Films about the occult tap into the mysterious and often dark side of the unknown. These movies delve into practices and beliefs that are outside of the mainstream religious and spiritual traditions, exploring themes of magic, witchcraft, demonology, and the supernatural. The occult in cinema serves as a rich foundation for storytelling, often blending horror, thriller, and fantasy elements to explore the depths of human fears, desires, and the unseen forces that shape our world. Here are some notable films that delve into the occult, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of the arcane and mystical.
“The Ninth Gate”, 1999
Director: Roman Polanski
Directed by Roman Polanski, this film stars Johnny Depp as a rare book dealer who is hired to authenticate a book believed to have been written by the Devil himself. His journey takes him across Europe, uncovering secrets and involving him in occult practices.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford, Jack Taylor, José López Rodero, Tony Amoni, James Russo, Willy Holt;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: thriller, detective, fantasy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Ninth Gate” on the website imdb.com
“Hereditary”, 2018
Director: Ari Aster
Directed by Ari Aster, this film delves into the life of the Graham family as they uncover terrifying secrets about their ancestry. The movie explores themes of grief, trauma, and demonic cults, culminating in a horrifying revelation about their destiny.
Starring: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, Mallory Bechtel, Christy Summerhays, Morgan Lund, Jake Brown, Harrison Nell;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: horror, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“The Witch”, 1916
Director: Frank Powell
Directed by Robert Eggers, set in the 1630s New England, this film follows a Puritan family encountering forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm. It's an atmospheric exploration of paranoia, family disintegration, and the occult practices of the era.
Starring: Nance O'Neil, Alfred Hickman, Frank Russell, Macey Harlam, Ada Neville, Jane Miller, Sadie Gross, Stuart Holmes, Harry Kendall, Robert Wayne;
Production year: 1916;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 50 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“Midsommar”, 2019
Director: Ari Aster
Another film by Ari Aster, this horror film is set in a remote Swedish village where a couple and their friends participate in a mid-summer festival. They soon discover that the village's idyllic traditions mask a disturbing cult involving pagan rituals and sacrifices.
Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter, Ellora Torchia, Archie Madekwe, Henrik Norlén, Gunnel Fred, Isabelle Grill;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: horror, drama, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Doctor Strange”, 2016
Director: Scott Derrickson
Directed by Scott Derrickson, this Marvel Cinematic Universe installment introduces Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant neurosurgeon who, after a career-ending accident, discovers a hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions, significantly expanding the MCU's exploration of the occult.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Zara Phythian;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: science fiction, fantasy, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Doctor Strange” on the website imdb.com
These films, with their diverse interpretations of the occult, offer audiences a blend of horror, mystery, and drama, each unraveling the consequences of delving into the dark arts and forbidden knowledge.
In conclusion, films about the occult have carved a unique and indelible niche within the cinematic landscape, mesmerizing and chilling audiences for generations. From the harrowing tales of demonic possession to the intricate narratives of secret societies and forbidden knowledge, these films captivate our deepest fears while questioning our understanding of the unknown. They serve not just as entertainment but as a mirror reflecting society's perennial intrigue with the supernatural and the boundaries of human consciousness. As filmmakers continue to explore this rich and complex genre, it's clear that the allure of the occult will persist, inviting viewers to peer into the shadows and perhaps find within them something eerily familiar. Whether invoking the ancient lore of witchcraft, the dark arts, or esoteric rituals, films about the occult remain a testament to the power of cinema to enchant and terrify in equal measure.
