8 Terrifying Demon Movies That Deserve a Spot in Your Horror Watchlist, Ranked by IMDb
Be prepared to sleep with the lights on.
In cinema, demons aren't just monsters – they're the embodiment of ancient fears, religious taboos, and the darkness we fear might be lurking around the corner.
This list includes eight movies that will make you glance around and check that the door is locked.
8. 'The Blackcoat's Daughter', 2015
IMDb Score: 5.9/10
The girls at the boarding school have gone their separate ways for the holidays, but Rose and Kat's parents never show up. Meanwhile, the story of Joan begins to unfold as she is picked up at a bus stop by a compassionate couple. Joan is running from someone and has clearly suffered some kind of trauma.
Osgood Perkins' debut movie tells a typical demonic possession story, but it's crafted in such a unique way that it's sure to appeal to fans of bizarre, experimental horror.
The movie manages to be terrifying without a single jump scare and stars Kiernan Shipka and Emma Roberts.
7. 'The Taking of Deborah Logan', 2014
IMDb Score: 6.0/10
A group of students is working on a documentary about people with Alzheimer's disease. They find an elderly woman, Deborah, who suffers from the disease, and begin filming her behavior.
The situation becomes more complicated due to the elderly woman's sometimes extremely unusual behavior. Gradually, the students realize that an otherworldly evil has possessed her body and mind.
Initially, the movie seems like a genuine documentary about Alzheimer's disease, but it gradually shifts into a melodrama about a courageous old woman battling dementia. Then, the genre shifts, and the events become increasingly frightening and unpredictable.
6. 'Deliver Us from Evil', 2014
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
New York detective Ralph Sarchie is investigating another murder when he suddenly realizes that supernatural forces are at play. He has no choice but to seek the help of a demonologist-exorcist.
Surprisingly, the main character is based on a real person whose experiences formed the basis for the movie. In his autobiographical book Beware the Night, Ralph Sarchie recounts how he came to believe in God and became a demon fighter.
5. 'Paranormal Activity', 2007
IMDb Score: 6.3/10
A young couple hears strange sounds at night, so they buy a video camera to record their room while they sleep. However, after this, the unknown entity doesn't calm down. Instead, it begins to manifest itself more and more.
From the first movie in the franchise, viewers learn that a demon has been hunting the main character since she was eight, but its motives are revealed only in the sequels.
The creature's distinctive features include its impunity and invulnerability to any form of exorcism.
4. 'Lo', 2009
IMDb Score: 6.4/10
A young man named Justin summons a demon named Lo to rescue his abducted lover from Hell. However, the demon proves uncooperative and tries to convince Justin that the girl's return is impossible.
The entire movie, directed by the relatively unknown Travis Betz, is dialogue-driven and reminiscent of a theatrical production. While fans of horror movies with a lot of action may be bored, this movie is sure to please those who appreciate intimacy.
3. 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose', 2005
IMDb Score: 6.7/10
Attorney Erin Bruner is set to defend a priest believed to be responsible for the death of Emily Rose during an exorcism.
While doctors are certain the girl suffered from severe epilepsy, the priest insists that his client was trying to resist the six demons that possessed her.
The movie is based on the true story of Anneliese Michel who suffered from multiple mental illnesses. Before her death following a series of exorcisms, she allegedly heard voices, could not touch a crucifix, and spoke in unknown tongues.
2. 'Sinister', 2012
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Ellison, author of popular detective novels, moves into a house with his wife and children. An entire family recently died tragically under strange circumstances here.
Furthermore, Ellison discovers tapes of brutal murders in the attic. Instead of reporting this grisly discovery to the police, however, Ellison begins his own investigation, hoping for a creative breakthrough.
The director created the fantasy of the demon Bughuul, who devours children's souls. They were inspired by dreams and fantasies as well as the cults of cruel Babylonian gods.
1. 'The Exorcist', 1973
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
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Twelve-year-old Regan has been acting strangely. Objects fly around the room, the bed shakes, and people die. Brave church officials decide to perform an exorcism to save the child.
When the movie was released, it caused a sensation – The Exorcist was called the scariest film of its time, people fainted after watching it, and the lead actors were suspected of being haunted.
