The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a 2005 horror film that explores the allegedly true story of a young woman named Emily Rose. Emily believed that she was possessed by demons after failing to find relief through medical treatment.
Seeking help from Father Richard Moore, a Catholic priest, Emily undergoes an exorcism. But, tragedy strikes as Emily dies during the exorcism, and Father Moore is charged with her murder. [The Exorcism Of Emily Rose on IMDB]
The Taking of Deborah Logan
The Taking of Deborah Logan is a found footage horror film that uses a documentary-style approach, presenting the events as if they were real and filmed by the characters themselves.
It follows a team of filmmakers who are documenting the life of Deborah Logan, an older woman who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. As the filmmakers delve deeper into Deborah's life, they soon discover that there is something much more sinister at play. [The Taking Of Deborah Logan on IMDB]
The Rite
The Rite is a supernatural horror film and follows the story of Michael Kovak, a skeptical seminary student, who is sent to Rome to attend an exorcism school. There, he meets Father Lucas Trevant, a seasoned exorcist played by Anthony Hopkins, who introduces him to the darker side of Catholicism and the reality of demonic possession.
The Rite explores the themes of faith and doubt as Michael grapples with his own beliefs while witnessing the powerful exorcisms performed by Father Lucas. [The Rite on IMDB]
Deliver Us from Evil
Deliver Us from Evil is a highly underrated horror film that deserves more recognition. Released in 2014, the movie follows the story of Ralph Sarchie, a New York City police officer, as he investigates a series of disturbing crimes that appear to be connected to demonic possession.
Ralph teams up with an unconventional priest, Father Mendoza, who believes that the crimes are the work of a demonic force. As they race against time to solve the case and stop the possessed individual from causing more harm, they both must confront their own inner demons and beliefs.
If you're a fan of the demonic possession genre and looking for a hidden gem, I highly recommend watching Deliver Us from Evil. [Deliver Us From Evil on IMDB]
Veronica
Released in 2017, Veronica is a Spanish horror movie based on a true story and follows the life of a 15-year-old girl named, yep you guessed it, Veronica. After her father's death, she takes care of her younger siblings while living with her mother in Madrid.
One day, Veronica and her friends decide to play with a Ouija board during a solar eclipse in an attempt to contact her deceased father's spirit. However, the game goes horribly wrong, and Veronica becomes the victim of a sinister presence that takes over her life. [Veronica on IMDB]
A Dark Song
A Dark Song takes a cerebral and character-driven approach to the theme of demonic possession. The movie follows the story of a grieving mother, Sophia, who hires an occultist named Solomon to perform a dangerous ritual to summon her guardian angel. The ritual requires them to spend months in total isolation in a house in Wales, following a series of grueling and terrifying instructions.
The filmmakers do not shy away from showing the physical and emotional toll it takes on both characters, highlighting the dedication and desperation of Sophia to reconnect with her lost loved one.
The movie's slow-burn approach allows for an exploration of grief and the lengths one would go to in order to find closure. It is a character-driven film that delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of possession, rather than relying solely on jump scares and gore. [A Dark Song on IMDB]
Evil Dead Rise
The Evil Dead franchise moves out of the woods and into the big city in Evil Dead Rise, the latest installment in the series. This was one of my favorite horror films of 2023. Definitely top 3.
The plot revolves around the reunion of sisters Beth and Ellie, played by Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland, respectively. Their reunion is interrupted by an earthquake in Los Angeles, which uncovers a mysterious book in the depths of their apartment building. This book serves as a gateway to an ancient evil force, setting the stage for a night of terror and chaos.
The demonic possession scenes are reminiscent of the franchise's earlier films, showcasing dark humor and a relentless intensity. The film expertly balances gruesome kills with moments of terror and chaos.
The opening scene is particularly noteworthy, serving as one of the best horror movie intros in recent memory. It sets the tone for the rest of the film and immediately grabs your attention. [Evil Dead Rise on IMDB]
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is another underrated horror film (IMO) released in 2016 and centers around a father-son team of coroners, Tommy and Austin, who receive the body of an unidentified woman named Jane Doe. As they begin their examination and autopsy, they uncover increasingly disturbing anomalies that suggest Jane Doe's death was not natural.
The film creates a harrowing and claustrophobic atmosphere as the autopsy progresses. The entire movie is set in the confines of the morgue, adding to the sense of isolation and vulnerability. As Tommy and Austin delve deeper into the examination, they realize they are dealing with an ancient supernatural force that is intent on possessing and destroying them.
While not a traditional demonic possession film, The Autopsy of Jane Doe offers a somewhat unique perspective on the theme. [The Autopsy of Jane Doe on IMDB]
What are your favorite demonic possession horror movies?
And please check out some of my other horror movie lists.
5 Korean horror movies you must see
10 horror movies that feature deadly animals
8 found footage horror movies you probably haven't seen
The best horror movies about cults
9 horror movies based around a cabin
Ranking all the Child's Play horror movies
Survival horror movies that deserve more attention
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