Horror has captivated us with all types of terror, the likes of which audiences can’t get enough of, from monster thrillers and the supernatural to twisted psychological nightmares and slashers. However, religious horror can deeply impact many viewers, as their stories combine fear with thought-provoking themes that tackle the meaning of faith, the harms of fanaticism, and spiritual anxieties.
Truly, there’s nothing quite like religious horror. It’s gripped our attention for years thanks to significant classics like The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Devils. Yet despite its iconic status in horror, it’s jam-packed with perfect films that sadly went unnoticed by many audiences. The following ten are near-perfect horror movies that tackle religious terror, but unfortunately were mostly forgotten for years. They’re frightening and deeply complex, award-worthy even, but have somehow slipped through the public eye and are considered hidden gems today. From The Seventh Sign to Frailty, don’t forget these if you’re looking for more compelling religious horror.
8
‘The Church’ (1989)
Image via Columbia Tri-Star Films Italia
In this wildly over-the-top Italian supernatural horror cult classic from 1989, The Church is a gory, fun thrill ride that deserves more attention. It’s something you’ll actually never forget the first time seeing it, as it’s too horrific, bloody, and amazingly gross and can be placed alongside some of the most disgusting horror movies in history. It’s a twisted tale of murder and ghostly mayhem as it follows a group exploring the dark secrets of an old gothic cathedral that was built over a mass grave of slain devil worshipers.
With a bonkers premise like that, what’s not to get invested in? The Church may not be the most recognized religious horror film, but it certainly is one of the most entertaining. The characters are fun and engaging, the story keeps a good pace, and the practical effects are truly gnarly and disgustingly beautiful. Though obscure to many people, this one is a definite must-watch for those looking for compelling religious terror as well as shocking gore.
7
‘The Prophecy’ (1995)
Image via Miramax Films
Not all angels are good, and in 1995’s The Prophecy, they can even be quite terrifying. Directed by Gregory Widen and starring Academy Award winner Christopher Walken, this forgotten dark fantasy thriller is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s subtle and eerie without being over-the-top or relying on cheap scares. It’s about a faithless former seminary student who races to stop the evil angel Gabriel from unleashing a Holy War on Earth.
It’s packed with excellent tension, a decent pace, a unique premise, and, of course, memorable performances, especially Christopher Walken’s fascinating antagonist role as Gabriel and Viggo Mortensen, who’s chillingly calm as the Devil in human form. The Prophecy was a modest hit upon release, resulting in it becoming a franchise with four lesser-known sequels. While not as memorable now as it was in the ’90s, it’s a cult favorite among some horror buffs, and honestly really needs a reevaluation.
6
‘God Told Me To’ (1976)
Image via New World Pictures
The criminally overlooked thriller from 1976, God Told Me To, takes the concept of religious horror to a frightening extreme. It’s a perfect blend of psychological mystery, terror, and crime, all mixed into a story that’s intense, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It sees a devoted Catholic NYPD detective on a mysterious case to solve why a series of grizzly shootings and murders were committed by random people who’ve claimed to have been ordered by God himself to do it.
It’s packed with unsettling imagery, horrific violence, and nail-biting suspense, making it incredibly worth watching from beginning to end. There’s a heavy emphasis on the mystery of why these murders are happening, and it keeps you guessing for most of the film until the truth is revealed. Though panned by critics at the time, God Told Me To is being hailed now as a truly captivating and attention-grabbing cult classic that rewards your investment and provides excellent entertainment.
5
‘The Vigil’ (2019)
