Based on the case files of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), this film follows their efforts to help the Perron family, who are experiencing increasingly disturbing paranormal phenomena in their farmhouse. It's a modern haunted house story that leans heavily into classic horror tropes and jump scares. Did you know the real Lorraine Warren served as a consultant on the film? It's a well-crafted and genuinely frightening horror film that launched a successful franchise, focusing on demonic possession and hauntings rather than ancient occult texts or societies.

Stanley Kubrick's final film stars Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford, who embarks on a night-long odyssey of sexual and moral discovery after his wife (Nicole Kidman) confesses a fantasy about another man. His journey leads him into a secret, masked ball hosted by a mysterious elite society, which has dark and potentially dangerous undertones. While not strictly supernatural, the film explores themes of hidden desires, secret societies, and the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of respectability. An interesting detail: The film holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous film shoot, lasting over 400 days. It's a visually stunning and enigmatic film that invites much interpretation.

Based on Dan Brown's bestselling novel, this film follows symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he is called to the Louvre Museum after a curator is murdered. He discovers cryptic clues left behind that lead him on a thrilling chase across Europe, uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy related to the Holy Grail and the true history of Christianity. While less overtly occult than some others on this list, it shares themes of secret societies, ancient knowledge, and hidden symbols. A fun fact: The film was shot on location at many famous landmarks, including the Louvre and Westminster Abbey, though they had limited access and strict rules. It's a fast-paced puzzle-box thriller.

Set in 1630 New England, this film follows a Puritan family who are banished from their plantation and forced to build a new home on the edge of a foreboding forest. When their infant son vanishes and crops fail, paranoia and suspicion turn them against each other, as they fear they are being targeted by witchcraft. Director Robert Eggers crafts a historically accurate and deeply unsettling folk horror film using period-appropriate language and detail. Did you know the dialogue is based on actual historical journals and accounts from the era? It's a film that relies on atmosphere and dread to create a truly unnerving experience.

Kate Hudson plays Caroline Ellis, a hospice nurse who takes a job caring for an elderly woman in a remote, decaying mansion in the Louisiana bayou. She quickly discovers that the house holds dark secrets related to Hoodoo and conjuring, and she finds herself drawn into a world of spells, rituals, and sinister intentions. The film effectively uses its Southern Gothic setting to create a spooky and atmospheric mystery. An interesting note: The film delves into the history and practices of Hoodoo, providing a unique cultural backdrop for its supernatural story. It's a slow-burn thriller with a genuinely surprising ending.

Based on the DC Comics character John Constantine, this film stars Keanu Reeves as a cynical supernatural detective who can see half-angels and half-demons walking among us. Suffering from lung cancer and knowing he's damned to hell, he takes on supernatural cases hoping to earn his way into heaven. When a girl's sister is possessed, he gets involved in a plot that threatens the balance between heaven and hell. Did you know Tilda Swinton delivers a memorable performance as the Archangel Gabriel? It's a visually striking and action-packed urban fantasy with a unique take on religious mythology.

Considered one of the greatest horror films ever made, this movie tells the story of a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), who becomes possessed by a demonic entity, and the desperate attempts of her mother (Ellen Burstyn) and two priests to save her through an exorcism. Directed by William Friedkin, the film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and deeply unsettling atmosphere. A fascinating detail: The film caused widespread panic and controversy upon its release, with reports of viewers fainting and becoming physically ill. It remains a profoundly disturbing and powerful film experience.

When American diplomat Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck) is faced with the stillbirth of his son, he is persuaded to secretly adopt another infant whose mother died in childbirth. As the boy, Damien, grows up, strange and horrifying events plague the Thorn family, leading Robert to suspect that Damien is no ordinary child, but the Antichrist himself. This film is a chilling exploration of the biblical Apocalypse and the fear of evil incarnate. Did you know the movie is infamous for a series of unfortunate accidents that occurred during its production, leading to talk of a real-life curse? The score, by Jerry Goldsmith, won an Academy Award and is terrifyingly effective.

Sergeant Howie, a devout Christian police officer (Edward Woodward), travels to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. He finds a community that practices a strange form of paganism, openly embracing rituals and beliefs that are shocking to his sensibilities. This folk horror classic builds a growing sense of unease and dread as Howie uncovers the island's dark secrets. Interestingly, Christopher Lee considered his role as Lord Summerisle to be one of his best. The film's ending is one of the most famous and disturbing in horror history.

Step back in time to a 14th-century Italian abbey with Sean Connery as Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar and former inquisitor tasked with investigating a series of mysterious deaths. Guided by his young novice Adso (Christian Slater), William uses logic and deduction in a world steeped in superstition and religious dogma. The film, based on Umberto Eco's acclaimed novel, is a fascinating medieval mystery that delves into heresy, forbidden knowledge, and the power of books. A cool detail: F. Murray Abraham plays the chilling Bernard Gui, a real historical figure known for his harsh prosecution of heretics. It's a visually rich and intellectually stimulating film.

Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax, a hotshot defense attorney who's never lost a case, who gets recruited to a prestigious New York law firm headed by the charismatic and enigmatic John Milton (Al Pacino, in a role he was born to play). As Lomax enjoys his newfound success, he begins to realize there's something deeply sinister about the firm and his boss. Pacino delivers a truly electrifying performance as the ultimate tempter. Did you know that the title 'John Milton' is a clear nod to the author of Paradise Lost? It's a slick, entertaining thriller that explores themes of ambition, morality, and the seductive power of evil.

Mia Farrow gives a haunting performance as Rosemary Woodhouse, a young woman who suspects her seemingly perfect neighbors and even her own husband are part of a satanic cult with designs on her unborn child. Roman Polanski's classic psychological horror film is a masterclass in building tension and paranoia without relying on gore. It taps into primal fears about trust, motherhood, and the evil that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. An interesting tidbit: The distinctive lullaby in the film was actually sung by Mia Farrow herself. This movie set a benchmark for psychological horror and remains incredibly effective decades later.

Prepare for a descent into a dark, gritty New Orleans with Mickey Rourke as down-and-out private eye Harry Angel. He's hired by a mysterious client named Louis Cyphre (a chilling Robert De Niro) to track down a missing singer. What starts as a simple missing person case quickly spirals into a nightmarish journey involving voodoo, dark rituals, and a shocking, unforgettable twist. Director Alan Parker crafts a truly atmospheric and unsettling film that masterfully blends detective noir with supernatural horror. Fun fact: The film's intense and disturbing content led to significant cuts by the MPAA to avoid an X rating, though some versions have since been restored. It's a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Let's dive into the world of rare book dealer Dean Corso, played with cool detachment by Johnny Depp. He's hired to authenticate a 17th-century book supposedly written by the Devil himself, and things get wild. This film, directed by the master Roman Polanski, is a stylish blend of occult mystery and noir thriller. As Corso travels across Europe tracking down other copies of the book, he encounters a series of bizarre characters and increasingly dangerous situations. Did you know that Polanski and Depp actually became friends during the filming? The movie's atmosphere is thick with paranoia and ancient secrets, making for a genuinely intriguing watch that keeps you guessing about the true nature of the book and its power.