There are a number of great demonic and possession films, including the newest paranormal movie available on Shudder, The Twin.
While there are dozens of films involving possession, some Reddit fans think there are a select few that are the best in the mix. From cult classics like The Exorcist and The Omen to more recent horror like Relic, these are some great suggestions. Whether you're a fan of traditional possession tropes or someone who enjoys an unexpected twist, there is sure to be a spine-tingling film here for you.
The Assent (2019)
This thrilling horror follows a babysitter as she suspects the boy she is babysitting is possessed by a dark force. Desperate for answers, she turns to a priest who is experienced in the art of exorcisms.
Reddit Id_rather_be_fishin recommends this single movie as a great option for those interested in possession films. Fans feel this horror flick goes above and beyond the traditional possession plot, keeping the audience gues until the end. Fans that love the suspense of possession but are also looking for a fresh take on emotions and mental health will find this plot intriguing.
Lovely Molly (2011)
This film explores a newlywed couple that moves into the wife's abandoned childhood home. As they spend time there, menacing supernatural presence beings to torment them.
Reddit hail_freyr found the movie intriguing, mentioning how it "blurs the line between possession and drug abuse in a very interesting way." Fans found this movie satisfying as it blends the different genres and gives the audience a lot to unpack. Viewers appreciate the raw nature of horror and psychology in this intense film.
The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)
In this found footage film, Mia records the lives of Deborah and her daughter Sarah. As the recording of their lives continues, strange things begin happening around Deborah and it becomes clear something dark has taken over her.
One Reddit PartyDown22 listed this thrilling film with great horror picks like The Conjuring and Insidious. It's a fresh take on the found footage films and the eeriness of an elderly and sick person being possessed is disturbing in all the right ways. Viewers love the stellar performances and the genuinely spooky plot.
The Last Exorcism (2010)
In this possession thriller, a guilty cleric Cotton Marcus arrives at a Louisiana farm where a troubled father believes his daughter is possessed. When the phony cleric realizes his gimmicks aren't working and he's in the face of true evil, he must learn how to save the girl.
The Last Exorcism is one of the best demonic possession films. Reddit hail_freyr said they "enjoyed The Last Exorcism up until the false ending" but believe "it is still very well worth watching." Viewers love the characters in this story and think there are just enough twists to keep audiences engaged.
The Wailing (2016)
In this mysterious and thrilling Korean horror, rural villagers begin to believe there is a link between a series of murders and the arrival of a mysterious stranger.
Critics and viewers alike widely love this film for its uniqueness and suspense, calling it a masterpiece. Reddit suchascenicworld said, "The Wailing is one of my all time favorite films regarding this subgenre and I think is a must watch." The Wailing is a must-see for any fan of horror movies with unnerving plots and a shocking ending.
The Exorcist III (1990)
In this crime horror, a police lieutenant investigates incidents that are eerily similar to murders enacted by a killer executed years before. As his investigation unfolds, a psychiatric patient claims to be the dead killer and the plot becomes more sinister.
Fans love the mystery around this thrilling sequel to a classic possession film. Several Reddit fans think this is one of the top possession movies to watch and the most malevolent demonic possession movies of all time.
The Possession (2012)
Two parents don't seem too alarmed when their youngest child becomes obsessed with an old wooden box they picked up at a yard sale. That is, until the girl starts acting unruly and unstable, leading the parents to believe unnatural forces are at work.
Audiences that appreciate a good possession plot believe The Possession is one of the best movies like The Conjuring. Reddit Jak-the-Tripper said, "I love The Possession! Such a well-done film that doesn't get discussed enough."While some critics find this movie predictable, it follows many of the possession tropes that fans of the genre look forward to watching.
Relic (2020)
In their family's country home, a woman links the odd happenings in the house to her mother's odd behavior and believes an evil presence is at work there.
Fans love the grotesque imagery in this film and find it has an excellent plot focused on a nightmarish descent. Reddit bradleycharterss found this tale to be creepy and definitely "worth the watch", suggesting it as their top choice. Audiences feel this film ascends the traditional haunted house flick, offering viewers an unnerving and heartbreaking plot.
The Exorcist (1973)
In this critically acclaimed classic, when a young girl begins to act strange, like levitating and speaking in tongues, her mother seeks help. A local priest is convinced the girl is possessed by the devil and the church sends a professional to perform an exorcism.
The Exorcist is one of directing auteur Stanley Kubrick's favorite horror films, being one of the most profitable scary movies ever. Reddit victor-aleister said, "Can't go wrong with the best, although I sincerely hope you've seen it already: The Exorcist." This classic has a cult following and any paranormal fan that hasn't seen it needs to.
The Omen (1976)
When an American diplomat and his wife adopt a boy, they soon begin to suspect that their child may be the son of Satan. As evil threatens to arise, mystical happenings appear and an Antichrist threatens the world.
This film features some of the most unexpected deaths in cinematic history and has top-notch performances. Reddit ryliesgodess its, "Nothing will ever top how the omen made me feel as a small child enrolled in catholic school." A classic horror, this film is still one of the most ominous and fascinating demonic stories committed to celluloid.
