My Top 5 Favorite Demonic Horror Movies

In 1973 the world was introduced to William Peter Blatty's essential film, The Exorcist. Canonized as being one of the greatest, if not, most influential films ever made, The Exorcist shocked audiences worldwide as one of the first films to faithfully delve into the esoteric art of exorcism concept of demonic possessions. To understand the cultural importance is to understand the period in which it premiered. The 1970s in American history was one marked by a society divided. Religious conservatives high off the Nixon administration clashed with the counter culture, who's 'free love' mantra of the '60s began to take a more violent and irradiate tone, resulting from the failing Vietnam War. The Exorcist speaks to both parties. The film is effective in its portrait of humanity, its strength, and its frailties. God is silent in the movie, but his presence is evidenced, ironically, by his opposition, the snarling demon Pazuzu. Blatty's film's success would spark a massive trend and trope in horror to come. Demonic possession is a significant horror trope because it is malleable: it's an excellent opportunity for directors and makeup/effects to produce some real scares. Its capability as a tool for social commentary is self-evident. Now, here are my top five favorite demonic horror films. 

Side Note: The Exorcist will not be featured on this list despite its incredible importance to the genre. If you haven't seen The Exorcist, I have no idea why you're reading this — Please, stop reading and watch The Exorcist. 

Side Note: You will neither see such films Rosemary's Baby as I'm saving them for a different roundup. 

1. Häxan (1929) Dir: Benjamin Christensen

An amalgamation of documentary and fiction, Häxan is an undeniable classic and paved the road for all things satanic in film. It's the representation of Satanic evil throughout the dark ages that is incomparably visceral. Its core belief of humanism as the answer to archaic beliefs makes the film considerably of evergreen importance. Besides its philosophical viewpoints, Häxan is also a visual feast whose effects on contemporary cinema are still seen today. 

2. The Devils (1971) Dir: Ken Russell

I question whether or not this film is appropriate for this list. While it deals with the concept of demonic possession, the film suggests that these experiences are disingenuous and divisive. With that said, it is one of my favorite films of all time, and perhaps I am restless to promote it when I can. Ken Russell is a visionary, and The Devils is as gorgeous as it is savage. A captivating glimpse at dogma, religion, politics, and sexuality; The Devils is a film rich with substance and theme. With a tour de force performance from Oliver Reed, The Devils is impossible to look away from.

3. Demons (1985) Dir: Lamberto Bava

 Produced by the legendary Dario Argento (Suspiria, 1977), Demons is a raucous, ravenous good time for anybody fascinated by the genre. The film is aesthetically sound with a wildly imaginative premise playing up the horror genre in a magnificent, meta fashion. It's a fun movie and one of my annual Halloween horror movie go-to's. Great kills scenes, over-the-top gore/ demonic plasma, and creative mutations of man to infernal spawn. 

4. The Exorcist 3 (1990) Dir: William Peter Blatty

Following the critical acclaim of The Exorcist came the inevitable series franchise. And, inevitably, these additions to the legacy have been panned by critics. The second Exorcist film, The Exorcist 2: The Heretic, is unmentionably awful. The Exorcist is Blatty's baby. The second film in the franchise proved that he alone can do any justice to these films. The third installment sees Blatty's welcome return at the helm of this film. A brilliant performance by George C. Scott and a deeply suspense premise save this series from sinking. You'll meet some old friends in The Exorcist 3, but it is far more than just a film circling around an exorcism.  

5. Starry Eyes (2014) Dir: Travis Stevens

This modern entry to the well-trodden trope is alluring and captivating enough to make it on this list, despite it being somewhat unoriginal. Our subject makes an all too familiar Faustian pact for fame and fortune. That said, the film does treat the generic formula to some creative interpretation. The transformation our main character makes is highlighted by immense bloodshed, which makes the harrowing climax fascinating and dreadful.