiet. But there’s a catch: you must care for the owner’s mother, who refuses to leave her attic retreat. Oh, and she’s played by Academy Award-winning Eileen Heckart! What could possibly go wrong?

While the premise may seem familiar, the film takes unexpected twists and turns (seriously, never agree to feed your Airbnb host’s mother). Directed and co-written by Dark Shadows creator Dan Curtis, the movie boasts an impressive cast, including Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Burgess Meredith, and the legendary Bette Davis in her horror era.

Where to stream: AMC+

The storyline of The Beyond is almost secondary—what truly matters is the tale of a woman who inherits a New Orleans hotel perched atop a portal to hell. (Given today’s real estate market, it might still be a steal.) The real draw is director Lucio Fulci, who channels his most bizarre and gruesome tendencies into a fast-paced 90 minutes filled with oddly translated dialogue and international filming locations.

Where to stream: Shudder, Kanopy

While the rawer original could easily claim this spot, the slightly more refined sequel represents the entire franchise well, including the comedic Army of Darkness and the surprisingly effective 2013 reboot. This installment not only solidifies the series’ legacy but also delves into the lore of the Necronomicon, an H.P. Lovecraft-inspired evil book, and the parasitic deadites that possess humans and consume souls.

Where to stream: HBO Max

Long before concerns about vaccine microchips, parents feared Satan might be hiding in the grooves of their children’s heavy metal records. The ‘80s were a time of widespread satanic panic, but thankfully, we’ve moved past such absurd fears. In Black Roses, a seemingly harmless band arrives in a quiet town, winning over skeptical parents with their tame appearance. However, their performances grow increasingly intense, unleashing the devil within the local youth. While the film itself is far from a cinematic masterpiece, its original soundtrack, crafted by members of King Kobra, adds a nostalgic charm that makes it an entertaining watch.

Where to stream: Shudder

Two old friends (Kadeem Hardison and writer/director James Bond III, no relation) reconnect in New York City. One is an actor thriving in the urban hustle, while the other, a devoutly religious man, grapples with a crisis of faith. Enter a seductive succubus, targeting unfaithful men for punishment—though she’s not particularly selective. This stylish, jazz and hip-hop-infused film is a gory, sensual gem of ‘90s Black horror cinema.

Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+

While demons often serve as metaphors, few films use them as explicitly as Adrian Lyne’s haunting tale of a Vietnam veteran (Tim Robbins) whose life spirals into chaos as demonic forces invade his reality. The film is as emotionally draining for the audience as it is for the protagonist, a testament to its powerful acting and profound exploration of existential terror. Its shocking ending, even when anticipated, delivers a devastating blow.

Where to stream: fuboTV, Epix

Clive Barker’s fantasy tale centers on the blood of Baphomet, a demon worshipped by the Nightbreed, whose blood grants entry to their hidden underground world. Craig Sheffer eagerly partakes while fleeing a string of murders he’s almost certain he committed. Barker’s allegory—where monsters are the heroes and humans the villains—might feel heavy-handed, but it succeeds as a dark fairytale, particularly as a metaphor for queerness. (For a more traditional horror experience, Barker’s Hellraiser, featuring the demon-like cenobites, is always an option.)

Where to stream: Shudder, Peacock, Shudder, VRV

While not an art-house film, Demon Knight (also known as Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight) delivers a thrilling blend of action and horror as survivors fend off a siege. Billy Zane shines as a formidable demon hunting for an ancient key that could unleash the apocalypse, toning down just a touch of the camp he’d later bring to Titanic. Directed by Ernest Dickerson, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, the film boasts stylish visuals, impressive practical effects, and a standout performance from Jada Pinkett Smith, who excels in her ass-kicking role.

