Horror Infernal: The Best Movies about The Devil

If you’re looking to check out cinema’s most devilish offerings this Halloween, you’re in for a treat (but no trick), fear fans. THE DEVIL has been a fixture of film since the early days, appearing in everything from silent German expressionism to modern horror comedies. This October The Longbox of Darkness has taken it upon itself to compile a list of the best films featuring Old Scratch himself (or weird versions of him, at the very least). Hope you enjoy them. Here they are!

Warning: Some mild spoilers lie ahead.

The Undisputed Classics

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Synopsis: Newlyweds Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse move into a prestigious New York apartment building, where they’re befriended by their elderly neighbors, Roman and Minnie Castevet. When Rosemary (played by Mia Farrow) becomes pregnant after a strange, dreamlike encounter, she begins to suspect her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult—and that she’s carrying the Antichrist.

What makes this film brilliantly unsettling is its restraint—most of the horror is psychological rather than visceral, and seemingly portrays the descent of a young woman into paranoia and madness. Director Roman Polanski masterfully builds paranoia through seemingly innocent interactions and mundane domestic details, making Rosemary’s descent into terror feel achingly real. We never actually see the Devil, save for the horrific scene where he impregnates Rosemary, but his cloven hoof-print is stamped all over the plot. 

The film also offers up a striking ambiguity—is Rosemary truly surrounded by devil-worshippers, or is she experiencing a psychological breakdown? Ruth Gordon won an Oscar for her performance, and the film remains a masterclass in building dread through atmosphere and paranoia rather than shock. A must see!

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The Omen (1976)

Synopsis: American diplomat Robert Thorn and his wife Katherine adopt a newborn after their biological child dies during birth. As young Damien grows, a series of mysterious deaths and supernatural occurrences lead Robert to the horrifying realization that his adopted son may be the Antichrist, prophesied to bring about the end of days.

Richard Donner’s tale of young Damien, the Antichrist raised by an unsuspecting American diplomat (Gregory Peck) and his wife (Lee Remick), is smart, high-toned horror. With ridiculously elaborate but unforgettable death scenes—including cinema’s best beheading courtesy of a sheet of glass—and Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-winning score, The Omen became an enduring franchise. The film’s effectiveness comes from its slow-burn approach to revealing Damien’s true nature. Each supernatural incident builds inexorably toward the truth, while Gregory Peck’s performance grounds the increasingly outlandish events in genuine human emotion. Harvey Spencer Stephens’ performance as the creepy child suggests that sometimes the Devil walks among us in the most innocent of guises.

We never actually see the Devil himself in this film, but Damian’s daddy’s presence (via murderous evil spirits that seem to do his bidding) is undeniable and all-consuming.

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The Exorcist (1973)

Synopsis: When 12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins exhibiting disturbing behavior after playing with an Ouija board, her actress mother Chris seeks medical help. When doctors fail to provide answers, she turns to two Catholic priests who believe Regan has been possessed by the demon Pazuzu, one of the most well-known devils in horror cinema. Though not Satan himself, he certainly shares some connection to the Lord of Hell, given that the Catholic Church is his main foe.

William Friedkin’s masterpiece (based on the famed novel by William Peter Blatty) isn’t just one of the best devil movies—it’s arguably the greatest horror film ever made, and easily the best demonic possession movie ever. With its groundbreaking effects, mind-blowing performances from Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, and genuinely terrifying atmosphere, this film set the standard for demonic possession movies. The film’s power lies not just in its shocking imagery—spinning heads, projectile vomiting, and the infamous spider-walk scene—but in its stark examination of faith under assault. Father Karras’s crisis of belief provides the emotional core that elevates this beyond mere shock tactics. It earned multiple Oscar nominations and changed horror cinema forever.

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Silent Era Masterpieces

Faust (1926)

Synopsis: The aging Dr. Faust, witnessing plague and suffering around him, makes a deal with the demon Mephisto, trading his soul for renewed youth and magical powers. But as Faust indulges in earthly pleasures and falls in love with the innocent Gretchen, he discovers that every bargain with the Devil comes with a terrible price.

F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece adapts Goethe’s classic tale This German Expressionist film features stunning special effects for its time and remains one of the most visually captivating depictions of the Devil. Murnau’s visual storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary—the famous sequence where Mephisto’s massive wings spread over a plague-ravaged village remains one of cinema’s most powerful images. Emil Jannings brings a cunning intelligence to Mephisto, making him simultaneously charming and terrifying.

