Horror films about cults inspired by occult rituals

Throughout history, various cults have been created on the edge of what socially accepted religions can no longer control. Some totally defenseless, others on the contrary, and this has served several directors to release horror films about cults inspired by occult rituals. From processions to get more money, to questionable practices like witchcraft

With a somewhat particular tone, being a work by Sam Raimi, ‘Drag me to hell’ is a horror movie inspired by satanic rituals. Well, the protagonist of this story, Christine, played by Alison Lohman, is an unscrupulous bank executive who denies her an extension to pay off the debt on her house. Her old woman takes revenge on her and curses her with a demon to haunt her. Available on YouTube.

hereditary

Although many already know that ‘hereditary’ It is one of the best cult films.Few know the reverse side of Ari Aster’s tape. And is that, although it seems to be based on known satanic rituals, the truth is that the director has stated that he does not want to use Christian or already known symbols, and has instead created unique and original icons inspired by pagan imagery. Available on HBOMax.

The devil leaves

On the subject, there are few references such as ‘The devil leaves’, one of the best occult horror movies. Directed by Terence Fisher and released in 1968, the story follows a group of friends who discover that the son of an old acquaintance has been using innocent people to sacrifice them in a cult in the name of the devil.

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Gentlemen of Salem

Rob Zombie is a director very interested in the occult, so it’s no surprise that one of his most popular films is inspired by the subject. The story follows Heidi, announcer of a rock music program, who one day receives a record from a mysterious band, which begins to hallucinate about an ancient coven where satanic acts are practiced. Available on HBOMax.

Eyes tightly closed

There is a lot of mystery surrounding Stanley Kubrick’s death, some say he got so into the occult that that’s what ended up killing him. As it may have been, “Eyes Wide Shut” was influenced by the theme of sects that exist in large elites, as happens to Tom Cruise’s character in the tape, which leads him to a strange ritual in a mansion outside the city.

The empty man

Finally, we have “The Empty Man”, a modern horror film that combines the occult with Lovecraftian references. It is about a policeman who has lived through the death of his family. He now he investigates the disappearance of a friend’s daughter and suspects she is connected to a cult that is trying to summon a being from Hell itself. Available on Star+.