Where to stream: Starz

Casting Keanu Reeves as the comics’ distinctly British demon hunter was...an interesting decision, as was downplaying his political edge. Regardless, Reeves brings his signature stoicism to the role, perfectly suited for a film about demonic possession and supernatural battles. While it’s primarily an action movie, it’s a well-crafted and engaging one that has garnered a loyal fanbase over the years. Unlike most films where demons dominate, Constantine flips the script, imagining a world where The Exorcist meets John Wick, angels are played by Tilda Swinton, and Satan is a disheveled Peter Stormare.

Where to stream: HBOMax

Released in Japan in 2005, Noroi didn’t reach American audiences until years later, by which time the found footage genre had become oversaturated and divisive. Fortunately, the film is now gaining recognition through an official US release on Shudder. The story follows documentary filmmaker Masafumi Kobayashi as he investigates a series of bizarre events linked to a demon named Kagutaba. Presented as a polished documentary by a journalist, the film avoids the typical shaky-cam tropes. Though lengthy and methodically paced, it meticulously pieces together its central mystery, culminating in a climax that feels both shocking and inevitable.

Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+

Initially a box office failure in 2009, Jennifer’s Body faced marketing that clashed with its feminist themes. Diablo Cody’s follow-up to Juno was intended as a feminist take on high school horror but was sold as a vehicle for Megan Fox’s allure. The film, centered on two friends—one shy, the other a deadly succubus—is told entirely from a female perspective, a rarity in slasher films. Its sharp, darkly humorous dialogue sets it apart. Its dual availability on both IMDb TV and the Criterion Channel reflects its polarizing yet enduring appeal.

Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, IMDb TV

As part of James Wan’s revival of classic haunted house tales (alongside the wildly popular Conjuring series), Insidious stands out for two reasons: first, its inventive, quasi-scientific lore posits that the demons tormenting the family originate not from hell but from a bizarre parallel dimension—a concept explored further in the sequel. Second, it features the remarkable Lin Shaye, whose character Elise Rainier becomes the heart of the series. As a quietly powerful figure, she’s the ideal person to call when your home is invaded by inter-dimensional demons.

Where to stream: Sling TV

For some, The Babadook is a harrowing tale of Amelia, a grieving widow struggling to raise her son while a sinister entity, the Babadook, begins to haunt their lives, embodying her trauma and the challenges of single parenthood. For others, the Babadook is a stylish symbol of queerness (complete with jazz hands), emerging after Amelia discovers a mysterious book about the creature on her son’s shelf. No matter how hard she tries to destroy the book or suppress the idea, the Babadook remains a persistent presence in her son’s life. Nice try, mom!

Where to stream: AMC+

Unlike the often whimsical portrayals of genies in Western media, traditional jinns are far more formidable—neither inherently good nor evil, they exist as beings separate from humanity. When they turn malevolent, they’re truly terrifying. Set during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980s Tehran, Babak Anvari’s chilling film masterfully blends supernatural horror with the grim realities of life in a war-torn city.

Where to stream: Netflix, Kanopy

Occasionally, a horror film transcends the genre’s usual critical disdain, often by blending arthouse sophistication with a unique vision. These films, sometimes labeled as prestige horror, are typically restrained yet well-crafted. Hereditary, however, is wildly unpredictable, and I mean that as high praise. It’s best experienced with minimal prior knowledge, but the story centers on a family grappling with what seems to be both a supernatural curse and a history of mental illness. A demon king also plays a role, but the less you know, the more it will blow your mind.

Where to stream: fuboTV, Showtime, Kanopy

We all have imaginary friends (don’t we?), but when yours persuades you to attempt murder, it’s probably time to cut ties. Young Luke does just that, locking “Daniel” away for years until college stress and his mother’s declining mental health push him to reconnect with his charismatic alter ego. Without spoiling too much, Daniel turns out to be more than just a figment of Luke’s imagination. The film effectively captures the chaos and vulnerability tied to certain mental health struggles.

Where to stream: Prime Video, Shudder, Tubi, Kanopy, AMC+, The Roku Channel