15 Occult Horror Movies Guaranteed to Give You Chills

If you’re craving horror that goes beyond typical scares, these occult films will deliver. With unsettling rituals and supernatural forces at play, each movie offers a unique take on the dark unknown. The tension builds throughout, keeping you on edge. Here are 15 of the best for the spooky season.

Hereditary (2018) 

Hereditary is a masterful blend of psychological horror and occult themes. After the loss of their matriarch, a family uncovers disturbing secrets. Its chilling story and powerful performances garnered critical acclaim, winning several awards, including Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards and Best Actress for Toni Collette.

The Wicker Man (1973) 

This 1973 classic follows a detective investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. What he finds is a pagan community engaged in unsettling rituals. The film’s eerie setting and disturbing climax have earned it a reputation as one of the greatest occult horror films of all time.

Suspiria (1977) 

The iconic Italian horror film Suspiria by Dario Argento plunges into a twisted world of witches hidden within a prestigious dance academy. With its vibrant colors and surreal atmosphere, it’s a masterpiece of terror and artistry. Even the 2018 remake, to pay homage, brings this classic a fresh, modern edge.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) 

Spine-chilling and unsettling, Rosemary’s Baby tells the story of a young woman who begins to suspect her unborn child is part of a sinister occult plot. The film builds tension as Rosemary uncovers the truth about her neighbors. It remains a powerful classic in the occult horror genre.

The Ninth Gate (1999) 

Actor Johnny Depp stars in The Ninth Gate as a rare book dealer caught up in a dangerous quest for a book rumored to summon dark forces. Directed by Roman Polanski, this occult thriller blends mystery with supernatural elements, which makes for a dark, atmospheric exploration of greed and power.

The Witch (2015) 

A 17th-century New England family living near a dark forest is gripped by fear as they suspect witchcraft behind haunting events. Their lives descend into chaos, leading to chilling consequences. Notably, the film earned Best Director at Sundance and Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards.

The Devil Rides Out (1968) 

This classic, The Devil Rides Out, follows two men racing to stop an occult ritual. Filled with supernatural battles, dark magic, and a tense atmosphere, it delivers an engaging story of occult horror. The film’s gripping suspense and 1960s charm make it a timeless entry in the genre.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

A routine autopsy takes a terrifying turn as a father-son coroner team uncovers mysterious phenomena surrounding an unknown woman. The movie cleverly blends forensic investigation with occult horror and draws viewers into a mystery that deepens with each revelation. Its sharp pacing and chilling moments keep the tension high throughout.

Mandy (2018)

Nicolas Cage stars in Mandy, a psychedelic horror film where a man seeks retribution against a sadistic cult that abducts his lover. Its intense visuals and occult elements make it a wild, immersive experience. Cage’s unforgettable performance enhances this dark tale of vengeance, otherworldly forces, and mystical symbolism.

The House of the Devil (2009) 

Set in the 1980s, The House of the Devil follows a young woman hired for a babysitting job at a remote mansion. As she settles in, she slowly realizes she’s part of an occult ritual. With its retro vibe and slow-building suspense, this film delivers a chilling throwback to classic horror.

A Dark Song (2016) 

Two strangers lock themselves in a remote house to perform a months-long occult ritual in A Dark Song. The boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur as they get deeper into the ritual. Its unique take on the occult and focus on psychological depth make it a haunting, thought-provoking watch.

The Void (2016)

In The Void, a group of people find themselves trapped in a hospital, surrounded by a malevolent cult and nightmarish creatures. Amidst reality crumbling, they confront horrors that are beyond their comprehension. This occult horror film mixes cosmic terror with supernatural elements and creates a visually intriguing journey into madness.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) 

Set in a cold, isolated boarding school, The Blackcoat’s Daughter intertwines the lives of three girls as they confront a dark, supernatural force. The film’s slow-burn pacing and eerie atmosphere build toward a chilling conclusion. Its exploration of loneliness, possession, and occult power leaves a lasting impression.

The Omen (1976) 

The Omen is a chilling tale of a young boy who may be the Antichrist. As mysterious and tragic events surround him, his adoptive parents uncover terrifying truths about his origins. This iconic occult horror film masterfully builds tension and fear, building its status as a must-watch for any horror fan.

The Ritual (2017) 

A group of friends on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness become the target of an ancient malevolent force in The Ritual. Folklore and occult themes are weaved into a terrifying tale of survival and dread as they are pursued by a creature they don’t understand.