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Häxan (1922)

Synopsis: This unique Swedish “documentary” uses a mixture of historical analysis, dramatic reconstructions, and nightmarish imagery to explore the history of witchcraft from medieval times through the early 20th century, examining humanity’s relationship with evil and superstition.

This Swedish essay film blends documentary and dramatic narrative to chronicle the history of witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Its traditional depiction of the Devil as a fallen angel and ultimate embodiment of evil features genuinely terrifying imagery that still haunts audiences today. Benjamin Christensen’s film is remarkable for its unflinching examination of how fear and superstition create their own devils. The film’s most famous sequence—a witches’ sabbath featuring a grotesque, horned Satan—remains genuinely disturbing nearly a century later. The film’s unsettling visuals, deeply rooted in religious beliefs about Heaven and Hell, present one of cinema’s most effective versions of the infamous fallen angel.

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Modern Masterpieces

The Witch (2015)

Synopsis: In 1630s New England, a Puritan family lives in isolation at the edge of a dark forest. When their newborn son mysteriously vanishes and their crops fail, the family turns on each other as supernatural forces—led by the mysterious Black Phillip—tear them apart from within.

Robert Eggers’ folk horror debut features one of cinema’s most subtle yet terrifying Devil portrayals. Black Phillip, a black goat, serves as a stand-in for the Devil, lurking behind the scenes and sowing discord among the family members. What makes this film so effective is its authentic period detail and slow-burn approach. Eggers doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead builds an atmosphere of creeping dread that reflects the Puritan worldview where Satan lurks behind every misfortune. The film’s final question—”Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”—and Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakthrough performance have become iconic. The Devil here is presented as an overwhelming and unavoidable force inherent in the fabric of this world.

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The Wailing (2016)

This is a very recent watch for me. While researching this list I came upon it, and managed to procure a copy. It blew my socks off.

Synopsis: In a remote Korean village, police officer Jong-goo investigates a series of brutal murders that coincide with the arrival of a mysterious Japanese stranger. As more villagers succumb to a strange illness that drives them to violence, Jong-goo must confront supernatural forces beyond his understanding.

After only one viewing I can already say that Na Hong-jin’s operatic Korean horror film is one of the scariest movies ever made. The film masterfully blends police procedural elements with folk horror, creating an atmosphere of mounting dread that builds to an absolutely devastating climax. The final 40 minutes are unreservedly the most terrifying moments committed to celluloid in recent memory, with the Devil’s involvement revealed in ways that will haunt you long after the credits roll.

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Devilishly Entertaining Performances

The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Synopsis: Hotshot young lawyer and Floridian Kevin Lomax is recruited by a prestigious New York law firm run by the charismatic John Milton. As Kevin climbs the corporate ladder, he discovers that Milton (played by Al Pacino) is actually Satan himself, and that his success comes at the cost of his soul and his marriage.

Taylor Hackford’s supernatural thriller stars Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax, and Pacino delivers one of his most gloriously over-the-top performances (Check out the classic scene below!)

Pacino’s Milton is equal parts mentor and monster, seducing Kevin with promises of power and success while slowly revealing his true identity. While not necessarily intimidating, he’s endlessly entertaining—more drama queen than Prince of Darkness, delivering hammy, unhinged portrayals that elevate the entire film. I used to be able to quote the lines from this movie verbatim, that’s how obsessed I was with it.

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Visual Spectacles

Legend (1985)

Synopsis: In a mythical realm where unicorns represent purity and light, the innocent Princess Lili accidentally aids the Lord of Darkness in his quest to kill the last unicorns and plunge the world into eternal night. Forest dweller Jack must rescue Lili and defeat Darkness to restore balance to the world.

Ridley Scott’s dark fantasy features Tim Curry in one of cinema’s most iconic villain roles: the Lord of Darkness (maybe Satan, maybe not). Buried under mountains of makeup, Curry’s Darkness is seductive but dangerous—the forbidden apple of Eden. His performance is a tour de force of physical acting, bringing genuine menace and surprising pathos to a character that could have been a cartoon villain. His deep, resonant voice and imposing presence make him the film’s clear highlight. Curry makes Darkness mercurial, dominating every human emotion, creating what any child would imagine the ruler of hell looks like if they closed their eyes. This was certainly the case for little 7-year old me way back when.

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Classic Hammer Horror

The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Synopsis: In 1929 England, the Duc de Richleau discovers that his young friend Simon has become involved with a Satanic cult led by the sinister Mocata. Along with Rex Van Ryn, de Richleau must rescue Simon and protect the young Tanith from the cult’s supernatural powers and demonic master.

