7 Forgotten Demonic Chillers That Will Possess Your Fear

For a long time, demonic possession has been one of the most frightening sub-genres in horror movies, exploiting deep-rooted fears about losing control and encountering supernatural evil. Although big-name franchises like ‘The Conjuring’ and ‘Insidious’ often dominate discussions about box office success, there are many lesser-known films out there that offer equally spine-tingling experiences without the same level of fame. These undiscovered movies tend to use more unconventional methods when it comes to telling stories of possession, focusing on psychological complexity and an eerie ambiance instead of relying on typical jump scares. What sets these forgotten masterpieces apart is their daring exploration of the darker aspects of demonic possession, investigating how supernatural entities exploit human weaknesses and unhealed wounds.

Check out these seven lesser-known demonic horror movies that showcase some of the most original and unsettling contributions within the realm of possessions. These films are sure to give you a chilling experience!

The Blackcoat’s Daughter

In “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” first-time director Osgood Perkins masterfully crafts an intense feeling of solitude and fear within the vacant corridors of a Catholic boarding school during winter holidays. The story revolves around two students, freshman Kat (Kiernan Shipka) and senior Rose (Lucy Boynton), who are stranded there over the break. As the plot unfolds, a chilling subplot about an escaped mental patient named Joan (Emma Roberts) gradually unveils its link to the main storyline. What sets this film apart is its deliberate tempo and eerie ambiance, forgoing typical shock tactics in favor of a gradual, psychologically terrifying horror build-up that culminates in startling brutality.

In a chilling portrayal, Shipka showcases her talent as the troubled Kat, whose sanity might be questioned due to suspected supernatural forces. The movie’s standout aspect is its intricate non-linear narrative style, turning what would have been a traditional tale of possession into a thought-provoking exploration of sorrow and solitude. With its soft color scheme, minimal dialogue, and exceptional sound design incorporating haunting whispers, Perkins constructs an unusually introspective horror journey that rewards those who persevere with a heart-wrenching emotional climax.

A Dark Song

In a fresh and intense take on summoning the supernatural, Liam Gavin’s first film, “A Dark Song,” redefines the genre by delving deep into a harrowing, mentally intricate realm of ritual horror. The story revolves around Sophia (played by Catherine Walker), a mourning mother who engages occultist Joseph Solomon (Steve Oram) to carry out an extensive Abramelin ritual in a remote Welsh home, with the aim of communicating with her guardian angel and ultimately reaching her deceased son. Unlike typical possession movies where evil forces invade abruptly, “A Dark Song” carefully lays out each excruciating phase of the occult procedure, building a distinctive suspense as characters undergo the grueling physical and mental trials demanded by the ritual.

As more peculiar events unfold, the enclosed environment grows increasingly suffocating, and the tense dynamic between Sophia and Solomon introduces an extra dose of uncertainty into the storyline. What sets A Dark Song apart from ordinary occult horror is its delving into themes of grief and forgiveness, culminating in a climactic scene that defies convention yet stays faithful to the film’s spiritual undertones.

Baskin

Can Evrenol’s Turkish film, “Baskin,” offers a chilling exploration of descent into the underworld, turning an ordinary police call into a bizarre odyssey through progressively unsettling realms of existence. The story revolves around five law enforcement officers who answer a distress signal at a deserted building, but soon find themselves ensnared in what seems like a portal to hell governed by a grotesque entity called “The Father” (portrayed by Mehmet Cerrahoglu). This film stands out with its captivating cinematography, gradually shifting from the realistic illumination of its initial sequences to the gory, deep-red depictions of hell in its climax.

The movie’s complex storyline mirrors the bewilderment experienced by its main characters, as dream scenes and flashbacks merge reality with nightmares. Cerrahoglu gives an exceptional portrayal of The Father, his unique looks further accentuated by minimal makeup to create a chilling, singularly unsettling villain in the horror genre. Although the graphic violence may turn off some audiences, Evrenol’s creative direction turns potentially exploitative content into a truly spine-tingling examination of guilt, retribution, and the fragile barrier shielding us from darker realms.

