Films about angels and demons often explore themes of good versus evil, spirituality, divine intervention, and mythical warfare. These movies may reinterpret religious texts or create original stories that involve celestial beings and their interaction with humans. They can range from horror and fantasy to drama and comedy, with varying degrees of religious context.
“Constantine”, 2005
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring Keanu Reeves, this film tells the story of John Constantine, a supernatural detective who has the ability to perceive and communicate with half-angels and half-demons in their true form. He is caught in the middle of the struggle between Heaven and Hell.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Djimon Hounsou, Max Baker, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Gavin Rossdale, Tilda Swinton, Peter Stormare, Jesse Ramirez;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: fantasy, horror, action, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Constantine” on the website imdb.com
“The Prophecy”, 1995
Director: Gregory Widen
In this fantasy thriller, Christopher Walken plays the archangel Gabriel, who comes to Earth to collect a soul that will end the stalemated war in Heaven. A little girl and an ex-police officer get entangled in the celestial conflict.
Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen, Amanda Plummer, Moriah «Shining Dove» Snyder, Adam Goldberg, Steve Hytner, J.C. Quinn;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: fantasy, thriller, drama, detective, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Prophecy” on the website imdb.com
“Dogma”, 1999
Director: Kevin Smith
Directed by Kevin Smith, this comedic fantasy follows two fallen angels who find a loophole that would allow them back into Heaven, unknowingly setting in motion a series of events that could lead to the destruction of existence.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Bud Cort, Barret Hackney;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: fantasy, drama, comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Dogma” on the website imdb.com
“Legion”, 2010
Director: Scott Charles Stewart
This supernatural action film depicts Archangel Michael descending to Earth to protect a woman's unborn child, who is prophesied to be humanity's last hope in the face of a divine apocalypse.
Starring: Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton, Jon Tenney, Kevin Durand, Willa Holland, Kate Walsh, Dennis Quaid;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Legion” on the website imdb.com
“City of Angels”, 1998
Director: Brad Silberling
A romantic fantasy drama about an angel, played by Nicolas Cage, who falls in love with a heart surgeon, played by Meg Ryan. The angel must choose between immortality without physical sensation or the life of a mortal.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre Braugher, Dennis Franz, Colm Feore, Robin Bartlett, Joanna Merlin, Sarah Dampf, Rhonda Dotson, Nigel Gibbs;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “City of Angels” on the website imdb.com
“The Devil's Advocate”, 1997
Director: Taylor Hackford
A legal thriller featuring Keanu Reeves as an ambitious lawyer who joins a New York firm, only to discover that his boss, played by Al Pacino, is actually Satan.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones, Judith Ivey, Connie Nielsen, Craig T. Nelson, Tamara Tunie, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Debra Monk;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: thriller, fantasy, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 144 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Devil's Advocate” on the website imdb.com
“End of Days”, 1999
Director: Peter Hyams
An action-horror film where Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a former cop who must protect a woman chosen by Satan to bear his child and thus bring about the end of the world.
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Byrne, Robin Tunney, Kevin Pollak, CCH Pounder, Miriam Margolyes, Rod Steiger, Jack Shearer, Michael O'Hagan, Derrick O'Connor;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “End of Days” on the website imdb.com
“Gabriel”, 2007
Director: Shane Abbess
A dark action film set in a purgatorial world called Purgatory, where fallen angels fight both Heaven and Hell for control of the middle realm. Archangel Gabriel enters the fray to revive the forces of good.
Starring: Andy Whitfield, Dwaine Stevenson, Samantha Noble, Michael Piccirilli, Jack Campbell, Erika Heynatz, Harry Pavlidis, Kevin Copeland, Matt Hylton Todd, Brendan Clearkin;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “Gabriel” on the website imdb.com
“Fallen”, 1998
Director: Gregory Hoblit
A supernatural thriller starring Denzel Washington as a homicide detective who discovers that the serial killer he's been tracking is actually a demon who transfers from one human host to another upon touch.
Starring: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, Gabriel Casseus, Michael J. Pagan, Robert Joy, Frank Medrano;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: fantasy, action, thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Fallen” on the website imdb.com
Note that the portrayal of angels and demons in these films can vary widely, reflecting the filmmakers' creative liberties and interpretations.
In conclusion, the cinematic exploration of angels and demons offers a deep well of narrative possibility, addressing our fascination with the metaphysical and the eternal struggle of good versus evil. From the ethereal grace of angelic figures to the seductive darkness of demonic entities, these films allow viewers to face their fears, question their morals, and escape into worlds beyond our mundane reality. Whether they provoke philosophical reflection, spiritual contemplation, or simply provide a thrilling supernatural encounter, these stories of celestial beings locked in epic battles or walking amongst humans continue to captivate and intrigue audiences. Their perpetual relevance is a testament to humanity's enduring desire to understand the unknown and to see our own struggles reflected in the cosmic ballet of angels and demons on the silver screen.