Terence Fisher directed this Hammer Horror classic starring Christopher Lee—for once as the hero rather than the villain. Lee brings his commanding screen presence to the role of the occult expert de Richleau, making him a compelling protagonist who can match wits with supernatural evil. Charles Gray’s Mocata is suitably sinister, representing the Devil’s earthly influence through his hypnotic powers and ritualistic magic. The film features intense black magic sequences, including the summoning of the goat-devil Baphomet (again, not the Devil, but a weird distorted avatar of him) and a sustained onslaught of terror that remains effective decades later.

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Three Personal Favorites

The following three movies aren’t exactly box office darlings, but they certainly entertained me in my horror cocoon as a youth, and still do to this day.

Angel Heart (1987)

Synopsis: Private investigator Harry Angel is hired by the mysterious Louis Cyphre to track down a missing singer named Johnny Favorite in 1950s New Orleans. As Harry delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of voodoo, murder, and supernatural forces that threaten his very soul.

Alan Parker’s neo-noir psychological horror stars Mickey Rourke as PI Harry Angel, Robert De Niro plays Louis Cyphre (get it?), a smooth, understated Devil whose natural magnetism makes him alluring and terrifying in equal measure. De Niro’s performance is a masterclass in subtle menace—he never raises his voice or resorts to theatrics, yet his presence dominates every scene he’s in. De Niro’s portrayal is often overlooked but ranks among the best Devil performances—authentic, weary, ancient evil sick of the sordid sins of man.

For more on Angel Heart, check out our full review of it HERE. It remains one of LOD’s all-time favorite films.

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The Ninth Gate (1999)

Synopsis: Rare book dealer Dean Corso is hired by collector Boris Balkan to authenticate a 17th-century tome called “The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows,” allegedly written by Satan himself. As Corso travels across Europe comparing the three existing copies, he becomes entangled in a supernatural mystery involving murder, the occult, and the literal gates of Hell. Oh, and did I mention it featured a hot, levitating European former model with mad kung fu skills as Lucifer in human form? Yeah.

Another Roman Polanski offering, this neo-noir stars Johnny Depp as Dean Corso and Polanski’s real-life wife Emmanuelle Seigner as Lucifer’s avatar. Depp delivers a typically understated performance as a man gradually drawn into forces beyond his comprehension. The film’s atmospheric approach and ambiguous ending—where the skeptic rather than the fanatic becomes the key to opening Hell’s gates—make for thought-provoking horror. While it earned mixed reviews upon release, it’s since gained cult status for its cerebral approach to devil mythology.

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Constantine (2005)

Synopsis: Chain-smoking exorcist John Constantine (one of my absolute favorite comic book characters), who can see angels and demons walking among us, helps police detective Angela Dodson investigate her twin sister’s apparent suicide. Their investigation uncovers a plot by demonic forces to break through to Earth, with Satan’s son Mammon leading the charge.

Francis Lawrence’s adaptation of DC Comics’ Hellblazer stars Keanu Reeves as the cynical Constantine, battling supernatural forces in modern-day Los Angeles. Peter Stormare’s Lucifer steals the show in his brief appearance—his slow-motion entrance and diseased appearance make him genuinely unsettling. Stormare’s Satan oozes corruption from every pore, presenting the Devil as a cosmic force of decay rather than a traditional scheming villain. The film’s religious mythology and apocalyptic stakes elevate it above typical supernatural thrillers, and even though I initially though Reeves was miscast as Constantine, he made the role his own, Kudos, Keanu.

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Comedy Devils

The following films aren’t true horror, and barely qualify as horror comedies, but I think they’re worth mentioning.

Bedazzled (2000)

Synopsis: Geeky office worker Elliot Richardson is hopelessly in love with his coworker Alison but lacks the confidence to approach her. When he meets the Devil—who appears as the seductive Elizabeth Hurley—she offers him seven wishes in exchange for his soul, leading to a series of increasingly disastrous attempts to win Alison’s heart.

Harold Ramis’ remake stars Brendan Fraser as Elliot, who sells his soul to the Devil (Elizabeth Hurley) for seven wishes to win over his dream girl. Hurley plays Satan as a wicked Englishwoman with biting humor and razor-sharp wit—manipulative but irresistibly charming. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of the Devil’s literal interpretation of wishes—Elliot asks to be rich and powerful, so she makes him a South American drug lord. Each wish backfires spectacularly, teaching Elliot (and the audience) about the danger of shortcuts to happiness. Despite being overlooked, Hurley and Fraser’s chemistry makes this an underrated comedy gem.