The Taking of Deborah Logan

The film “Deborah Logan’s Taking” is a captivating found-footage masterpiece that subtly weaves demonic elements into what initially appears as a simple documentary on Alzheimer’s disease. The narrative focuses on a student film crew chronicling the cognitive decline of elderly Deborah Logan (portrayed by Jill Larson), but they soon uncover something far more sinister than just dementia behind her increasingly peculiar actions. Director Adam Robitel masterfully transcends the constraints of the found-footage genre by offering a convincing motive for the cameras to keep recording even as events grow chaotic, while the documentary setting facilitates smooth storytelling about Deborah’s life.

In this role, I’ve had the privilege of portraying Deborah, skillfully moving between the fragile figure of an elderly woman and the chilling embodiment of ancient evil. The movie’s brilliance stems from its thought-provoking comparison of the heart-wrenching terror of witnessing a loved one succumb to dementia with supernatural possession. This unique blend of real-world horror and supernatural entities resonates deeply, striking an emotional chord seldom encountered in demon-themed horror films. Despite operating on a limited budget, the film manages to escalate to a genuinely startling conclusion, relying on practical effects that have since gained legendary status among horror enthusiasts.

The Dark and the Wicked

In simpler terms, Bryan Bertino’s movie, titled “The Dark and the Wicked“, is a grim tale set in rural Texas. It focuses on siblings Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr.) who come back to their family farm to tend to their ailing father. However, they soon discover an ominous presence that had previously driven their mother to take her own life. The film creates an oppressive and unavoidable atmosphere as this malevolent force systematically torments the family. Unlike traditional horror films, this one doesn’t provide typical comforts such as rules for battling the entity, or outside help to clarify the situation. Furthermore, it deliberately avoids providing redemptive endings.

Additionally, Ireland and Abbott Jr. give compelling, subtly intense portrayals of siblings who are both observers and victims of their family’s disintegration, enduring mental anguish along the way. The film’s most notable attribute is its deep dive into the idea that loss and familial duty can make us susceptible to dark forces, resulting in a profound reflection on familial regret that is as emotionally draining as it is frighteningly eerie.

Fallen

Although the supernatural thriller “Fallen” (1998), featuring Denzel Washington, showcased an inventive take on the theme of demonic possession, it has largely slipped from public consciousness. The plot revolves around Philadelphia detective John Hobbes (portrayed by Washington) as he investigates a series of murders that seem to mirror those committed by a recently executed serial killer. However, his investigation takes an unexpected turn when he uncovers that Azazel, a fallen angel with the ability to take over humans through physical contact, is behind these crimes and has singled out Hobbes as its target. Unlike many possession stories that focus on one victim, “Fallen” introduces a dynamic antagonist capable of jumping between hosts swiftly, inducing fear since anyone could potentially be under Azazel’s control.

In a clever approach, director Gregory Hoblit creates suspense using subtle visual hints and actor transitions as they all play the same sinister entity. Denzel Washington holds the film together with his captivating portrayal of a protagonist who becomes progressively isolated. Initially dismissed upon its debut, this movie offers a complex exploration of institutional misconduct, religious ideas, and psychological control, making it a refined demonic thriller that warrants reevaluation by contemporary horror enthusiasts.

Starry Eyes

The darkly humorous film “Starry Eyes” offers a modern take on the age-old Faustian pact, using grisly body horror as its lens. The story revolves around Sarah Walker (Alexandra Essoe), an aspiring actress who seizes her chance with the enigmatic production company Astraeus Pictures. However, she soon learns that their audition process involves unsettling rituals and sacrifices. Essoe’s portrayal of Sarah is compellingly intense, capturing both her relentless determination and her harrowing transformation in a truly convincing manner.

In the final part of the movie, it doesn’t flinch from showing intense violence, but these scenes seem justified following the careful character development shown earlier. The film “Starry Eyes” delves deep into the ruthless side of the entertainment industry, hinting that achieving stardom often means sacrificing not just one’s dignity, but one’s very humanity. By portraying demonic possession as a deliberate choice for success rather than an unwanted intrusion, the movie provides a chilling viewpoint on how ambition can erode the essence of the soul.

2025-04-04 06:40