Top 10 Melodramas About Deals with the Devil

Description: A detective is hired to find a missing singer, leading him into a world of voodoo, dark magic, and a deal with the devil that has repercussions stretching back to the past.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release for its graphic content but has since gained a cult following for its noir style and thematic depth.

Description: Three women, each with their own desires, unwittingly summon the devil, who seduces them with promises of fulfilling their deepest wishes, only for their lives to spiral into chaos.

Fact: Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the devil was both charismatic and menacing, earning him a Saturn Award nomination.

Description: This film follows a young lawyer who is lured to New York by a mysterious law firm, only to discover his boss is none other than Satan himself. The story delves into themes of ambition, temptation, and the moral compromises one might make for success.

Fact: Al Pacino's portrayal of the devil was so compelling that he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Description: A modern retelling of the Faust legend, where a hapless computer programmer makes a deal with a devilish Elizabeth Hurley for seven wishes, each with a devilish twist that teaches him the value of what he already has.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1967 British comedy of the same name, but with a more contemporary setting and humor.

Description: While not explicitly a deal with the devil, the Phantom's manipulation of Christine's career and life can be seen as a Faustian bargain, where she must choose between love and ambition.

Fact: This adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical was the first film ever to be shot entirely at Pinewood Studios in London.

Description: In this visually stunning film, Doctor Parnassus, who has made a deal with the devil, must save his daughter from the same fate. The story intertwines fantasy with reality, exploring themes of choice, imagination, and redemption.

Fact: After Heath Ledger's untimely death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.

Description: While not a traditional deal with the devil, this film explores the life of Latif Yahia, forced to become the double of Saddam Hussein's sadistic son, Uday, navigating a world of power, corruption, and moral compromise.

Fact: Dominic Cooper played both the roles of Latif and Uday, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Description: A young blues guitarist makes a deal with the devil to gain fame and fortune, but must face the consequences when he tries to reclaim his soul through a legendary guitar duel.

Fact: The film features real-life blues legends like Willie Dixon and Ry Cooder, adding authenticity to its musical narrative.

Description: A visually arresting adaptation of Goethe's classic tale, where an aging scholar makes a pact with Mephistopheles for knowledge and youth, leading to a journey of temptation, love, and ultimate damnation.

Fact: This film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, highlighting its artistic and narrative achievements.

Description: A farmer makes a deal with the devil for seven years of prosperity, but when the time comes to pay, he turns to the legendary orator Daniel Webster to argue his case in a celestial court.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Story, highlighting its unique narrative.