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The Witches of Eastwick (1987) 

Synopsis: Three small-town New England women—sculptress Alexandra, cellist Jane, and journalist Sukie—unknowingly summon the Devil through their idle wishes for the perfect man. He arrives in the form of the charismatic Daryl Van Horne, who seduces each woman and awakens their latent supernatural powers, leading to chaos, comedy, and a battle for their souls.

George Miller’s dark comedy stars Jack Nicholson as the Devil, who arrives in a small New England town and becomes entangled with three women (Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer). Nicholson makes the Prince of Darkness a debauched libertine more interested in earthly pleasures than bringing the Apocalypse. His natural magnetism and penchant for dark humor are weaponized perfectly, creating a suave, dangerous Casanova Devil. The film works because it plays the supernatural elements straight while mining comedy from the culture clash between small-town propriety and Van Horne’s hedonistic worldview.

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Little Nicky (2000)

Synopsis: Nicky, the kind-hearted son of Satan (Harvey Keitel), must travel to Earth to capture his two evil brothers who’ve escaped Hell and are corrupting humanity while preventing their father from entering the mortal realm. With Hell literally freezing over in Satan’s absence, Nicky has limited time to complete his mission.

 Adam Sandler plays Nicky with his trademark childlike innocence, creating an oddly endearing Devil’s son who befriends a talking dog and struggles to understand human nature. While critically panned, the film commits fully to its bizarre premise and contains surprising heart beneath the absurdist humor. Harvey Keitel brings a weird gravitas to his role as Satan, creating an effective father-son dynamic that grounds the film’s ridiculously outlandish moments. It’s peak Sandler absurdity, but there’s genuine affection for the characters that makes it more than just a silly comedy. I initially hated it, but accidental rewatches over the years have warmed my heart and made me actually like this wacky film.

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Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)

Synopsis: Rock duo Jack Black and Kyle Gass embark on a quest to steal a guitar pick made from Satan’s tooth that allegedly grants supernatural musical ability. When they accidentally break the pick, Satan (Dave Grohl) appears and challenges them to the ultimate rock-off for their souls.

 This gloriously silly musical comedy commits completely to its ridiculous premise. Dave Grohl’s Satan is both menacing and hilarious, delivering the film’s most memorable musical number while threatening eternal damnation. The film’s strength lies in its genuine love for rock music and the chemistry between Black and Gass, who wrote surprisingly great songs for the soundtrack. According to “the demon code,” if Tenacious D wins the rock-off, Satan must return to Hell; if they lose, Kyle becomes Satan’s sex slave. It’s absurd, but the musical performances are legitimately impressive. 

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Cult Classics and Deep Cuts

The Masque of the Red Death (1964)

 Synopsis: Prince Prospero, a devil-worshipping 12th-century Italian nobleman, sequesters himself and his dissolute court in his castle while a plague ravages the countryside. When he takes a peasant girl as his ward, intending to corrupt her innocence, he sets in motion events that will bring judgment upon his blasphemous lifestyle.

Roger Corman’s Poe adaptation stars Vincent Price as Prince Prospero, delivering one of his most nuanced performances as a sincere philosopher whose devotion to Satan seems more logical than evil to him. Price makes Prospero genuinely intelligent and articulate, arguing his case for embracing evil with the conviction of a true believer. With gorgeous cinematography by Nicolas Roeg and intelligent scripting, this remains one of Corman’s finest achievements. The film’s exploration of moral philosophy elevates it above typical horror fare, presenting the Devil’s influence as intellectual seduction rather than supernatural coercion.

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Needful Things (1993)

Synopsis: Leland Gaunt opens an antique shop in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, offering residents exactly what they’ve always wanted. But the prices he demands aren’t monetary—customers must perform seemingly harmless pranks that escalate into violence, turning neighbor against neighbor as the town tears itself apart.

Based on Stephen King‘s novel, this film stars Max von Sydow as Leland Gaunt in a masterfully understated performance. Von Sydow’s Gaunt never reveals his true nature outright, but his knowing smiles and careful manipulations make it clear he’s the Devil himself. The film’s strength lies in its examination of how easily people can be turned against each other when their deepest desires are exploited. Gaunt doesn’t force anyone to do anything—he simply provides the opportunity and watches human nature take its course. It’s a clever allegory for how evil spreads through communities, making it more relevant than many supernatural thrillers.

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Fallen (1998)

Synopsis: Homicide detective John Hobbes discovers that Azazel, a demonic entity (possibly an avatar of Satan), can possess people by touch, jumping from body to body while continuing the work of an executed serial killer. As the devilish demon torments Hobbes and threatens his family, the detective must find a way to stop an unstoppable enemy who can literally be anyone, even his best friend.

Gregory Hoblit’s supernatural thriller stars Denzel Washington delivering one of his most underrated performances as a man gradually realizing he’s facing a foe that can’t be arrested or killed. The film’s brilliant concept—a demon that can possess anyone through physical contact—creates genuine paranoia and suspense. Washington’s always-reliable screen presence anchors the increasingly outlandish premise, while the film’s exploration of predestination versus free will adds philosophical depth. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more recognition among the best devil movies. And you simply can’t walk away from watching this movie without that classic Rolling Stones tune echoing inside your skull. “Ti-hi-hi-hime, is on my side, yes it is…”

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The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Synopsis: Martin Scorsese’s controversial adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’s novel follows Jesus Christ as he struggles with doubt, fear, and the human aspects of his divine nature, culminating in a vision where Satan offers him a normal human life.

Martin Scorsese’s controversial religious epic features one of cinema’s most sinister Devil portrayals. Satan appears as various forms throughout the film, most memorably as a little girl pretending to be Christ’s guardian angel, presenting an emotional rather than psychological challenge to Willem Dafoe’s Jesus. This subversion of expectations—evil disguised as innocent guidance—makes the temptation scenes genuinely unsettling. By exploring the human side of Christ’s struggle, the film proves that sin and redemption can coexist within a person’s being, making it a profound meditation on faith and doubt. 

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Lesser Devil Portrayals

The Prophecy (1995)

Synopsis: The Archangel Gabriel comes to Earth to exploit a loophole in God’s word, seeking to claim the soul of a recently deceased war criminal to use in Heaven’s civil war. FBI agent Thomas Dagget and a young girl become caught in the battle between angels, with Satan himself appearing to tip the cosmic balance.

Gregory Widen’s theological thriller features Christopher Walken in one of his most memorable roles as the Archangel Gabriel, whose righteous fury makes him more terrifying than most demons. Viggo Mortensen appears as Satan in an interesting subversion, shifting from villain to anti-hero as he helps humanity against the angels, but this character pales in comparison to the more frightening Gabriel. 

While B-movie in its roots, the film adds compelling wrinkles to Biblical mythology, suggesting that the real monsters might be those who claim divine authority. It spawned four sequels with various actors playing Lucifer, but none captured the original’s clever inversion of good and evil.

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End of Days (1999)

Synopsis: As the millennium approaches, Satan (Gabriel Byrne) arrives in New York City to find his prophesied bride and father the Antichrist before the new century begins. Ex-cop-turned-security-specialist Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger) becomes humanity’s unlikely savior in this apocalyptic thriller.

Peter Hyams directs this ambitious supernatural action film that pairs Arnold Schwarzenegger with literal Hell. While not the strongest Devil movie on this list, it features spectacular action sequences and Schwarzenegger doing what he does best—battling impossible odds with one-liners and an insane amount of firepower. Gabriel Byrne brings sleazy but sophisticated menace to his role as Satan, playing him as a horny businessman with eternity to spare. The film’s millennial anxiety feels dated now, but the central premise of an aging action hero facing ultimate evil still entertains. Not one of my favorites, but worth mentioning. 

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A Modern Entry

Devil (2010)

Synopsis: Five strangers become trapped in an elevator in a Philadelphia office building. As they wait for rescue, supernatural events begin occurring, and they realize that one of them is literally the Devil, intent on claiming souls before they can escape.

M. Night Shyamalan produced this thriller (directed by John Erick Dowdle) and it executes its high-concept premise with maximum efficiency on a very modest budget. The claustrophobic setting creates palpable tension as paranoia builds among the trapped passengers. With quick shocks, mounting suspicion, and a signature twist ending, it proves that effective horror doesn’t require elaborate effects or exotic locations. The film’s exploration of guilt and redemption gives weight to what could have been a simple thriller, making it a surprisingly thoughtful entry in the devil movie canon. Plus, watching it wreaked hell with my claustrophobia.

Again, as in some of the above entries, we never actually get to see the Devil, but his presence to terrify is enough to make this film stand out as on e of the most effective horror films of its era.

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The Wrap-Up

So what do you think, longbox dwellers? The Devil remains cinema’s most versatile villain, equally at home in Gothic horror, dark comedy, and serious drama, am I right? I mean, if it’s legitimate terror you want, or maybe just some campy fun, or perhaps even some thoughtful examinations of morality, this list offers something that every type horror fan can appreciate. 

I hope I haven’t missed any crucial Devil movies that I should’ve included on the list. Let me know in the comments!

Oh, and as an honorable mention, check out our mini-review of 2024’s chiller Late Night with The Devil, and tell me if you think it’s worthy of being included on a future version of this list.